Handmade wooden cradle
Date made: 1875
Maker: Gelling, George
Place made: Ballasalla
Description: A handmade wooden cradle made by George Gelling (1845-1931), a joiner of Ballasalla, for his first child, James Gelling, who was born 1869. The cradle was then used for each of George Gelling's other 14 children. The cradle was last used in 1916 for a grandson of George Gelling. The cradle was donated by one of George Gelling's 12 children by his first wife, Esther Gelling née Shimmin (1848-1892). The Gelling family lived in Island Cottage near Monk's Bridge, and George Gelling had a joiner's workshop, at the bottom of Crossack Hill.
The cradle has rockers and an inlaid design over on the hood and on finials at one end of the cradle, the inlaid design of diamonds are thought be made of ebony wood and holly set in an ebony background. The front of the hood has a rose design cut into it, probably to symbolise love.
Until the 20th century, most people living on the Isle of Man would have had their furniture made by the local joiner. Some joiners specialised in making certain things such as spinning wheels, but the majority were general joiners. They would do building work, make (and repair) wooden farm equipment, including wheels, make furniture and even coffins - quite literally making everything wooden from the cradle to the grave.
Measurements: overall: 78 x 80 x 54 cm
Materials: iron, wood
Object name: cradle
Collection: Furniture Collection
ID Number: 1973-0157
Subject tags : #MM100COLLECTIONS
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