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Our Landau carriage was first built around 1880 in the Netherlands. It is an early convertible. Fully closed it keeps out the wind and the rain entirely for the bride to arrive in church with hair and dress unspoiled; open it is great for a summer’s day drive to church to get married.
We purchased this carriage as a restored but un-decorated vehicle and had it painted in traditional style and colours by our brother Kees, a talented house painter. The upholstery was undertaken by Fairbourne carriages in Kent, who finished it beautifully.
Considering its weight (we estimate it at around 700 kilograms or 1500 lbs) it runs very lightly and our horses happily pull it up and down the Surrey and East Sussex countryside. The big wooden wheels and elliptical springs ensure a smooth drive for the passengers even with the traditional solid rubber treading on the wheels. A traditional drag shoe is fitted as a breaking system.
All in all it makes a very elegant 4-seater and in combination with the proud Friesians it's hard to find a more fitting turn-out for a wedding.
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