Carriage Foundation
Listed in 1 collection
Listed at 1 museum
Listed for 1 maker
Quick Details
Carriage Type
Bath Chair
Date of Production
mid 19th century
Accession or Inventory Number
NT 1338831
Materials used
Paint, Wood, Iron, Leather, Wool Box Cloth, BrassSummary of Bath Chair
Bath Chair with three wheels and designed to be pushed by an attendant. This is a typical bath chair with a seat sprung on C springs, a steering tiller at the front and a handle at the back to allow the chair to be pushed along. A leather apron protects the occupant from the elements. Upholstered in black cloth with a sheepskin cushion.
The bath chair was devised by James Heath of Bath, in about 1750 as a discreet mode of transport for ladies and invalids. It rivalled the sedan chair and ultimately superseded it as a form of conveyance. It was steered by the occupant with an attendant on foot pushing from behind.
Dimensions
Height: 3ft 9"
Length: 5ft 3"
Width: 2ft 3"
Full description
This is an attractive Bath Chair with a panelled body and a cane footwell. At the front is a steering tiller with a turned wood handle. A turned wood pushing handle is on the back attached on iron brackets. The three bicycle wheels have rubber tyres and the carriage is sprung on C springs. The leather apron is original and attaches to the arm rests on two studs.
Painted black on the body panels and trimmed with a black wool cloth. Made by Leverson and Sons of London.
Inscriptions
On a plaque at the back of the chair: Leverson and Sons/90 New Oxford Street/London
Access information
This Bath Chair is in the care of the National Trust at Snowshill Manor
Snowshill,
near Broadway,
Gloucestershire,
WR12 7JU
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill-manor-and-garden
Picture credit
National Trust / Claire Reeves & team