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, Brass

Summary 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 It rivalled the sedan chair and ultimately superseded it as a form of conveyance.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