Toy deckchair

Date1970s

Object number00048264

NameDeckchair

MediumWooden, printed cotton

DimensionsOverall (upright): 265 x 315 x 161 mm, 217 g

ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Railea Don

Terms

DescriptionThis toy deckchair with an adjustible frame for different sitting positions incorporates the classic folding frame and canvas seat and backrest. The flamboyant colour of the fabric is indicative of 1970s colour trends. Advertisments for children's beach toys and novelties such as miniature furniture have appearred in trade catalogues in Australia since the beginning of the 20th century.HistoryDeckchairs are folding chairs with weather proof frames and a fabric backrest and seat. They can be made with or without arms. Deckchairs were originally created for leisure to allow passengers to relax on the deck of cruiser liners and were also used on beaches, piers, beaches and promenades at seaside resorts from the 19th century. Deckchairs are designed to be easily transportable and stackable. Originally the frames could only be locked in one position, while later designs incorporated adjustable settings to give different sitting positions. John Thomas Moore (1864-1929) took out a patent for adjustable folding chairs in 1886 and manufactured them in Macclesfield, England from 1887. While it is unclear whether deckchairs originated in North America or Britain, they were introduced to Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) cruise ships during the 1880s. Early deck chairs were made of two wooden rectangles hinged together with a third rectangle forming a delta-shaped frame. A rectangular piece of canvas, commonly olive green, was attached to the frame to form the backrest and seat. SignificanceThis deckchair is representative of children's beach themed novelty toys sold in Australia during the 20th century.