I read somewhere that the tail of the Abbey rocking horse had been found in a random box in the stables...how wonderful if it was his tail. If it had cowhide on it, and there were nailholes in it, surrounded by rust staining then this almost definitely would be a rocking horse's tail. Usually the tails became a bit motheaten [moth loves cowhair and horsehair] and sometimes the tail-wedge comes loose, allowing the tail to be pulled out. To re-unite him with his tail would be good :)
In most of the photos we took of the house in the 1980s the horse was actually at the bottom of the stairs so we thought it would be more authentic to put him there. Visitors can also see him more up close than they would be able to in the school room. You can search the Calke collection online now - just search 'National Trust Collections'.
In most of the photos we took of the house in the 1980s the horse was actually at the bottom of the stairs so we thought it would be more authenitc to put him there. Visitors can also see him more up close than they would be able to in the school room. You can search the Calke collection online now - just search 'National Trust Collections'.
We really like this film and in fact it as inspired our filmmaking volunteer and given her some ideas for our next temporary exhibition! We might produce an audio slide show of our attic stores to use in our next exhibition...Helen - Collections Assistant
Thanks for your reply.Blue Peter did a visit to the House in the 1980's, and they walked into the schoolroom, and the horse was in there then, and looked stunning. I was so glad that the house was saved for the Nation, as there was talk of Calke being sold off...and the contents auctioned. That would have been a grade 'A' tragedy. Is there an inventory of when the horse first appeared in the house? I would guess he may be late Georgian or early Victorian.
So wish to visit Calke..it is surely one of the jewels in the crown of NT 's wonderful collection of great country homes and stables. Out of interest, how do you keep 'moth' at bay? these pesky beasts can cause such damage, especially when stuff is stored in the dark.
Why is the lovely rocking horse now at the bottom of the stairs as opposed to the Schoolroom? Just SOOOOO glad you haven't restored him. Too many rocking horses are restored, fitted with long manes and tails, and new saddles and bridles.The horse looked splendid and in keeping in the schoolroom [only seen pics]. How old is the horse?he looks about 1850. Is there an inventory? thanks.
I read somewhere that the tail of the Abbey rocking horse had been found in a random box in the stables...how wonderful if it was his tail. If it had cowhide on it, and there were nailholes in it, surrounded by rust staining then this almost definitely would be a rocking horse's tail. Usually the tails became a bit motheaten [moth loves cowhair and horsehair] and sometimes the tail-wedge comes loose, allowing the tail to be pulled out. To re-unite him with his tail would be good :)
Glad we could be your muse! Looking forward to seeing the attic stores.
In most of the photos we took of the house in the 1980s the horse was actually at the bottom of the stairs so we thought it would be more authentic to put him there. Visitors can also see him more up close than they would be able to in the school room. You can search the Calke collection online now - just search 'National Trust Collections'.
In most of the photos we took of the house in the 1980s the horse was actually at the bottom of the stairs so we thought it would be more authenitc to put him there. Visitors can also see him more up close than they would be able to in the school room. You can search the Calke collection online now - just search 'National Trust Collections'.
We really like this film and in fact it as inspired our filmmaking volunteer and given her some ideas for our next temporary exhibition! We might produce an audio slide show of our attic stores to use in our next exhibition...Helen - Collections Assistant
Thanks for your reply.Blue Peter did a visit to the House in the 1980's, and they walked into the schoolroom, and the horse was in there then, and looked stunning. I was so glad that the house was saved for the Nation, as there was talk of Calke being sold off...and the contents auctioned. That would have been a grade 'A' tragedy. Is there an inventory of when the horse first appeared in the house? I would guess he may be late Georgian or early Victorian.
So wish to visit Calke..it is surely one of the jewels in the crown of NT 's wonderful collection of great country homes and stables. Out of interest, how do you keep 'moth' at bay? these pesky beasts can cause such damage, especially when stuff is stored in the dark.
Yes you're right we think it is early Victorian!
Why is the lovely rocking horse now at the bottom of the stairs as opposed to the Schoolroom? Just SOOOOO glad you haven't restored him. Too many rocking horses are restored, fitted with long manes and tails, and new saddles and bridles.The horse looked splendid and in keeping in the schoolroom [only seen pics]. How old is the horse?he looks about 1850. Is there an inventory? thanks.
So loved the vid, i bare interested in the stone age n stuff i wonna live in. can I buy i got a coupple hundred.
IS THE SOUND OFF?