Apologies again for not replying to comments - still have a small energetic visitor! Easy to schedule posts - can't do that with comments!!
This incredible collection was up for sale nearby so I went to take some photos. I had no idea this person, who we knew before we moved away (he died just a few years ago) - had such a lot of carriages, gypsy caravans etc so close to home. Apparently he used to open now and again- like a museum- but that was when we were living across at the coast.
It was advertised as the lifetime collection of horse drawn vehicles- and it certainly must have taken him his whole life to collect, starting in the 1950's when things like this were being thrown out and worth nothing .
As well as the full size there were models of all sorts plus everything needed for horses like saddles, bridles and bits. There were carriage lamps and indoor lamps, tin plate toys, paintings, butter churns and bellows. In fact a huge quantity of all sorts.
If only I had room and several thousand pounds to spare I would have loved a gypsy caravan!
Blimey, what a lot of stuff - and BIG stuff at that. As you say, he must have been collecting for years. That gypsy caravan is so beautifully decorated.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea what was tucked away in the buildings I often drive by - big surprise!
DeleteWhat an absolutely fabulous collection, so sad it has to be broken up but hopefully some rural museum will buy some so that general public can view these, not shut away again. Sandra.
ReplyDeleteThere were lots of people at the viewing although I couldn't get there for the sale, will be interesting to find out who bought what
DeleteHow amazing, would have enjoyed looking around that!
ReplyDeleteI could have stayed for much longer looking
DeleteI would have bought that rocking horse that is galloping away. Rather sad that as a collection it has to be broken up for it represents an era in time.
ReplyDeleteHe must have collected things from all over the country over the course of about 60 years
DeleteI bet some of the local travellers were there. They still go around the roads here on their horse and buggies. They would like a nice new buggy for Sundays.
ReplyDeleteAll sorts of people looking round when I was there, wish I could have got to the sale
DeleteAmazing what some people collect - and this collection would have been fascinating to wander around.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly needed a lot of space for his collection - bit bigger than a stamp collection!
DeleteOh WOW!! What an amazing collection. I'm sure film companies would love to have some of those items for future films and tv series. I love the gypsy caravan, and the roundabout. What a snapshot of old England through the ages.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a surprise to see what was there - I had no idea
DeleteAmazing collection. I hope it gets seen by the general public, wherever it ends up, though it will be broken up, probably.
ReplyDeleteYes, with everything individually lotted I expected the collection went far and wide
DeleteMe too to the gypsy caravan Sue - then all I would need would be a nice old gentle trustworthy horse and I could be away with my dreams.
ReplyDeleteSounds very peaceful!
DeleteI can't imagine what a collection like that would be worth. I wonder what will happen to it?
ReplyDeleteGoing to various places all over the country I guess - maybe even overseas
DeleteVery impressive. Everything looks to be in mint condition as well. The collections are museum quality. It is surprising to know someone that had such an extensive hobby and collection.
ReplyDeleteThe family selling have spent weeks cleaning everything as it had all been left in the big buildings for the last few years
DeleteWow. Those pictures are amazing!
ReplyDeleteTreasures in every building!
DeleteWhat an interesting collection - so much history.
ReplyDeleteYes anything horse related and from all years in the past - amazing!
DeleteGood heavens above! x
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteWonderful collection. In 1960, we walked behind a horse drawn hearse similar to the one in the photo for my grandmother's funeral in London. The horse had tall black plumes attached to the halter. Her casket was kept in my aunt's second bedroom prior to the funeral.
ReplyDeleteHow and where he found everything is incredible to think
DeleteHow sad that it couldn't be donated to a museum but as others wrote made some museums made purchases. Hope so.
ReplyDeleteI hope the things sold went to good homes
DeleteAn amazing collection!! Granny Marigold
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous collection. I do hope they all went to places that will look after them.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Wow - what an amazing collection. It must have been so interesting to see. Thanks for sharing the photos. You are going to need a holiday now that you are done looking after granddaughter. I must say that I am looking forward to being able to spoil mine!
ReplyDeleteGosh, a lifetime's passion, that's for sure. I bet those gypsy caravans made good money. The most enormous horse drawn hearse I ever saw was the one used at the Duke of Wellington's funeral. Goodness! I bet that Fairground ride went for big money - unique these days I should think. The model fairground was very unusual too.
ReplyDeleteThe horsey ephemera would have been of interest to me . . .