Legendary Bus Painter Alan Bows Out After Nearly 50 Years
Alan’s Half-Century of Craftsmanship
Alan retired in 2014 after an incredible 49 and a half years at Southern Vectis. During his long career, he hand-painted hundreds of the Isle of Wight’s buses, adding his expert touch with stunning signwriting. His work was a key part of the fleet’s iconic look long before vinyl decals took over.
The Famous Mallyshag Trademark
Known across the bus community for his quirky signature, Alan created the “Mallyshag” caterpillar, a cheeky mascot that appeared in sneaky spots on many buses. The beloved critter was even discovered recently tucked away in the Nelson Road depot office – a hidden gem reminding everyone of Alan’s lasting legacy.
Fond Farewell from Colleagues
“This is a sad time for us all, and our thoughts are with Alan’s family and friends as they come to terms with his loss. He was a popular colleague and played a crucial role in bus painting before the introduction of vinyl.” – Southern Vectis Depot Engineer Julian Rose
