Make it Happen: Re-making History

Creativity Gallery, Mezzanine

The Make it Happen, Made by you temporary display case features examples of things created by children, teenagers and adults, inspired by the Museum's collections and programmes.

Make it Happen, Made by you is currently showcasing master rocking horse maker and restorer Anthony Dew's beautiful reproduction of the 'King Charles I' rocking horse. The original (pictured left, below), dated about 1610, is believed to have been the first rocking horse made in Britain, and to have belonged to King Charles I as a young child.

Anthony Dew: Re-making History - Make it Happen Display

The original seems to have been well used, and over the years parts of the horse have been lost. On acquiring the horse for the Museum’s collection in 2006, Anthony made it his task to fill in the missing parts.

To keep as close to the original as possible Anthony decided to make a new reproduction (pictured right, above) using traditional techniques and materials. He sourced good quality elm and pine, animal glue and ordered forged iron nails from a blacksmith.

Click on the images below for a closer look at how the reproduction was made...

Before he began the work the finished piece had to be designed.

How were the missing parts of the face formed?
What did the missing legs look like?
How did the child stay on?
Were there foot rests or stirrups?

Many of the above questions were answered using Anthony’s knowledge of historic rocking horses.
Several heads were carved with variations and one was finally chosen to complete the horse.
It was decided not to add a bridle as there was no evidence on the original of any fixings. The
saddle was kept simple, similar to other rocking horses of this type. A footrest was fitted and
finally the horse was stained dark to match the original.

The final and most exciting part was the first test ride. The horse has an interesting and dynamic
rocking action. There are no safety stops at the ends to ensure it won't tip over. Most children tend to quickly learn the limitations of a ride and just how far they can take it. However, overzealous rocking could explain why the horse is missing its front legs and half its head. A child may have rocked too hard and fast and tipped over, not only damaging the horse but hurting itself too.