Baby Walker
1700-1750 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Walking aids for young children have existed in Europe since the Middle Ages. The earliest type was a railed panel or an enclosed frame on wheels, designed to be leant on by the child. By the 17th century this design had developed into a structure that enclosed the child firmly, more like a modern baby walker.
This walker has a hexagonal undercarriage and a hexagonal ‘tray’ with a piecrust edge. The centre is voided and reinforced with a raised circular edge to form a body hole. The ‘tray’ opens as two semi-hexagonal flaps, secured when shut by two wooden hasps beneath.
This walker has a hexagonal undercarriage and a hexagonal ‘tray’ with a piecrust edge. The centre is voided and reinforced with a raised circular edge to form a body hole. The ‘tray’ opens as two semi-hexagonal flaps, secured when shut by two wooden hasps beneath.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Mahogany and painted ash |
| Brief description | Baby walker of mahogany and ash wood made in England between 1700 and 1750 |
| Physical description | Baby walker, of mahogany and ash. It has a hexagonal undercarriage of ash wood painted reddish brown, and consisting of six cylindrical feet on brass pivot castors, linked by turned stretchers which support six spokes inclined inwards. On top of this is mounted a hexagonal 'tray' with a piecrust edge; the centre is voided and reinforced with a raised circular edge to form a body-hole. The 'tray' opens as two semi-haxagonal flaps, secured when shut by two wooden hasps beneath. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by Mr B. Middleditch |
| Summary | Walking aids for young children have existed in Europe since the Middle Ages. The earliest type was a railed panel or an enclosed frame on wheels, designed to be leant on by the child. By the 17th century this design had developed into a structure that enclosed the child firmly, more like a modern baby walker. This walker has a hexagonal undercarriage and a hexagonal ‘tray’ with a piecrust edge. The centre is voided and reinforced with a raised circular edge to form a body hole. The ‘tray’ opens as two semi-hexagonal flaps, secured when shut by two wooden hasps beneath. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.36-1937 |
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| Record created | February 5, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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