Collectively, Sean Gallagher and Elaine Ewing have the largest collection of original pilates apparatus and vintage pilates apparatus in the world. Combined, their collections span decades of Joseph Pilates’ work, inventions, designs, dimensions, and details. This rare and fascinating combination of collections is also the only set of apparatus that is openly available for students and teachers to visit by appointment and use for themselves.
From all areas of the earth, pilates enthusiasts have traveled to visit these collections in person. For the first time, we have created the experience of these special apparatus in a digital format so that those who cannot yet travel to visit the Pilates Source® locations (The Pilates Museum™ and Rhinebeck Pilates™) in person can still learn more about Joe Pilates and his original pilates equipment.
Additionally, a few more pieces of original pilates equipment are owned by other teachers, which are also featured on this page.
All Photos in this collection are copyrighted and cannot be used without expressed written permission (except the photo from the article about Romana).
(Click each image to enlarge)
Elaine Ewing’s Original Pilates Equipment Collection
The following items in Elaine’s collection (Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Baby Chair, Electric Chair, Push Up Devices, and Spine Corrector) have the following chain of ownership:
The Original Pilates Studio —> Wee Tai Hom —> Drago’s Gym —> True Pilates —-> Elaine Ewing
Additional pieces are specified below.
This equipment can be viewed in person, by appointment, at Rhinebeck Pilates™ in Rhinebeck, NY.
An Original 1960’s Cadillac
This Cadillac can be seen in photos taken inside Joseph Pilates studio in the 1960s. The Pilates SourceR estimates the date range that Joe switched from wooden equipment to metal to be somewhere between 1958-1961. Hopefully one day we will learn more about this pivotal moment in pilates history.
Image first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
An Original Baby Arm Chair
An Original Wunda Chair from Joe Pilates’ Original Studio.
Image first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
Original Wunda Chair
An Original Wunda Chair from Joe Pilates’ Original Studio.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
Original Ladder Barrel
An Original Ladder Barrel from Joe Pilates’ Original Studio.
Image first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
Joe Pilates’ Original Push Up Devices
Image first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
An Original Electric Chair from Joe Pilates’ Original Studio
This is one of the oldest pieces in Elaine’s collection and one that has seen the most use, as can be seen in the close ups of the spring hooks at the back of the chair.
In the details, one can see remnants of silver paint, which Joe commonly used on his original wooden equipment. More of this can be seen in Sean Gallagher’s collection as well.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
An Original Spine Corrector from Joe Pilates’ Original Studio
This is also one of the older pieces in Elaine’s collection. The inside of the Spine Corrector resembles the way a beer barrel would be made, possibly influencing the story of how Joe Pilates created the barrel by cutting a beer barrel in half.
Through Pilates Source® research, we discovered a more likely way that Joe created the first barrels. To learn more, see Apparatus History.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
An Original Folding Mat with Joe Pilates’ Plaque
This original folding mat belonged to one of Joseph Pilates clients. It has an original plaque inside next to a neat pouch for the handles.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
Elaine Ewing’s Vintage Pilates Equipment Collection
A Vintage Wunda Chair (possibly from the 1970’s)
This vintage Wunda Chair was originally used in a NYC studio called Body Art. As the story goes, Wee Tai Hom (who at the time was the current owner of the original Pilates Studio), was forced to close the studio and scatter apparatus to various other locations in NYC, one of them being a gym called Body Art. There, Romana Kryzanowska and other teachers taught pilates for a few years. Elaine purchased this chair from one of those teachers.
Originally, this chair had 2 sets of springs on each side and multiple options for spring settings, as can be seen in the detailed photos. The previous owner had Basil refurbish the chair so that it had one spring on each side. It was also originally painted royal blue. The new colors were selected by the previous owner.
It is still unknown as to who made this chair originally (Joe? Gratz? Someone else?) and who designed it to have 2 sets of springs and why. Hopefully some day we will learn more.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
A Vintage Gratz Folding Reformer
This rare folding reformer was made by Gratz during a brief period of time during the early 2000’s, we believe.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
© 2022 Elaine Ewing
Sean Gallagher and Elaine Ewing’s Wunda Chair Collective
Together, Sean and Elaine’s Wunda Chairs span 70 years of apparatus history. In decade order:
1950’s (Sean Gallagher): this original Wunda Chair came with an original plaque from Joe Pilates and has a number of signature elements from Joe’s designs, including door hinges on the pedal and oversized hooks for the springs.
1960’s (Elaine Ewing): this original Wunda Chair is familiar to many from its time at Wee Tai Hom’s studio and at Drago’s Gym/True Pilates.
1970’s (Elaine Ewing): this chair is from BodyArt in NYC and it is currently unknown if it was from Joe Pilates or someone who made it later.
1980’s: we currently do not have a Wunda Chair from the 1980’s. If anyone knows of one, please let us know!
1990’s (Sean Gallagher): Sean made this chair according to Joe’s blueprints for the Wunda Chair, which are part of Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®.
2000’s (Elaine Ewing): this chair was purchased from Gratz Pilates in 2003 and is used at Rhinebeck Pilates.
2020’s (Elaine Ewing): this chair was purchased from Pilates Designs and is known as their “Archival Wunda Chair.”
Image first shared 2/14/23. © 2022 Elaine Ewing
Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives® Original Pilates Equipment Collection
Sean Gallagher’s collections originally came with his purchase of the original Pilates studio business and then was vastly supplemented by the purchase of Joe and Clara Pilates’ Berkshire property, which he is the current owner of. When he first purchased the property, the buildings and apparatus inside them were in disrepair and damaged due to water damage and decades of neglect by previous owners. Today, the studio has been restored and the apparatus has been carefully restored or is in the process of restoration. Images first shared on 2/14/23.
Joe’s Original Berkshires Studio when Sean Gallagher purchased it. © 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
The chain of ownership of this equipment is as follows: Joseph Pilates —> Sean Gallagher. This equipment is believed to date back to the 1940s approximately.
This equipment is kept in Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Museum in Becket, MA. To view this equipment in person, please contact Sean Gallagher or join us at Pilates at The Pillow®.
Please note, this is a selection of some of Sean’s collection. Stay tuned as we continue to add more to this digital archive. Thank you, Sean, for your generosity in providing the community with digital access to your apparatus collection. Images first shared on 2/14/23.
Related Topics: Sean Gallagher.
Original Bench Mat from Atlas Athletic
This is the only known example of an original Bench Mat from the 1940’s sold through Atlas Athletic for Joseph Pilates.
Image first shared on 2/14/23.
Related Topics: Atlas Athletic
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
An Original Wooden Cadillac, Claw Foot Reformer, Airplane Board, and Push Through Bar Pillow
This original wooden Cadillac is the only known remaining Cadillac from Joseph Pilates that is made of wood and painted silver. Through the work of Sean Gallagher and volunteers, this piece has been carefully restored.
The wooden claw foot reformer shown in the photos is next on the restoration list and a very rare item to see in person today. It comes complete with shark fin shoulder blocks, silver painted trim, and original plaques, yes there is more than one!
The Airplane Board shown is the only original Airplane Board known to exist today and is painted in Joe Pilates’ signature silver color.
The Push Through Bar Pillow is an extremely rare piece that is also the only original one known to exist today.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
An Original Small Barrel
This original small barrel was the one replicated by Sean Gallagher and Stamina in the 1990’s. For more about the history of the Small Barrel, see Apparatus History.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
An Original High Chair
This is the only chair of this style known to exist today. During the restoration, the word “JOE” was discovered on the back written in pencil. This incredible find was preserved.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
An Original Massage Table/Treatment Table
This rare item was known as the Massage Table or Treatment Table. This is similar to the one sold through Atlas Athletic for Joe Pilates. Due to water damage prior to Sean’s ownership, the upholstery on this piece has been restored. For more, see Atlas Athletic.
Image first shared on 2/14/23.
The Iron Shoes and Iron Shoe Inserts
This incredible sun design was put on the main house of Sean’s Becket property by the owners after Joe died. The design is made from Iron Shoe inserts that Joe put inside slippers and iron shoes for his students to do matwork. This special design remains and has since become the logo for The Pilates Source®. Additionally, Sean has the original Iron Shoes themselves in his collection.
Image first shared on 2/14/23.
Original Furniture and Portion of Joe Pilates’ Library
Upon purchase of the Becket property, Sean acquired many pieces of original furniture that belonged to Joe and Clara, some of which can be traced back to their NYC Pilates Studio. Other pieces (not shown) look to have been handmade. Shown in this photo is a desk that seems to have been used by Joe, based on evidence of cigar burns along the edge and writing on the desk surface.
A selection of Joe’s books is commonly on display during Pilates at The Pillow®, as shown in the photo.
A fantastic example of furniture that can be traced to the NYC studio are the wire chairs shown. These chairs were used in the changing room in NYC.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives
Book Collection from Joe Pilates’ library
Additionally, Sean has preserved an incredible collection of books from Joe Pilates’ library, most have either the Pilates Studio stamp or have two different name plates in front with Joe’s name on them. How the books were found and how they are housed in the museum today.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
Original Pilates Studio Sign-In Books
One of the many Original Pilates Studio Sign-In Books having client signatures from the 1930’s through the 1980’s will be part of the Pilates museum’s permanent collections of historical documents. Image first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
Original Baby Chair with no Springs and other Chairs
Within Sean’s collection are a variety of unique chairs such as these.
Image first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
An Original Electric Chair
This fantastic Electric Chair has been fully restored and is prominently on display in Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Museum.
Image first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives
Original Skis from Joe and Clara Pilates
Joe and Clara Pilates were avid skiers. In Sean Gallagher’s collection, he has sets of their original ski poles and skis.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
An Original Bench Mat
This original Bench Mat was owned by Paul and Beverley Allen and were recently donated to The Pilates Source®. It is another great example of wooden equipment painted silver. This Bench Mat is believed to date back to the late 1950s-1960s. Seasonally, it is displayed in Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Museum (Spring-Summer-early fall) and Rhinebeck Pilates (late fall-winter-early spring).
The Pilates Source® is working hard to continue to add pilates apparatus history to the museum archives.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
An Original Junior Reformer
This is one of two original Junior Reformers in Sean Gallagher’s collection. This is a later model which was donated to The Pilates Source®. It is another great example of wooden equipment painted silver. This Bench Mat is believed to date back to the late 1950s-1960s. Seasonally, it is displayed in Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Museum (Spring-Summer-early fall) and Rhinebeck Pilates (late fall-winter-early spring).
Sean’s other original Junior Reformer (not shown) dates back to the 1940’s and was produced by Atlas Athletic for Joe. This reformer is currently the oldest known Junior Reformer to exist at this time. Both Junior Reformers are the only known, original Junior Reformers to exist today.
The Pilates Source® is working hard to continue to add pilates apparatus history to the museum archives.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives®
Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives® Vintage Pilates Equipment Collection
Vintage Gratz Magic Circle
This rare magic circle was manufactured by Gratz in the 1980s and part of Sean’s collection. Image first shared on 2/14/23.
Vintage Floor Cadillac
This incredible, low Cadillac is believed to date back to the 1970s and is believed to have been manufactured by Gratz. During this time, Romana Kryzanowska moved the original pilates studio to a new location with lower ceilings. In order to have a Cadillac, she needs one to sit low to the floor. Romana can be seen teaching on this low Cadillac in a number of vintage pilates articles, one example is shown here.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives
© 2022 Sean Gallagher’s Pilates Archives
Other Original Pilates Equipment
Original Small Barrel
This original small barrel is owned by Rachel Romdhane at Miami Beach Pilates. It is similar in design to the one owned by Sean Gallagher.
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2023 Rachel Romdhane
© 2023 Rachel Romdhane
© 2023 Rachel Romdhane
An Original Folding Mat
This original folding mat belongs to Cathy Strack and was given to her by the daughter of one of Joe’s former clients. There are a few interesting differences between Cathy’s mat and Elaine’s mat, and the most notable is the handles. Elaine’s mat has two separate wooden handles while Cathy’s mat has one long metal bar. Interesting!
Also curious is the cover around the mat itself. Hopefully we will find out more about this someday.
All Photos in this collection are copyrighted and cannot be used without expressed written permission (except the photo from the article about Romana).
Images first shared on 2/14/23.
© 2023 Cathy Strack
© 2023 Rachel Romdhane