This type of chair on wheels was devised by James Heath of Bath in around 1750. It would have been mainly used by invalids and the elderly to travel around the spa town. The Science Museum in London dated this particular machine, from the type of springing and general style of the body and wheels, some time between 1780 and 1840. This Bath Chair has two wheels joined by an axle beneath the seat, with a small pivoting wheel in front supporting it. The chair would have been pushed from behind and steered by the long rod connected to the front wheel. The chairs occupant would have guided the direction of travel. The whole design was built around flowing lines. This type of chair was extremely popular during Victorian times and would have been used often at seaside and spa resorts.
Victorian Bath Chair
Contributed by Tenby Museum
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- H:
- 110cm
- W:
- 81cm
- D:
- 208cm
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