Design for Brougham 1865 - 1875

Here is an anonymous design for a brougham, made with pen and ink and watercolor on paper. During the 19th century, the rise of industrialization and urbanization deeply affected social structures and individual identities. This design provides a glimpse into the world of carriage design. The brougham carriage was a symbol of status and luxury during the Victorian era. In a society marked by strict class divisions, owning a private carriage like the brougham signified wealth and belonging to the upper echelons. Think about how mobility and transportation were historically linked to class. The design seems to maintain traditional representations of wealth and social standing, yet it also hints at the emerging possibilities for individual expression through customized design. The very act of designing such a carriage—whether for personal use or commercial production—involved navigating the complex interplay between aesthetic preferences, social expectations, and economic realities.