Parisian phaeton
Fuller of Bath
Category
Carriages & other vehicles
Date
Unknown
Materials
Painted wood body with wool cloth upholstery and four iron shod wheels.
Measurements
151.5 x 254.5 x 134cm (4ft 11 2/3in x 8ft 4 1/4in x 4ft 4 3/4in)
Place of origin
Bath
Order this imageCollection
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
NT 285887
Caption
Parisian Phaetons were slightly awkward to drive as the driver (most probably a lady) would have infant passengers facing her. The reins would run above the childrens heads and be supported on a high rein rail. With a body low to the ground and plenty of leg room, these carriages were easy for ladies to access with their large fashionable skirts of the late 19th century.
Summary
Parisian Phaeton built by S & A Fuller of Bath. Parisian Phaeton (four wheels) for a single pony. The carriage has an angular cut-under body with no curves in the profile sprung on elliptic springs. There are wooden sides and seat back to the principle seat. The front seat uses the high dashboard as a seat back and has seat rails at its ends. The seats are upholstered in blue cloth. Painted in a livery of black with red lining.
Full description
This is a very simple, but pretty and nicely proportioned little carriage. It has an angular cut-under body with no curves in the profile, wooden body sides and seat back to the principle seat. The front seat uses the high dashboard as a seat back and has seat rails at its ends. This phaeton was built by a premier coachbuilder, S & A Fuller. The high rein rail would keep the reins away from the chrildren sitting on the front seat. This carriage has quite a cosy seating arrangement.
Marks and inscriptions
On nearside front axle cap.: S & A FULLER BATH On offside front axle cap.: S & A FULLER BATH On offside rear axle cap.: S & A FULLER BATH On nearside rear axle cap.: J HEARD?
Makers and roles
Fuller of Bath, coach builder