Outer-row Jumper - Memory
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Carver: Al Sushynski
Painters: Joyce Dowdall & Al Sushynski
Size: 48" chest to rump
Status: finished
Sponsor: memorial donations
Memory, so named because people can make donations through this horse in memory of loved ones, has been designed by Richard Bechtel, the very first volunteer to offer assistance in carving horses for our carousel. Richard is the "head man" at SEESA. Once a sign painter, Richard is a talented artist. In Memory, Richard has designed a typical PTC-style jumper.
Since the Philadelphia Toboggan Company hired many carvers over the years of its carousel operation, various carving styles emerged. Having said that, however, there appeared to be several elements common to most PTC horses. PTC faces were attractive, although heads were a bit chunky, with good sized jaws. Eyes were expressive. Eyebrows had dimples carved above the eyes and were "A-frame" in style. Most mouths had the second last tooth missing on each side of the bottom row. Flowing, uncomplicated manes prevailed.
The somewhat boxy bodies of PTC horses were often heavier than those produced by other manufacturers. Powerful bodies, featuring prominent muscles, usually denoted action. Legs, with knobby knees, were accented. Hoofs appeared to be oversized, with a half-round on the front of their wooden horseshoes. Like the manes, the carved tails were not overly complicated, often employing a combed look.
Whereas the trappings vary greatly from one horse to the next, one often finds squarish, stiff and odd angles in PTC saddles and blankets, although by 1917 more curved saddles appeared, usually displaying low pommels and high cantles. Tassels were always a favourite decoration on any style of the company's trappings. Occasionally jewels were employed.
In an effort to emulate PTC carvers, Al is carving Memory with typical PTC depth.