For me, the menagerie and fantasy carousel animals are much more fun to ride and look at than a bunch of boring horses, so I made this page to give these other animals their moment in the spotlight!
Here I showcase some beautiful examples of carousel menagerie animal art, rendered by some talented artists. I also have some pictures taken at some wonderful carousels that I have visited. If you're looking for information on the history of carousels and different animals there are many find websites out there loaded with info that can accomodate you.
 Beautifully colored carousel rabbit with comparativly simpler trappings than the traditional Dentzel-style rabbit. (Judy Johnson) |
 This is the classic Dentzel-style Rabbit. |
 Another alternative to the traditional trappings, giving a more Easter effect, using leaves and even easter eggs! (Christy Shaffer) |
 The Deer. Often, real antlers were used on these carousel animals, as antlers were redily available and harder than wood. |
 The Rooster. Though all the Dentzel roosters were standing, running roosters were also made by other companies. |
 The Kangaroo. The Dentzel kangaroo had hinged ancle joints so the animal could move up and down on the carousel, giving the animal a "hopping" motion. |
 Nicely colored carousel goat. (Judy Johnson) |
 This is the classic Dentzel-style goat. |
 Another rendering of a goat, this one with more details and wooly hair. (Christy Shaffer) |
 Carousel Giraffe. (Christy Shaffer) |
 Carousel Frog (from a coloring book) Normally I don't like carousel frogs--I think they look ugly, but I like this "Frog Prince" version with a king's robe. |
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Hazel: Hazel is a full-sized custom carving I had made for me in 2003. He is named after Hazel from Watership Down, and modeled after the rabbit on the Bear Mountain carousel. He didn't come out quite the way I wanted, but over the years he's grown on me. *pats Hazel* Hazel's base is made of walnut and a plush Hazel and Fiver keep Hazel company. To give you an idea of how big Hazel is, here are a couple of pictures of me riding Hazel .1. .2., and here's another picture of Hazel. |
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| A Dentzel Reproduction- This fellow came from Triangle Billiards, an unexpected place to find such a beautifully carved and painted *rocking* carousel rabbit! I was very excited to be able to find something like this--it's wonderfully detailed and... well... is just so fun to have in my house! Height approx. 38 inches. |  |
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Tod: Tod is my wonderful rocking carousel fox! I had him made during the summer of 2006 by the talented staff at Carousel Magic! As you can see, he's super cute and super toony and I absolutely *love* him!
The pattern for Tod is based on some wonderful concept art drawn for me by Sammy Robinson: Official pattern - Additional Sketches - Finished Rendering & Color Guide. Tod is named after The Tod in Richard Adams' novel, The Plague Dogs. He is about 45" tall to the tips of his ears on the rockers, and 32" fron chest to rump. His reins and stirrups were extras added by me to complete his look. Here are some more pictures: .1. .2. ,3. .4. .5. .6. .7. |
For more carousel art by Christy Shaffer, buy her book: Carousel Animals Coloring Book.
For more carousel art by Judy Johnson, buy her book: Carousel Animal Stickers.
