100 Year Old Carousel to go Under the Hammer

Thursday, 29 June 2006 12:23

Sydney, AU - The July sales at Bonhams & Goodman have become even more diverse and exciting with the inclusion of carousel currently residing at Luna Park in Sydney.  The privately owned 100-year old steam carousel (or ‘galloper’ as they are referred to amongst fairground enthusiasts) has provided thousands of children and adults with wonderful experiences and memories both here and overseas.

Originally crafted in the United Kingdom, the carousel made its way to Australia 15 years ago when purchased by engineering enthusiast Craig Robson.  It was painstakingly restored and modernized over a five-year period.  “The restoration was a labor of love” says Tim Goodman, Chief Executive Officer of Bonhams & Goodman.  “Horse hair tails were handcrafted in Adelaide from original drawings and renowned fairground artist Mark Gill was flown in from the UK to paint the animals and decorative panels.  Nothing of this nature has ever been auctioned in Australia before and we’re excited to be selling this unique item”.

Robson has been leasing the carousel to the Park and is selling it to fund other fairground restoration projects.

The carousel features 33 animals – cockerels and horses. Each is richly carved and able to seat two riders.  It also features two beautiful carriages for the more subdued passengers unable to withstand the excitement of the ride!

Accompanying the carousel in the sale as a separate lot item is an original Gavioli organ currently housed in the carousel.  The organ has been at Luna Park for over 60-years and was originally purchased by the founder of the Park, Ted Hopkins.  It lay derelict at the Park for some 30-years until it too was purchased and restored by Robson.  The ornate organ, carved in the Black Forest in Germany in the late 1800’s, is one of only five ever created.  It is the only one remaining without significant damage.