Quartermaine Hall

Artisan: Ian Rose
Date: 2022
Inscriptions: signed, dated and inscribed ‘I Rose 2022 “Cookie”‘ (on the underside of the stand)
Dimensions: 105 x 134 x 50 mm; 4 3/4 x 5 1/4 x 2 inches (height x width x depth of Cookie himself, not including crate)
Intended Room: Day Nursery
Inventory number: 2022.100
Category: Toys & Games

Provenance: Purchased directly from the artist via Etsy in 2022.

There are certain items that, when you buy them, have ‘heirloom’ written all over them. Ian Rose’s rocking horses were some of the first miniatures I found on Etsy and they opened my eyes to just how exquisite the field could be. I have longed for one ever since but, quite apart from the cost, I’d never really seen one that ‘spoke’ to me. And then Cookie was uploaded.

It was love at first sight. I spent my entire childhood longing for a proper carved wooden rocking horse like this, but such things weren’t really practical in a snug country cottage with low ceilings and tiny doorways. But now I have one. I won’t get to ride on Cookie, admittedly, but when the Quartermaine children arrive they will have a real treat in store. Felix will probably think ‘Cookie’ a very odd name and would have preferred something like ‘Galahad’, but Ian named Cookie himself and I don’t feel that it’s my place to change it.

Not only is Cookie himself gorgeous, but he arrived in a handmade mini shipping crate lined with woollen felt, which is almost a work of art in itself (and I say that as someone who sees a lot of very high-level shipping crates!). He’s signed and dated ‘I Rose 2022 “Cookie”‘ on the underside of the main base bar. Stunning work all round.

Cookie really does rock! Here he is in various positions:

And finally, here is the wonderful crate, which deserves some admiration in its own right:

Since I don’t yet have any Quartermaine children for Cookie to play with, Rosie has nobly volunteered to have a ride. I think Beau feels a little jealous…