„HORSE CARRIAGES OF THE MENDYKA COMPANY”

A Berlina

In past centuries horse-drawn carriages were, and still are today, not only an object used for moving from place to place, go hunting or for a walk, or for the unique sport of carriage driving. They were also an element of prestige that reflected the wealth of their owner. Depending on the type of carriage, the type of fabric used for upholstery and who built them it was possible to assess the class of the carriage. This phenomenon may easily be compared to the younger sister of the horse drawn carriage, the motor car. Cars are manufactured in huge series, but unique pieces are built in limited series or on individual order. The same applies to carriages. It may easily be said that possession of a carriage house with beautiful, hand crafted carriages is something absolutely unique, which distinguishes the owner and gives him a great deal of satisfaction.

Horse-drawn carriages of the highest quality, built according to the tradition of 19th century manufactories, may be ordered from the highly reputed company „Mendyka”, which offers carriages designed and manufactured on order for clients from all over the world. Client appreciation for the company on the international scene confirms to the clients that they made a good choice.

The manufactory.

All phases of carriage construction are carried out in the company itself. Before starting on the construction of the chosen carriage model historical materials are collected: photographs, paintings, descriptions. The next step is the graphic design executed by hand, which will provide the basis for a 1:1 scale template. On this basis the carriage body is executed, which then moves on to the forge where it is reinforced with a rail by qualified smiths who work at a hearth. During successive stages wheels, springs and other chassis elements are assembled. Each carriage type has decorative fittings typical of its kind, such as door knobs, handles, ornamental applications. The simpler the model the smaller the number of fittings, while richly decorated “gala” type carriages may have dozens of fittings. The process of creating these small but elaborate details is in itself very time consuming because a detailed model must first be created by qualified sculptors, then it is cast in bronze or brass, and then gilded or silver-plated. 

Fittings

Clients who visit the „Mendyka” Manufactory have the opportunity to see the process of creating carriages from the beginning to the end. They can see how wooden wheels are made, how the carriage body is created, how the springs and other parts of the chassis are manufactured and how all the elements are assembled together.

View of the manufactory workshop

Sculpture, gold and silk

The unusual group of luxury vehicles contains the very best of everything. The carriages are entirely or partly gilded, upholstered with Italian or French silks with elaborate embroidery and beautifully woven tapes. The “Mendyka” company fulfills individual orders and builds various types of “gala” carriages, those in more restrained style, reserved and elegant, as well as richly carved ones, based on the most exquisite carriages made in past centuries. The carvings may be fully or partly gilded, which makes these carriages very special indeed.

Gilded carriage wheel

Having a great deal of respect for tradition we at the same time design and build carriages tailored to our clients’ orders and decorate them with motifs characteristic of the culture from the given part of the world. Similarly, we can also personalize our carriages and for instance use the colours of a specific family. The varnishing workshop as well as the gilding and upholstery workshops are places where the carriages obtain their ornamental exterior decoration. Hand painted ornaments, coats of arms and monograms will make the carriage into a work of art, a unique and unrepeatable piece.

Gilded and painted carriage panel.

Silk upholstery.

Comfort and elegance

Double-spring carriages are unequalled in terms of travel comfort. The body is suspended on leather strapping, which eliminates all unpleasant vibrations. In addition due to their structure these carriages are considered top class. The group includes representational carriages and vehicles built for occasions such as weddings, jubilees and other important events.  

A kalescha

A Landauer on „C” springs

A grand duc

Dignified stagecoaches.

English stagecoaches are an extremely interesting group of carriages. We have been building stagecoach replicas for many years. English stagecoaches are so popular that annual meetings of stagecoach drivers are organized in England, Holland, Germany and the United States. The four-in-hand in classical collar harness and passengers in historical costume make an overwhelming and unforgettable impression. It is very elitist sport.

A road coach

Events & picnics

Carriages which may seat several persons are very suitable for organizing picnics. For this purpose some carriages have special built-in picnic trunks with places for wine, champagne and glasses, some also have folding tables and chairs. All these elements are made of exotic varieties of wood.

A picnic set.

A shooting brake 

Examples of picnic trunks and the interior of a private omnibus. 

An omnibus

A basket wagonette 

Sport

The company also offers classic sport vehicles, including 4-wheeled and 2-wheeled carriages, specially adjusted to the horse as well as the driver. Both ladies as well as men will find carriages suitable exactly for them. These include light and elegant Spiders as well as dignified Phaetons. 2-wheeled carriages equipped with a balance regulation are particularly interesting, since they guarantee full travel comfort as well as avoid excessive burden on the horse. The Tandem carriage on the other hand, which exposes the driver on a high seat as well as the horses, is quite spectacular. 

A sport brake, Aachen

A spider, Lowton Model

A phaeton

A family drive.

No carriage house should lack a carriage that is simple but very practical and useful. A carriage that may be used in good and bad weather. It must be comfortable for the passengers as well as for our favourite horse.This group includes carriages such as the wagonettes, brakes and phaetons. 

A phaeton

A brake-wagonette

Safety.

In order to ensure that carriage users are safe the brake system has been improved. Originally carriages were only equipped with mechanical brakes, at present tape, drum as well as hydraulic brakes are used. 

Tape brakes are discreet and ensure effective braking.

Technology.

Horse-drawn carriages built by the „Mendyka” company are manufactured from the best quality wood. Designing and all phases of construction are carried out on site. The company’s technological facilities enable it to execute all elements of the carriage under strict supervision. This ensures high quality from the earliest stages of manufacture. The specially designed varnishing technology protects the main material, wood, against negative atmospheric factors, and the last layer of varnish ensures an exquisite final effect. All the carriages are hand decorated with lines or ornamental monograms. On special request the carriages are brush painted by hand. The upholstery is a particularly important element. Depending on the type of carriage and the client’s preferences for upholstery we use top quality leather and fabrics from the best, mainly European, manufactories. All details are always agreed with the client to ensure that the final effect is satisfactory.

Apart from manufacture the „Mendyka” manufactory also offers renovation and reconstruction of carriages. 

Zenon Mendyka’s company is a sponsor of the Polish Institute of Equestrian Culture.