Restoration of a G&J Lines Galloping Gig; a rare and remarkable piece of Victorian engineering, sympathetically returned to its original design and colour.
This is a restoration of a Galloping Gig attributed to G&J Lines of England. As the gig moves forward, the two horses move up and down in an alternating galloping motion; a wonderful piece of Victorian mechanical ingenuity.
An image exists of the infant King George VI riding a similar gig aged two in 1897, which speaks to both the pedigree of the piece and the esteem in which these toys were held.
This fine example had been repainted at some earlier point in its life. Our approach was to restore it sympathetically to the original design and colour, uncovering and honouring what lay beneath. The seat was completely rebuilt using traditional willow techniques, matching the construction methods of the original.
The result is a piece that looks and works as it did when it first left the workshop, well over a century ago.
The galloping mechanism in action; as the gig moves, the two horses rise and fall alternately.
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From galloping gigs to pull-along horses and everything in between; if it involves horses and woodcraft, we are interested. Send us a photo and let's talk.
Contact Alison at The Original Oxfordshire Rocking Horses today.
WhatsApp 07951 118207