Bath chair
Leveson and Sons
Category
Carriages & other vehicles
Date
Unknown
Materials
Painted wood body with cloth upholstery and three rubber shod wheels.
Measurements
1041 x 686 mm; 1600 mm (Length)
Place of origin
New Oxford Street
Order this imageCollection
Snowshill Manor and Garden, Gloucestershire
NT 1338831
Caption
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 It rivalled the sedan chair and ultimately superseded it as a form of conveyance.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.
Summary
Bath Chair by Leveson and Sons of London. Two wheels at rear and one in front, seat sprung on C springs with a steering tiller at the front, operated by the occupant, and a handle at the back to allow the chair to be pushed by an attendant. A leather apron protects the occupant from the elements. Upholstered in black cloth with a sheepskin cushion. Metal wheels with wire spokes and solid rubber tyres. Painted black. Ivory plaque on pushing handle reads: "Leveson & Sons 90 New Oxford Street W.O. London”
Full description
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 It rivalled the sedan chair and ultimately superseded it as a form of conveyance.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. BODY – Panelled body with a cane footwell. Steering tiller to the front with a turned wood handle. Turned wood pushing handle on the back attached on iron brackets. Leather apron. EXTERNAL FURNITURE - Brass WHEELS – Bicycle type wheels with rubber tyres. SPRINGS – C springs PAINT – Panels – black, body framework - varnished wood LEATHER – Leather apron INTERNAL TRIMMING – black cloth
Provenance
Given to the National Trust with Snowshill Manor in 1951 by Charles Paget Wade.
Marks and inscriptions
On a plaque on the handle.: Leverson and Sons/90 New Oxford Street/London
Makers and roles
Leveson and Sons, coach builder