Tuesday, January 27, 2009

TOUR OF THE MUSEUM PART 14 Launch of Program for Heritage Week 2009


OPEN WEEKEND 29 & 30 AUGUST 2009

The Museum of the Master Saddler has recently unveiled its program for this years European Heritage Week. This years theme at the museum is “Harness Horse Decoration” which will host the official opening of the museum’s latest collection of exhibits in addition to the launch of the latest book by its curator Robert H Steinke which is based on this theme. Included in the new collection will be horse amulets from Roman and Medieval times, the forerunners of what we today recognise as horse brasses. Brasses and martingales range from the antique brasses of the mid 1800’s and early 1900’s, the heyday of their use, up to the collectible designs of today. A special section will document saddlers and harness makers whose names were often engraved on brass hinged noseband pieces, pad ornaments, drop pieces and metal buckle loops.



Rob and Moira will incorporate several of their animals into the weekends activity Their two miniature ponies, Rocky and Rambo, will be seen in their red trimmed tandem trade harness, while the latest addition to the stables, Sambooka, will come out of retirement to act as a mature model. The star of the show could well be Mr. Tibbs, their part Clydesdale cob who will no doubt be adorned with an array of highly decorated farm harness. To compliment the collection of working harness, the museum has on display a varied assortment of farm implements lovingly restored and repainted. Apart from the Open Weekend the museum is open at other times by appointment, please contact Rob and Moira to book a tour.