































Known as the prototype or the original Brougham carriage, a comparatively low, light and manoeuvrable design of closed passenger-carrying vehicle drawn by a single horse.
The carriage was designed for and made popular by Henry Brougham, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain 1830–1834 and political activist for education and legal reform and the abolition of slavery. Lord Brougham was also a co-founder and prolific contributor to the Edinburgh Review, one of the most influential publications of the 19th century, covering topics from Science to poetry. The Brougham carriage and the Clarence, developed from it, were the most popular type of closed carriage built. They influenced the design of other carriage styles throughout the rest of the 19th century and even cars into the 20th century.
The brougham marked a significant change in the design of horse-drawn carriages. London coach-builder Robinson & Cook built the carriage in 1838 to the specifications of Lord Henry Brougham, after whom it is named. Unlike the high, heavy, bulky coaches of the time, the brougham was a light and compact carriage that could be drawn by a single horse. Cheaper to buy and ideal for travelling around busy streets, the new carriage became an instant success with middle-class and wealthy families. Later carriage styles and even early car designs were influenced by the brougham.
The carriage was designed for and made popular by Henry Brougham, Britain’s Lord Chancellor from 1830 to 1834. As a member of parliament he campaigned for education, legal reform and the abolition of slavery. Lord Brougham was also a co-founder and prolific contributor to the Edinburgh Review, one of the most influential publications of the 19th century, covering topics from science to poetry.
On display
Science Museum: Making the Modern World Gallery
If you are visiting to see this object, please contact us in advance to make sure that it will be on display.
Details
- Category:
- Road Transport
- Object Number:
- 1895-131
- Materials:
- copper alloy, faux leather, ferrous alloy, glass, ivory, leather, rubber, textiles (wool, silk, cotton) and wood
- Measurements:
-
Overall dims with traces in vertical postion: 2700 mm x 1690 mm x 3160 mm, 468 kg
Overall dims without traces (HxWxL): 1950 mm x 1690 mm x 3160 mm, 468 kg
Overall dims with traces in horzontal position: 1950 mm x 1690 mm x 4950 mm, 468 kg
- type:
- brougham carriage
- credit:
- Worshipful Company of Coachmakers & Coach Harness Makers of London
- copyright:
- Unlinked Name
Cite this page
Rights
We encourage the use and reuse of our collection data.
Data in the title, made, maker and details fields are released under Creative Commons Zero
Descriptions and all other text content are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence
Download
Download catalogue entry as json
View manifest in IIIF viewer
Add to Animal Crossing Art Generator
Download manifest IIIF
Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.