The National Horse Brass Society

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Gallery, Decorated Heavy Horses

R.J Bradshaw

For several years now, the author has made a collection of these old images hoping that, one day enough will be at hand to publish as a book on the subject of decorated heavy horses.  If anyone has any of these historic images they would like to share, please feel free to scan them, and attach as a jpeg file to an email addressed to, dickbradshaw1960@yahoo.co.uk  thank you. 

As is so often the case, very few of these old images come with much information, except for that which can be gleaned by the careful scrutiny of the image itself under powerful magnification.  Any information given therefore, is that which has been gained thus, unless otherwise stated.

Many thanks to Joanne Coleman of Conwy who very kindly sent in the two following photographs of past family members.  On the back-board of this dray can be seen the name Willam Blythe of Church, which was part of Accrington in Lancashire.  Blythes were a chemical works which explains the strange round bales seen on the cart, which were probably acid carboys mounted in wire-reinforced straw  covers that afforded some protection against breakage;  Not good odds on todays Heath and Safety Executive allowing such a load on todays roads!!!      

Another fine turnout from Blythes of Church, where under magnification, the backboard revealed the further information of their premises which was at Holland Bank Grove, Church, Accrington in Lancashire.  A fine example of a tandem pair in trace harness. Note the whips placed in the hame plates, a common fashion in the heavy horse era.

 The only information that could be found on this one was the photographers details, R.V. Bishop of Guiseley, nr Leeds.  A personal favourite this one, because of the obvious pride of the little girl being photographed with her Dad.

A fine study from c.1911 of a matched pair of splendid greys outside the Star Inn, at Kilham in East Yorkshire.  This waggon is typical of the East Yorkshire style and was one of a series from local farms taking villagers on a day out most probably to Bridlington, or to a local "field day" celebration.  The turnout of the horses reflected the great pride of their owners as is plainly apparent in this display from Blackers of Pastures Farm.  I  wonder if the day kept fine for them? 

 Another one of a series of 14 from Kilham in East Yorks, c. 1911.   This team however belonged to a farm simply marked on the reverse, H, Middledale, which was, and still is,  is a farming hamlet just outside Kilham.  Most of the brasses here are of the stamped kind, and note the large, fan like decorations

Yet another from the Kilham series c.1911 featuring a team from Wilsons of Grange Farm.   Note the stamped brasses again, and the fan-like decorations.  Also apparent in this photograph are the long straps known as "drops" ending in wooden "chocks".  Note also the same gentleman and his wife (holding his hat in this photo) to the right.  Further research found that this is Joseph Wilson of Kilham the farmer and owner of the team below.   Another photograph, taken between Frost's butchers shop and the Star Inn, which is in the centre of the village.  

This one came with quite a bit of information, having been posted on May 12th 1907 from Sheffield to nearby Nether  Edge.  The sender added the message, "T got 1st Prize for horses, which we send you.  He is showing them today at Doncaster." A good example of a pair harnessed in tandem, and the sort of distances travelled to such shows, as Doncaster is a fair step from Sheffield today, never mind in 1907, unless these horses were moved by specially adapted boxes by railway?   

 

Another one postally used with the information, 28th September 1938, Ploughing Match, Diss Norfolk, judging the entries before the match.  A nice view of some stamped, ceramic centred rosettes and brush plumes.  

Here's one with a similar theme this time in colour from the early 1950's.  This one is marked Filkins Ploughing Match.  Filkins is near Faringdon in Oxfordshire. 

A fine turnout from the Royton (nr Manchester) Co-operative Society Furniture Dept c.1920's.  It must have been a very tiring day for some; note the small boy fast asleep in the armchair on the float.

This is another personal favourite which depicts the winners of the Liverpool Horse Parade c.early 1900's, having their photographs taken with the Lord & Lady Mayor of the city, whilst the carter looks on.  A very nice image which testifies to the Liverpool style of heavy floral decoration, as does the image below.

Another fine study depicting the "Liverpool Floral Style" this time from the City Corporation itself, On This occasion the postcard has been used and gives us the date of May 7th 1908.  Note the very rare triple crescent face-piece on the horse to the left of the main figure and the huge frame type terret also. 

 

When Coal Was King;  A fine study of One of Herbert Clarkes' coal dreys in New Barnet Station Yard.  Clarke also had premises at Ray St Yard, New Barnet Station Rd, and another big depot at Walthamstow.