Compact and Collectible: An Exhibition of Vintage Pedal Cars

After having just completed a successful 2014 Flower Show, the Attleboro Arts Museum is now looking to the past for it's next gallery spectacle. 

On April 9th, the Museum will open it's gallery doors for a very special exhibition, welcoming in roughly 70 vintage pedal cars from the previous century. From fire engines to the famed pursuit plane, there will be no shortage of nostalgia on hand when Museum-goers get a glimpse of these once-prominent toys.

The exhibition mostly features the collections of two men, John Holiver and Joseph Brugliera, both featuring a staggering amount of the famed toy. Once a toy for more privileged children, it was Victor Schreckengost who helped revolutionize the creation process so that the pedal car could reach many more doorsteps than initially thought. Through his genius, pedal cars began to become a more accessible collectible for all children.

This particular exhibit will have a few special facets to it, beginning with a panel discussion featuring pedal car collectors on the topic of collecting. The date for this discussion is still to be determined. The discussion will be moderated by the exhibition’s curator, Chuck Tramontana. Tramontana holds special ties to display, as he is a former student of Schreckengost’s. Check back with the Museum's website for updates on when the panel discussion will be held.

Tramontana will also be offering select tours throughout the exhibition. The tours are for groups of all ages, being offered on April 23, April 30, and May 7th. The tours will run from 10:00am until 11:00am and are free to attend. Reservations are required in order to attend a tour. RSVPs can be made by calling 508-222-2644x10.

Kids will have their own special day during this exhibition as well, as youngster’s will be allowed to take the wheel of a vintage pedal fire truck for a photograph. For many, it will be a unique opportunity to watch the children in their lives sitting in the same style of toy that they grew up with and held so dear, all those years ago.

Lastly, ongoing throughout the duration of the exhibition will be the opportunity to share past pedal car memories. Bring a photo of a young driver in a pedal car to the Museum. In turn, the Museum will scan the photo and display a copy in the exhibit’s community section. Photos can also be emailed to office@attleboroartsmuseum.org

The opening reception will take place on the exhibition’s opening day of Wednesday, April 9, from 7-9 pm. Also on display within the exhibition will be pedal car illustrations by automotive designer/illustrator Guy Cassaday. The community gallery this month features the work of John Avakian. The event is free to attend but RSVP’s are welcome and requested by calling the Museum at 508-222-2644x10. Donations are welcome. 

For more information on Compact and Collectible, please visit http://attleboroartsmuseum.org/index.php/compact-and-collectible/