of 111 Aldersgate Street, London, EC1. T. A.: "Progress, Barb., London". Code: A. B. C. (5th Edition). Telephone: Central 5568. (1922)
Ditto address. Telephone: Clerkenwell 9755. Cables: "Progress, London" (1929)
at Aldersgate Street between 1864 and 1940
Mid 19th century: The company was started by Frederick Henry Ayres in London,. It produced beautiful rocking horses until about 1940. Occasionally the horses carried a manufacturer's stamp or plate but most either did not or the marks have disappeared over the years.
1922 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Requisites for Tennis, Cricket, Croquet, Golf, Football, Hockey, Badminton, Bowls, Archery, Billiards; Indoor Games; Gymnastic Apparatus; Rocking Horses. (Stand No. H.37) [1]
1929 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of Requisites for Tennis, Cricket, Croquet, Golf, Football, Hockey, Badminton, Bowls, Archery, Polo, Racquets, Fives, Skittles, Ski, Toboggans, Sledges, Billiards, Bagatelle, Indoor Games, Gymnastic Apparatus, Fencing, Boxing, Rocking Horses. (Stand No. B.35) [2]
c.1943 Acquired by Slazengers
Ayres Rocking Horses
- The company started by Frederick Henry Ayres in London, produced beautiful rocking horses from the middle of the 19th century until about 1940. Occasionally the horses carried a manufacturer's stamp or plate but most either did not or the marks have disappeared over the years.
- Ayres horses are generally regarded as better than all others but although they are undoubtedly wonderful, there are other makers who produced equally lovely rocking horses.
- Ayres produced a great variety of horses over the years but many are clearly identifiable even when unmarked or when over-painted. The heads are beautiful, often with well carved ears and fine muzzles. The lower jaws are quite often missing or have been replaced because they have broken off at the fine curb groove by pulling too hard on the reins. The body size is usually generous and very well proportioned. The legs are delicately carved, sometimes seeming impossibly thin in the cannon bone and pastern areas.
- The paintwork on Ayres horses can often be recognised even although there are several styles including large and small dapple patterns. The top of the range models are extensively dappled while cheaper horses may have quite sparse colouring but the application of the decoration is careful and consistent. The swing stands generally have distinctive pillar shapes. Old and special models may be different, bow rockers are far more tricky to identify and the rare metal spring - swing stands are not well documented.
See Also