I hated the umbrella stroller when it first came out. I know . . . Owen Maclaren saved the world (or at least the world’s parents) when he invented this trim little model:
It really was a great solution for quick trips, or, as originally intended, for throwing into the overhead bin on an airplane. However, neither this version, nor the millions of super-cheap, super-flimsy ones that followed in its wake provided anything other than a cramped, bone-jarring ride.
Maclaren eventually developed more baby-friendly models, and other manufacturers jumped on the band wagon. I got used to the idea, and even used an Italian version — this Perego Bye-Bye — for The Pram Museum Heir’s portable buggy:
Maclaren’s neatly engineered buggy was the final blow for old-style mass-marketed prams and strollers, though, and I’ve never really forgiven him. Nonetheless, thousands (millions?) of New Yorkers will tell you that there’s nothing better for the subways of their fair city than the descendants of that first little mesh pushchair.
The one above is from 1966, and in MOMA’s permanent collection. Yes, we’re jealous. We don’t have one at The Pram Museum, and we want one!
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