Peter Manktelow

Peter Manktelow spent his early working life as an engineering draughtsman. He later became involved in graphic design, technical illustration and publication work in general. His profession demanded wide understanding of all technical matters and as a result he became fascinated with past technical achievements. He regards himself as very fortunate to have seen steam-powered excavators and cranes operating near where he lived. In the chalk pits of the Thames estuary, Ruston steam shovels were gouging out enormous quantities of ‘white stuff’ for the cement-processing works nearby while the steam enthusiasts busily photographing the small locomotives hauling away the chalk failed to appreciate or record the important machinery digging it out.