‘I’m not a dull man!’ - Price Prediction

As a long-time aficionado of all things automotive and cinematic, I can wholeheartedly endorse “James May and the Dull Men” as a must-watch for any discerning viewer. This series takes us on a delightful journey into the mind of one of Britain’s most intriguing characters – James May. His shed, his passion projects, and his unique perspective on life are a breath of fresh air in today’s fast-paced world.

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Following the wrap-up of The Grand Tour’s last series, James May has returned to his shed in Wiltshire. Inspired by the Dull Men’s Club, an online forum that tackles puzzles you didn’t realize existed, he is now exploring if it’s feasible to:

At 61, you’re being paid to mess about at home. Is this the dream?

It’s fantastic to reach this stage in life and continue earning a living by stumbling upon opportunities. I would engage in such activities even without the presence of a camera. It seems I am returning to my 12-year-old self, as I enjoy reading books, playing musical instruments, and creating things.

As a child, what sparked your interest in making things?

I struggled, and I still do, writing with a pen. Subconsciously I avoid anything that involves much writing in favour of things that are more practical, like Airfix and fixing bikes. I would never have made a living writing if I’d had to do it longhand.

After wrapping up the final episode of “The Grand Tour”, what was it like working on “James May and the Dull Men”?

The contrast here is between leisurely activities and formal employment. In the past, we often traveled with a group of around 60 to 70 individuals. Although it wasn’t extremely challenging, the trips became quite taxing and pressurized. Now, there are only seven of us, making the atmosphere much more laid-back.

Is the era of ‘the bloke’ over? Manly qualities are under threat

Do you envisage more big adventures in the future?

Is this an admission that you’ve become, or have always been, a “dull man”?

I find it quite lively, not monotonous at all! It bothers me when people stereotype men as being only interested in working in their garages or sheds on hobbies like crafting or painting. I’ve had discussions with creators and networks about this issue, as it’s meant to be ironic. I don’t believe we should use it to belittle men and claim the end of the “manly man” era. Some essential masculine traits are at risk. Many people misunderstand it as being dull – but we aim to prove them wrong!

Is there a mental health benefit to creating and mending things?

Indeed, I tend to be quite restless and somewhat nervous in my movements, and this seems to intensify as I grow older. However, when it comes to engaging in precise, detailed tasks such as assembling objects or repairing them, I find a sense of tranquility that is rather soothing.

What are your criteria for choosing the show’s activities?

As an amateur movie critic, I must admit, the idea of constructing a motorcycle from scratch is beyond my realm – it’s a task reserved for seasoned craftsmen who have spent years honing their skills. Some proposals were just plain dull; I couldn’t fathom there being a profound science behind arranging items in a dishwasher, or any deep insights to be gleaned from such an ordinary act.

How much time do you spend in your shed?

A couple of afternoons, plus three evenings each week. Approximately half of that time I work alone, occasionally Sarah [Frater, an art critic and journalist] joins me, either writing or tending to our garden. I aim for these activities to seamlessly blend with our everyday home life. The outdated image of “a woman weaving in the living room while a man repairs a lawnmower in the shed” is detrimental to domestic harmony.

How do you split domestic duties?

Are we in danger of losing some traditional skills in the modern world?

I’m not convinced that certain skills are becoming extinct. It seems to me that humans still possess the capability to perform all the tasks they have historically done. For example, some individuals can still craft thatched roofs, operate lathes, and engage in pargeting. The argument often arises that we should encourage young people to learn bell-ringing or morris dancing to preserve these practices, but if they were to fade away, it would be due to lack of interest – a situation which wouldn’t matter much, as the unpopular traditions might not have been worth preserving. I believe many “traditions” lose their relevance over time, but the truly valuable ones endure.

What have you been working on lately?

A community organization, Navy Wings, has provided me with some components to construct the landing gear of a Hawker Sea Fury aircraft. These parts must be carefully crafted for inspection and approval. Presently, I’m working on shaping aluminum bronze using a lathe to create tail-wing bushes. Once completed, this plane will appear in historical air shows, allowing me to contribute a piece to its construction.

Are men hardwired to tinker?

It appears to be mostly men, yet not every man shares this interest. Jeremy, for instance, doesn’t find it appealing. However, I dislike the term “man caves,” as it suggests that we seclude ourselves to engage in trivial activities. In reality, there are many creative and impactful projects happening here. It would be wonderful to have women contributing to the show as well.

Have you been surprised by the longevity of Clarkson’s Farm?

Indeed, due to his lack of pragmatism and strong apprehension towards anything physically or manually demanding, he has found a renewed sense of purpose that may have been missing. This could be a significant turning point for him as well as for us all. It seems to be encouraging introspection, making us question our true identities.

What’s your relationship like with Jeremy and Richard now you’re no longer filming The Grand Tour?

I’ve chatted with them on several occasions, and I feel there’s a good chance we’ll grab a drink together – more as a casual get-together rather than an obligation to crack jokes, map out a journey, or debate car models. Just for the fun of it, it seems quite intriguing.

Is it acceptable for Jeremy and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who have been barred from a pub, to enter your establishment, The Royal Oak in Wiltshire?

We’re much more liberal-minded. A lot of the locals would have tough questions for Starmer but that’s what the pub is for, it’s a forum for debate.

2024-12-04 00:41

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