A full-size working Victorian carousel, which once graced one of Britain’s longest seaside piers, is to be sold by Chippenham Auctions Rooms.
Expected to fetch in the region of £100,000, the carousel is being auctioned by sealed bids on Wednesday 18th February.
The carousel, most recently the centrepiece of Yesterday’s World museum in Great Yarmouth, spent 60 years as the main attraction on the pier at Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex from 1948 to 2008. Prior to that, it was believed to be owned by a travelling fair which criss-crossed the country during the late Victorian era and first half of the 20th Century
Fully restored to its former glory in 2007, the electrically-powered carousel features 30 horses – known as gallopers – and a number of wooden sleighs. It was built in 1889 by one of England’s leading manufacturers of fairground rides, Frederick Savage of Kings Lynn, the so-called ‘genius of fun’. It was Savage who invented the concept of the ‘gallopers’. Today, his rides are regarded as living works of art.
Richard Edmonds, principal auctioneer at Chippenham Auction Rooms, said, “It’s very rare that such a well-preserved, fully functioning Victorian carousel comes on the market. We’ve been surprised by the high level of interest which is coming from both the UK and Europe. In all likelihood, it will go to someone who is going to use it as a working attraction.
“What makes this particular set of gallopers so special is the amount of love and attention to detail that’s been put into their restoration. During its lifetime, literally millions of people have enjoyed riding on this beautiful attraction. There’s no reason why that enjoyment shouldn’t continue for many years to come.”
The carousel remains in situ at the former museum in Great Yarmouth. Viewing can be arranged.
All sealed bids for lot 1, the carousel, and lot 2, the carousel’s organ front, must be received by Chippenham Auction Rooms by 4.00pm on Wednesday 18th February and marked for the attention of Richard Edmonds or Tora Edmonds.
For more information on the auction please contact The Chippenham Auction Rooms on 01249 444544 or visit www.chippen hamauctionrooms.co.uk.
The pier at Walton-on-the-Naze was reputed to be Britain’s third longest.
