October Round-Up: Fantasy and Decorator Models
In case you missed it, as part of Breyer's 70th birthday celebrations, we're taking a stroll through Breyer history all year round on our social media channels! October's theme focused on fantasy and "decorator" (unrealistic) models, just in time for Halloween! Outside of the confines of real-life horse colors, the sky is the limit for Breyer's designers and artisans. These models are just a select few highlights from Breyer's history - there are plenty of fascinating colorways out there for you to discover!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter- as 2020 draws to a close, December will be the final month of our 70th anniversary throwback themes. #ThrowbackThursday isn't going anywhere, though - keep checking our social media channels every week for unique bits and bobs from throughout Breyer's history!
Merlin
What better model to start with than one of Breyer's most famous fantasy pieces all, Merlin the dragon-horse?
Merlin was produced as a limited edition of 26 pieces for the BreyerFest 2005 raffle. Unlike most Breyer models, he is cast in solid resin – this was done to allow for greater flexibility in capturing all of his fine details, including scales that cover his body, cloven hooves, and of course, his pair of impressive dragon wings! Each model was then handpainted in shades of metallic green, blue, purple and black to round out one of the most unique Breyer models of all time!
The First Unicorn
Breyer's first unicorn appeared in 1982 on a modified version of the Running Stallion mold. Unlike most Breyer unicorns, this fellow also has a beard in addition to his horn! The unicorn version of the Lying Down Foal, released as a companion to the Running Stallion a few years later in 1985, also includes the medieval-style beard.
These two vintage unicorns have mostly been released in shades of white, including their original alabaster paintjobs, but have also been released in some more unique colors such as glossy black and a speckled "starlight" decorator!
Northern Lights
In the 2000s, Breyer created some of its most unique and interesting decorator (unrealistic) models yet. One of the concepts explored during this decade was that of the "mural" horse - a model with a scene playing out along its sides! Although one of the more simple mural decorators, the 2003 model Northern Lights captures the ambiance of the Aurora Borealis beautifully. Painted with subtle green and blue metallic paints to mimic the look of an aurora, his look was finished off with a subtle mountain range and a comet soaring across his topline. (Plus a star that is, quite literally, a star!)
Written in the Stars
What's your star sign? In 2015, Breyer introduced the Zodiac Series: a collection of 1:12 scale decorator models each inspired by the twelve signs of the Zodiac.
Each of the twelve signs had their own unique design, but the models in the same Zodiac element also shared some common traits, such as dark legs with silver hooves on water signs and white socks with golden hooves on fire signs. Two symbols for the model's sign appeared on each side of their rump.
Each model was finished with a thick layer of gloss to make their colors pop, and then packaged in a full-color gift box.
