Classycanopies

Over the August Bank Holiday this year, I exhibited two of my precious prams at Onslow Steam Rally, near Shrewsbury, the Marmet Queen and the Wilson Egremont but I didn't walk around the arena with them. Instead I pushed Jan Oakes' 1905 summer pram, wearing an Edwardian creation which I had made for myself, including a large feathered hat, which was really enjoyable to make, after collecting loads of feathers, large ones, small ones, and just about anything I could lay my hands on, including some beautiful ostrich plumes. The fabulous parasol was made by Alison Phillips who is the Senior Costume Interpreter at Ironbridge Gorge Museum, and with whom I am honoured to work.

Jan Matthews dressed in her 1950s outfit pushing my Marmet Queen

Jan Oakes with her 5-wheeled Victorian pram

Sandra Hilton on her way back from the Arena with her Marmet Queen

I remember the village shows and parades when I was a child and everyone seemed to be dressed in costume, it was such fun and I thought it would be interesting to show everyone what the people would have been wearing when they took their babies out in their prams.

Recently, I have added a couple of more aged prams to my collection! One is a Sol Peram from around 1915 and has celluloid wheelguards. It is in need of some renovation but I hope to be able to tackle that over the winter months. I have also found a French baby's pram from around 1880 which is delightful. It also needs some renovation but the bodywork is pretty good and I may leave it as it is and just paint the chassis and wheels.