Untitled (father and daugher on lawn with toy dolls and hobby horse) c. 1940

This photograph by Paul Gittings captures a father and daughter on a lawn, surrounded by toys. The hobby horse, a seemingly simple plaything, carries a rich history. It’s a symbol of youthful exuberance, but also echoes the steeds of ancient warriors and the noble mounts of medieval knights. Throughout time, horses have been emblematic of power, freedom, and virility. Consider the equestrian statues of Roman emperors, their control of the horse mirroring their dominion over the empire. The hobby horse, then, becomes a domesticated, childlike echo of these potent symbols. Perhaps this connects to a subconscious desire to reclaim the unbridled joy of youth, a collective memory of simpler times. This image engages us on a deeply personal level, tapping into our own memories and longings for a carefree past. The hobby horse, with its cyclical return through generations, is more than just a toy; it’s a vessel of cultural memory, constantly evolving and reshaping its meaning.