For over a century two very rare, historically important, and beautiful carriages - a Post Phaeton and Landau - have been associated with an individual who, it seems, was not their original owner. Through recent observation, analysis, research and consultation, the carriages now have a clear association with John Baskerville (1707-75), japanner, printer, and type founder of Birmingham. 

The carriages, in style and decoration, do not sit within the norm of British coach making of the mid-eighteenth century. Compared with other English-built carriages of the time, they are more refined and the intricate paintings on the panels demonstrate the influence of international decorative design. An association with John Baskerville makes sense of their design and decoration. He was a man of great artistic appreciation, familiar with international tastes and design. His home, Easy Hill, was one of the most luxurious and modern houses in Birmingham and his carriages were equally unusual and drew comments from his contemporaries. 

The Landau and Post Phaeton are the only objects to survive that were personal effects of Baskerville and they stand as distinct representations of his personal, flamboyant, and exotic taste. 

The reattribution of the two carriages, combined with recent research of their history, has opened up new insights into Baskerville’s life allowing a closer examination of how he wished to represent himself in public and explore his influence on the applied arts and coach making of the mid 1700s.

Organised by the British Carriage Foundation in conjunction with the Baskerville Society this one-day conference will present the research around the carriages and provide the opportunity of a close-up view of the two horse-drawn carriages in the Nottingham Industrial Museum.