Collection Research volunteer, Sally, has recently unearthed some fascinating insights into one of our objects—a charming doll’s pram dating back to 1895. This exquisite piece was showcased in our 1001 Remarkable Objects exhibition at Powerhouse Ultimo, offering a captivating glimpse into Victorian childhood.
The doll’s pram, Object No. A10783, is a delightful example of a late Victorian child’s toy. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery, with its manufacturer unknown, suggesting it may have been crafted by a small-scale producer—a common practice of the time. This pram is a ‘carriage pram,’ featuring a bassinet made from cream-painted wicker, lined with brown holland, and supported by a collapsible hood. Mounted on a chassis with four black metal wheels and a wooden turn handle, it is a scaled-down version of a full-size baby pram, designed for children to engage in domestic play.
The evolution of the baby pram began with Williams Kents in 1733, inspired by the mechanics of horse-drawn carriages. Initially designed to be pulled by ponies, dogs, or goats, Kents’ pram was later adapted by Charles Burton in 1848 to include handles, making it more practical and safer for pushing. By the late Victorian era, miniature prams became popular as toys, reflecting both Queen Victoria’s endorsement of baby prams and the rise of the French ‘bebe’ doll. This period saw a shift from adult-like dolls to baby dolls, allowing Victorian children to practice domestic skills in their play.
The ornate design of this particular pram suggests it was owned by wealthy British children, as such opulent toys were typically affordable only to affluent families. It likely shared the nursery with other luxurious toys like dolls’ houses, rocking horses, clockwork trains, and timber Noah’s Arks. In contrast, children from poorer backgrounds made do with simpler homemade toys. However, the rise of industrialization in the late 19th century brought increased wealth to the middle class, who began investing in quality educational toys. This shift spurred growth in the toy manufacturing industry, making such items more accessible and affordable.
Today, doll’s prams continue to be popular toys, evolving to reflect contemporary styles and trends in baby prams or ‘buggies.’ This Victorian pram, with its rich history and elegant design, stands as a testament to the enduring charm and evolution of children’s toys.
We appreciate Sally’s thorough research and the invaluable insights she has provided into this cherished object in our collection.
by Karen Griffiths, Volunteer Program Officer, Researched by Collection Research volunteer, Sally.