|
Part II of the Carousel Tour
Ok... we'll continue as soon as everyone finds
a place where they can see. Everyone settled? Great.. let's continue
with a look at some of the distinctive styles of carousel animal carved
by the most famous carousel design houses.
Carousel Styles
As I mentioned before, the various carousel makers
evolved distinctive styles, giving thier carousels a characteristic
flavor. Here are some pictures showing some of the styles.
|
 |
Looff
When I originally wrote this page, I'd been under the impression
that Looff was the only one of the major carvers to depict his
horses with closed mouths. However, I had a nice note from Bruce
at Carousel Classifieds
and he let me know that both PTC and another carver (I think he
said Dentzel) also did horses with closed mouths. So I stand corrected,
and many thanks to Bruce for his help! This picture shows the
characteristically gentle appearance of the Looff style, which
was one of the more realistic styles among the major carving houses.
|
|
|
|
|
Dentzel
While he was primarily noted for being the first major American
carousel manufacturer, Gustav Dentzel was also notable for producing
some of the finest menagerie animals around. This Dentzel tiger
captures the expressiveness so characteristic of Dentzel's menagerie
animals.
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
Illions
Illions' carousel horses were notable for thier fanciful trappings
and elaborate manes. Here, the mane is done in gold leaf, a very
distinctive design characteristic of Illions carousel horses.
|
|
|
|
|
Stein and Goldstein
Stein and Goldstein made some of the most beautiful carousel
horses. With flowery trappings, large buckles on the saddles and
the expressive, large eyes these distinctive and graceful animals
are among the most prized by collectors today. I've had the privilege
of actually riding a horse on a fully restored Stein and Goldstein
carousel, located in Bushnell Park, Hartford, CT. The experience
of riding this breathtaking carousel from a bygone era was enhanced
by the sheer loveliness of the animals themselves.
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
Herschell-Spillman
Herschell-Spillman horses were simple, striking designs and
the company became famous for it's flag motifs on the trappings.
Spillman was a patriot, and felt that his horses should reflect
not only his strong love of country but also his strong belief
in it's values. This horse is an example of the simple grace characteristic
of the Herschell-Spillman horses.
|
|
|
|
|
Philadelphia Toboggan Company
Ok, I will admit it... Philadelphia Toboggan Company horses
are my favorite. PTC carved gorgeous horses, with fanciful trappings
and colorful designs and some of the most fantastic armoured horses
I've ever seen. That picture of a real carousel on the Carousel
Page? That's PTC#54 in Fall River, Massachussets.
|
 |
|
|
Drawing on cultures from around the world, PTC created
the most ornate and dreamlike styles of all the major manufacturers.
A rider could be mounted upon a medieval destrier on one ride, and an
Arabian prancer the next. It's no wonder PTC was making carousels years
after the other major manufacturers had given up and closed up shop.
Even the PTC chariots were ornately carved, intricately detailed, and
fantastic.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
