recognised by the clown's head on the top front of the case, although no one that I've
ever spoken to seem to know why this feature was included, or it's significance.
The subject matter in Arthur's models was both varied and inventive, and often of a
comic nature. Although there is nothing comical about death scenes, such as English and
French executions, a small number of this type of model were produced, although they
were probably not as popular as this subject had been in earlier times. However, other
tried and tested tableau such as The Haunted House and Haunted Churchyard were
produced in large numbers, and these two in particular are common survivors. Arthur
also came up with new, and sometimes surreal subjects such as: The Burglar and Davy
Jones ' locker, and over the years produced many different machines on the Egyptian
theme, one of his favourite subjects.
Above: An impressive collection of Bollands' working models at Chessington Zoo
Opposite page: Detail of The Drunkard's Dream, probably the most common survivor,
and three much rarer models: Egypt; Hell's Kitchen and The Witch 's Cave. All pictures
are ex Chessington Zoo c. 1950s or 60s. Chessington Zoo was one of Fred's sites, where
he operated working models and other machines very successfully for many years.
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