A lifetime collection of vintage prams goes under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers this month <Sept 28>, including the royal favourite, Silver Cross.
Collected over 50 years by Brian and Shirley Bromwich from Coventry, one ornate model dates back to 1878, while another is a 1930s art deco pram from France.
But the jewel in the crown is a Millson Prince, a near-identical model to that used by generations of royal children – including King Charles III and, more recently, Princess Charlotte.
In total the collection could notch up £10,000.
Great grandmother Shirley, 87, fell in love with prams as a child. She said: “I don’t know what it was about them but if a relative or anyone in the village had one I was just fascinated.”
Their collection, many of which date from the heyday of the British pram in the ‘50s and ‘60s, includes models by the finest makers including Marmet, Manton, Osnath and the “Rolls Royce” of sluxury pram – the Silver Cross.
Shirley bought her first pram, a navy-blue Silver Cross, for her son, Martin in 1960.
She said: “It cost £36, and I remember my mother telling me it would be bad luck to buy it too early, but I just couldn’t wait to push it up and down the hall.”
It was the start of a huge collection – with each pram lovingly and meticulously restored to its original grandeur.
Husband Brian, 87, who worked for tractor manufacturer Massey Ferguson, was a car restorer in his spare time with a passion for Austin 7s.
He said: “I had my cars, and Shirley wanted her own thing, which soon became my thing. I was happy to help. The craftsmanship of the prams, especially the early ones, is tremendous. I love to see the Princess of Wales using the older models, keeping up the tradition.”
Now with six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, the couple has made the difficult choice to downsize the collection, which they keep in a large garden shed.
Brian said: “We have taken part in pram pushes around the UK but now it’s time to sell the collection. It is a sad decision, but we have only ever been the prams’ caretakers and it’s time to pass them on to new owners.”
Hansons Auctioneers’ toy and doll expert Janet Rawnsley author of the book, The British Pram, said: “Many of these prams are museum-quality pieces that reflect the evolution of early childhood transport. The Silver Cross models embody timeless British luxury and royal heritage. It is a magical opportunity to purchase a vintage pram in wonderful condition to carry your own little ones, or as a fabulous piece to store dolls and teddy bears.”
Vintage prams are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, driven by nostalgia, sustainability and, for royal watchers, a chance to parent like a princess.
The Facebook group ‘Silver Cross vintage coach-built prams’ has 30,000 UK members and Silver Cross still produces luxury heritage models.
Auction Details
Auction: Super Sunday Bishton Hall Lifestyle Auction
Auction date: 28th September 2025 | 10:30am
Location: Hansons Staffordshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
