Casgliadau Arlein

These types of boarded chairs for young children were developed from the 1700s and used in Wales throughout the 1800s. They were like portable nurseries: the child could be restrained in the chair with the use of a bar that ran from one side to the next. Underneath the seat there was space to place a hot brick to keep the baby warm and also there was a hole for a chamberpot. Many were made with a play table or feeding tray and they could be easily carried from one room to the next using the carrying handle. Some could also be rocked.

Child's rocking chair and commode, carved with heart and comma motifs on back, boarded construction; one side of crest missing; removable seat.