Rydal
The Rydal brand was created by Pamela du Boulay, a Franklin Mint artist, in 1969. The name Rydal, taken from the name of the du Boulay home in Cobham, was actually given to the brand by members of the hobby.
Like the other latex brands, Rydals were latex models stuffed with soft filler, with wired legs and mohair manes and tails. Most were painted by Pamela, but Caroline Johnson, who worked for Rydal off and on for a couple of years, and Keren Gilfoyle painted some of the left-over blank models over the years after the company ceased trading.
There were two sizes: the small, or 4.5 inch range were made until 1971 when they were replaced with the large or 6 inch range; production of these ceased in 1973.
Some of the models were purchased by hobby folks, while many others were sold to the general public at the Arab Horse Society Show and other shows. The Arabian models were popular with breeders of the live horses; an Australian couple, Mr. and Mrs. Best, commissioned portraits of all of their Arabians.
The rarity of these models, combined with the exquisite quality of the sculptures, make these the most highly sought after brand in the CFT community.
Rydal collectors and pictures can be found in a few Facebook groups, specifically The Rydal Census and Appreciation Page, CAROUSEL the 'CTF' Model Horse Owners' Group, Model Horse Vintage Group, and British Model Horse Collectors.
Produced between 1971-73. 6.25 inches at the withers.
Produced between 1969-70. 4 inches at the withers. Very few of these survive as many were cured improperly and later disintegrated.
Produced sometime around 1969-70. Resculpted version of the first Small Arabian Stallion. Only one made.
Produced between 1971-73. 6 inches at the withers.
Produced sometime between 1969-70. Only one example was made.
Produced between 1971-73. 4.5 inches at the withers.
Produced sometime between 1969-70. Only one example was made.
Produced between 1969-70.
Produced between 1971-73. 4.5 inches at the withers. Was sometimes sold with a straw hat.
Produced between 1969-70. 3.25 inches at the withers.
Produced between 1969-70. 3.5 inches at the withers.
Produced between 1969-70. 3.5 inches at the withers.
Produced between 1971-73. 4 - 4.5 inches at the withers.
Produced between 1969-70. 3 inches at the withers.
Produced between 1971-73. 5.25 inches at the withers.
Produced between 1969-70. 3.5 inches at the withers.