Pony Chaise, Late 19th Century
This pony chaise is a four wheeled, two seat carriage built in the late 19th century by Southgate Coachbuilders from Fakenham, Norfolk.
The carriage is notable for having a small, compact, low-to-the-ground frame which is placed on elliptical springs located on the back and front wheels. The seating of this carriage has dark blue cushioning, and the footrest area is partially covered with a patterned carpet. This carriage does not have any brakes. The wheels have brass hub caps which are engraved “Southgate, Fakenham”.
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Pony chaises are small frame carriages that are typically designed to be pulled by one or two ponies. This pony chaise is four-wheeled with an open top and a single seat, though there are variations of Pony chaises which have two seats, two wheels, or a hood.
‘Pony chaises’ are distinct from regular chaises (which could also be drawn by ponies) based on their much more compact and low-to-the-ground design. Pony chaises share many similarities in design to ‘bath chairs’ used by disabled, ill, injured and elderly people to get around.
The compact design of pony chaises also made them suitable for leisurely drives across short distances at slow speeds, making them popular with ladies and children.
This pony chaise was built in the late 19th century by Southgate Coachbuilders from Fakenham, Norfolk. A notable feature of this carriage is its luxurious features (its carpeted footguard and engraved wooden seating) and its tall footguard and dash. This design may suggest that this pony chaise was not driven directly by the passenger but guided by a postillion who would ride one of the ponies.
- Measurements:
-
overall: 1410 mm x 1260 mm x 2480 mm,
- Materials:
- wood (unidentified) , metal (unknown) , paint , brass (copper, zinc alloy) , rubber (unidentified) , leather , textile and osier
- Object Number:
- 1938-500/1
- type:
- chaise
- Image ©
- The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
