Summary

Alternative Name(s): Merry-Go-Round, Gallopers' Carousel

Model carousel built by Mr Alfred Mervyn Smith in the 1980s. Alfred Mervyn Smith built working models all his life. Born in Newport, England, in 1904, Alfred trained as an electrician and worked on flying boats in Scotland during World War II. In 1953, he and his wife migrated to Australia. The seven models in the museum's collection were made following his retirement in the early 1970s. The carousel was made later in his retirement, and is believed to have been based on carousels he saw in books rather than remembered from his childhood. They were donated by his family after he passed away.

Alfred loved old English carousels and created his own model with great care and attention to detail. He scavenged whatever he could find around the house for materials, including old coffee tins, pictures from magazines and cigarette packets, icy-pole sticks, pieces from board games - even his wife's jewellery. His steam traction engine replicated those used to haul amusement park rides between showgrounds in England.

Physical Description

Model of a carousel with horses on poles topped by plastic doll riders; red and white striped canopy edged with rural scenes; and circular wooden base of three tiers, painted red with yellow panels on vertical surfaces. Poles are of twisted brass or similar metal strapping. The model has an electric motor in its core, facilitating rotation on its base.

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