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Preserving
Carousels and
Carousel Art
Preservation can mean different things to different people. Some
say that we must work to protect and preserve all surviving carousels
intact. Others would say that to protect the fragile century-old
art, the animals should be taken off of carousels and placed
on display where it is no longer subject to the wear and risk
of use.
The IMCA believes that both viewpoints
can be valid, but as with most choices, there is a price. |
We believe that some carousel animals are
so fragile or rare, or valuable that they should never ride a
carousel again. The risk of damage or loss is too great. This
would include animals that survive with original factory paint.
We also believe preserving the experience
of a carousel ride is very important too.
A carousel ride on a hand-carved animal
is a special experience that should survive forever. With proper
restoration, antique carousel animals can and do survive indefinitely
on carousels. The key is in the quality of the restoration and
in the education of the riders to know and respect the art object
they have the privilege to ride on.
It is easy to say "Save the carousels"
The real work of doing it cannot happen without understanding
some basic truths:
- Because of the high values carousel animals
bring as collector items, many carousels cannot make as much
financial return operating than they can being sold off .
- Most carousel riders have little or no
appreciation of the art and history of the animal they might
ride.
- While originally built as adult rides,
carousels are now considered a children's ride.
- Carousels have the best chance of surviving
when they can operate at a profit.
We believe the best way to preserve
carousels and carousel art is to:
- Support existing carousels
- Encourage the placement of antique carousels
in profitable locations
- Provide education to give riders and spectators
an appreciation of the art and history of carousels
- Encourage the largest and broadest possible
audience to ride and thereby support carousels
So what can you do to help make
this happen?
- Support your local carousel
- Ride and thereby support every carousel
you might every come across (and it's FUN!)
- Join and support organizations like the
IMCA that are working to place more antique carousels in operation.
Membership information
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