Collections Online

Gig was a general term used for a variety of cheap, light, two-wheeled carriages, pulled by a single horse. The first gig was introduced in 1791 and they continued until the 1900s. Originally it was a light-weight version of a market cart. From about 1810 onwards they were much better designed and became closer in standards to those of a gentleman’s carriage. A variety of designs were to evolve, some named after their builders, or where they were built, like this ‘Portmadoc’ Gig. The wheel hubs bear the name of the builder, Charles Hughes and Co., Cambrian Carriage Works. It was built circa 1900. The gig could carry a driver and passenger, seated against a vertical upholstered backrest. The position of the seats could be adjusted back and forth. Beneath was a luggage compartment. Suspension was provided by elliptical springs on both sides, suspended from another spring across the back of the gig.