Including traditional wooden cradles, 18th century baby walkers and chairs that double up as toys, the Museum’s furniture collection spans the decorative, the practical and the fun. The oldest piece of furniture is a high chair from 1640 but the main body of the collection dates from the 18th century right up to the 21st century.
Cherrywood cradle, 1780
This cherrywood rocking cradle of 1780-99 is an example of 'Pennsylvanian Dutch' work.
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Deportment chair, 1835
This deportment chair is also known as the Astley Cooper Chair. Its purpose was to correct a child's posture.
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'Tripp Trapp' chair
The modern beech wood 'Tripp Trapp' high chair is adjustable so that it can be used throughout a child's life.
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Dolls' house wardrobe, 1712
At first glance this object looks just like a doll's house. But it's much more unusual - it is in fact a wardrobe...
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Weighing and exercise chair, 1880
Not just a highchair, but a piece of furniture which would also weigh and exercise a child.
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High chair
This baby's high chair, of turned wood, is mounted on four metal wheels. It has an adjustable tray that can be swung over to the back when not in use.
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Child's commode chair and chamber pot
Until modern ideas about food developed in the 1920s, many children had a very monotonous diet...
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The V&A online shop stocks a distinctive and refreshingly different range for children, big and little, then and now, including toys, games, books and accessories.
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