In lithographs: the smashing 2012 Chap Olympiad
A competitor prepares to finish his opponent in a Bicycle Jousting duel.
The eighth annual Chap Olympiad was held in Bedford Square last weekend, fusing the Olympic virtues of competition and sporting excellence with the refined sensibilities of toffery’s golden age. Flickr member incywspider kindly shared their photos of the event with us, so without further ado, here’s what chappened…
Bicycle Jousting. Defensive weapon: briefcase. Offensive weapon: umbrella. Some frightful derring-do ensues.
I say! Nothing brings a smile to the face like a spot of bounder vs rogue ultraviolence.
What ho, nurse! Medics were on hand to tend to the wounded.
Spiffing, not spliffing: ceremonial pipe lighting ensured a sportsmanlike atmosphere throughout.
Spectators jolly well enjoy a topping game of gentleman’s golf. FORE!
Team events such as ironing board surfing are quite literally just not cricket, old bean.
…although remaining impeccably styled throughout was a priority.
Now steady on, old girl – one musn’t turn one’s nose up at such a smashing tweed ensemble, must one?
Interesting fact: before the invention of laser eye surgery, posh myopics would merely stare into jackets like these until their vision was back on good form.
And all chaps know there’s never a bad time to swing dance with a fine filly. (Except funerals.)
Visit the Chap’s website for ”a wry look at the modern world through the steamed-up monocle of a more refined age.”
Get retro with our guide to Vintage London.
And if it’s more pictures you want, they’re right here.
