Exercise chair, England, 1840-1900

Made:
1840-1900 in England
English exercise chair, 19th century, Full side view English exercise chair, 19th century English exercise chair, 19th century, detail view

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English exercise chair, 19th century, Full side view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

English exercise chair, 19th century
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

English exercise chair, 19th century, detail view
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

English exercise chair, 19th century

Made from mahogany and leather and measuring just over 2 m high, this exercise chair was said to offer the equivalent of riding a horse. Known in the 1800s as a chamber horse, the user sat on the seat and bounced up and down on the concertina springs as if trotting on a horse. Horse riding was considered a form of healthy exercise. Judging by the materials and its size, the chair was probably owned by someone who was wealthy.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A57310
Materials:
frame, mahogany and upholstery, leathercloth, black
Measurements:
overall: 1245 mm x 720 mm x 705 mm,
type:
exercise chair
credit:
Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)