Antique 1900 Carter London Invalid Comforts The SPHERE Victorian Print Ad

Measurements: 5 inches x 5 1/8 inches

Brand/ Business: Carter London, Showrooms at 6A Cavendish St., Portland Place, London, W

Publication: The Sphere London, January 1900

Notes: VIctorian print advertising

Subject/ topic: equipments and machines for people with disabilities during the late VIctorian era at the turn of the 20th century in London

Other details: Carter London, maker to The Queen, Prince of Wales, and Emperors of Russia and Germany.

The advertisement from “The Sphere” London, dated January 1900, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of late Victorian and early Edwardian healthcare and comfort products. It showcases the offerings of Carter’s, located at 6A New Cavendish Street, Portland Place, London, which was evidently a renowned supplier of specialised furniture and mobility aids.

Among the products advertised, we see the “Literary Machine,” which was essentially an adjustable reading desk designed to prevent the fatigue and stooping associated with prolonged reading or writing, likely a very popular item among the intellectuals and students of the time.

The “Invalid Comforts” section lists an array of health and mobility aids, such as bed lifts, walking machines, and even portable W.C.s, reflecting the era’s innovation in providing comfort and assistance to the infirm or disabled. It’s interesting to note the use of the term Invalid which was a common term at the time to refer to someone ill or disabled, though currently, this term would be considered derogatory and is not favoured anymore.

The “Self-Propelling Ambulances” could be either hand or horse-drawn, indicating a time when motorised vehicles were not yet commonplace, and horse-drawn carriages were still in use for transporting the sick or injured.

The “Bath Chairs” from £1 5s and “Spinal Carriages” suggest a focus on bathing and spinal care, with products catering to individuals with specific medical needs. The prices, quoted in the currency of the time (pounds, shillings, and pence), can give collectors and historians a reference for the economic conditions of the period.

The advert also boasts of 20 gold medals and awards, suggesting Carter’s established reputation for quality and innovation in their field. Moreover, the endorsement “Used by H.M. Government, adopted by the Hospitals Association” implies a high level of trust and prestige, signifying that these products were not only for individual consumers but also for institutional use.

This advertisement is not only an interesting piece of history but also a testament to the era’s advancements in personal healthcare and the budding industry of home comfort products. For collectors and enthusiasts of historical memorabilia, it provides a tangible connection to the everyday lives and societal norms of people at the turn of the 20th century.

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