CAROUSEL RESTORATION

The Buffalo Heritage Carousel , Inc. spent 5 years to complete a full restoration of the carousel using authentic restoration methods and processes with the intent to have the carousel recognized as an historically significant landmark carousel.

The work was accomplished by nationally recognized carousel restoration professionals along with local dedicated volunteers.  Careful planning was undertaken to authentically restore the carousel, seeking to preserve the original details of its manufacturer and tastefully embellishing it with the application of gold and silver leafing that was adopted by most carvers by the end of the golden age of the carousel when it was manufactured.

The Restoration Steps

Color Design worksheets were prepared for each animal focusing on the body color and basic trapping colors. Any original colors discovered during the paint removal process were documented including factory stenciling.  The color palette of each section of the carousel from outside row toward the inner row would be complimentary to each other.  A full palette of horse and animal color coats was planned. 

The restoration of the Figures was completed in the BHC’s Workshop on Vandervoort Street, North Tonawanda. Ironically, the workshop is located a few streets away from where the carousel  was originally manufactured at the Spillman Engineering Corporation .  

The wooden figures were stripped by hand, layer by layer using a heat gun rather than chemical process to find any remnants of original paint and factory stenciling. These were documented so that they could be incorporated later.

Wood repairs were made by local master carver, Patrick Stanczyk along with dedicated volunteers using the same type of carving tools as were used by the original artisans.  The figures were disassembled, wood pieces repaired where needed and then reassembled.  Epoxies were used and not nails or screws which would be detrimental to the integrity of the wooden animals and in keeping with the original process of fabrication. 

Rosa Patton, nationally recognized carousel restoration artist instructed the BHC volunteer artists on her approach and methodology for painting antique wood  carousel animals,  carousel trim and scenery panels.  Rosa made six trips to the North Tonawanda from her home studio in North Carolina to mentor and work alongside the dedicated volunteers. The Animals were authentically painted by hand with brushes, not air brushed, using artist oils for the bodies and enamel paint for the saddles and trappings.

The final embellishments were applied to the painted figures by the BHC that include installation of hundreds of mirror backed glass faceted jewels, groomed and set horsehair tails and factory metal horseshoes. 

The scenery themes for the inner panels and rounding boards focus on the Western New York Region and history, featuring Frederick Law Olmstead Parks, Niagara Falls, the seasons, local creatures, the Americana boat,  the grain mills, the Pierce Arrow car , fall harvest time and the Pan American Exposition.   There are two signature boards on the carousel. The first pays homage to the carousel’s creation in 1924by Spillman Engineering Corporation as the De Angelis carousel and the second  celebrates its new life in 2020 as the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, “Powered by the Sun”.

The Restoration of the frame, mechanism and two newly carved chariots was accomplished by Carousel & Carvings, Marion Ohio. The carousel sweeps were stenciled in same color blue and pattern as was discovered and documented on the original surface.  The carousel rounding boards and inner scenery and mirror panels were restored and given a first base coat before being sent to Rosa’s studio in North Carolina to be painted.  The rocking chariot is a carved wood, replication of the original Spillman Engineering Design. The new handicap accessible chariot was designed, carved and built by Todd Goings of Carousel & Carvings, featuring a deeply carved Erie Canal Scene.           

The carousel restoration was completed after hundreds of hours of restoration time were bestowed upon it by talented and dedicated volunteer artisans, carousel restoration professionals and members of the Buffalo Heritage Carousel Board of Directors. It was a tremendous effort by all and truly a labor of love.