Painted wooden carousel horse from Silverdale Glen
Date made: 19th century
Maker: unknown
Description: This wooden carousel horse was originally a seat from the Victorian water powered roundabout in Silverdale Glen, near Ballasalla. Children would sit upon the horse whilst an adult held open the sluice to divert water from the river to turn the roundabout.
It takes the form of a grey painted galloping horse, with face carved into the chest. It has a red brown saddle and harness.
Silverdale Glen was developed as an attraction in the last years of the 19th century. The site included a boating lake, cafe and a park for games and walking as well as the roundabout. Along with nearby Rushen Abbey, the site represents the development of tourist attractions outside of the resort of Douglas, which were reached by steam train or by charabanc and for which a day excursion was necessary.
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Measurements: overall: 107 x 34 x 175 cm
Materials: paint/oil, wood
Object name: carousel horse
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 2003-0190/1