Child’s spinal carriage, United Kingdom, 1890-1920

Made:
1890-1920 in United Kingdom
Child's spinal carriage, from infant clinic, Bradford, English Child's spinal carriage, from infant clinic, Bradford, English

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Child's spinal carriage, from infant clinic, Bradford, English
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Child's spinal carriage, from infant clinic, Bradford, English
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Child's spinal carriage, from infant clinic, Bradford, English, 1890-1920.

People with serious illnesses or injuries affecting the neck or spine were often transported in vehicles such as these. This spinal carriage came from the Central Infant Welfare Clinic in Bradford and was specially made for children. It is essentially a large pram. It let the child be moved between rooms without changing position and it also enabled them to be moved outside. Sunlight and fresh air were known to be beneficial by this period. This was particularly true in relation to tuberculosis, which often attacked the spine.

The carriage is made of wood, with the interior padded with leather. It is raised some way off the ground. This meant the child was at the height of other children and closer to adults attending them.

Details

Category:
Orthopaedics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A602840
Materials:
carriage, wood, wheels(4) & springs, iron, tyres(4), rubber, solid and cushion covers, cloth, rubberized
type:
spinal carriage
credit:
City of Bradford Health Department