Phaeton
Holmes of Derby
Category
Carriages & other vehicles
Date
Unknown
Materials
Painted wood body with leather hood, wool cloth upholstery and four iron shod wheels.
Measurements
179 x 447.5 x 175cm (5ft 10 1/2in x 14ft 8in x 5ft 9in)
Place of origin
Derby
Order this imageCollection
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
NT 285885
Caption
This is an unusual and very interesting carriage. By changing the arrangement and position of the seat(s) in the back of the body, it can be converted to any of three different carriage types; a Stanhope Phaeton, a Four Wheeled Dog Cart and a Wagonette. Therefore this is a very versatile carriage.
Summary
Convertible Phaeton by Holmes of Derby. Convertible Phaeton (four wheels) for a single or pair of horses. This is an unusual carriage as it can be converted into three different carriages, a Stanhope Phaeton, a Four Wheeled Dog Cart and a Wagonette. It is sprung on elliptic springs. The spindle-back driver's seat is lined with wood inside and lacks a cushion but has detachable squabs for a front passenger. The rear seats are vis-a-vis, without cushions but with a padded back rail covered with dark blue cloth. The seat panels are detachable for access. Painted in a livery of dark blue with red lining.
Full description
This is an unusual and very interesting carriage. By changing the arrangement and position of the seat(s) in the back of the body, it can be converted to any of three different carriage types. In the configuration as displayed, with the groom’s seat facing forward, it is a Stanhope phaeton. If the seat is reversed and the tailboard is lowered to form a footboard, it becomes a four-wheeled dog cart. With the tailboard closed, and two seats fitted longitudinally with their backs to the roadsides, it becomes a wagonette, with access through the door in the middle of the tailboard. Built by Holmes of Derby this ia a very useful and versitile carriage.
Marks and inscriptions
On front nearside axle cap.: HOLMES LONDON DERBY On front offside axle cap.: HOLMES LONDON DERBY On rear nearside axle cap.: HOLMES LONDON DERBY On rear offside axle cap.: HOLMES LONDON DERBY
Makers and roles
Holmes of Derby , coach builder
References
National Trust (Great Britain), Calke Abbey., 1989, NT Book of the House, first edition 1989. Section on The Carriages by C J Nicholson in Chapter Four The Contents of the House. Carriage Driving, Carriage Driving Feb-March 1990, pp. 8-11. The Carriages at Calke Abbey by C J Nicholson.