Blacksmiths started forging simple flat irons in the late Middle Ages. Plain metal irons were heated by a fire or on a stove. Some were made of stone. Earthenware and terracotta were also used, from the Middle East to France and the Netherlands. Flat irons were also called sad irons or smoothing irons. Metal handles had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag. Some irons had cool wooden handles and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the US. This stayed cool while the metal bases were heated and the idea was widely imitated. Cool handles stayed even cooler in "asbestos sad irons". The sad in sad iron (or sadiron) is an old word for solid, and in some contexts this name suggests something bigger and heavier than a flat iron. Goose or tailor's goose was another iron name, and this came from the goose-neck curve in some handles. In Scotland people spoke of gusing (goosing) irons. At least two irons were needed on the go together for an effective system, one would be in use, and the other re-heating. Large households with servants had a special ironing-stove for this purpose. Some were fitted with slots for several irons, and a water-jug on top.An early domestic object that gives an insight into how the ironing of clothes was done before the electric type irons we use and take for granted today. Flat iron cast iron with stand None item too badly corrodedflagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, iron, flat iron, laundry, clothes ironing, sad iron, tailors goose

Item used at Tatura Camp 3 for ironing garmentsSilver colour metal, black wooden handle, rather ornate. Head and shoulders figure of man in a top hat opens hinged lid on iron. Slits for ventilation around the base.iron, camp 3, tatura, laundry, domestic, kurt beilharz

Wooden washboard with corrugated glass insert.washing, laundry, domestic chores, handmade item

A large device for drying laundry consisting of two rollers between which the wet laundry is squeezed (or wrung); a mangle. American English uses the term 'wringer' whereas UK English uses the term 'mangle'. Later devices were typically electrified.Intact item of household (laundry) equipment.Domestic laundry equipment. Wringer of Mangle. Two rollers in Metal frame. Hand operated."ACME M 14 A WRINGER / ROLLS 14" / ROLLS 14" "THE ACME BRITISH MADE WRINGER / THE WRINGER WITH THE FIVE YEARS GUARANTEE" "USE THIS BOARD FOR MANGLING ONLY / IT FITS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WRINGER / CLOTHES SHOULD BE FOLDED CAREFULLY AND MANGLED SLIGHTLY DAMP. EVEN IF YOU ARE GOING TO IRON IT WILL SAVE HALF THE LABOUR IF YOU MANGLE FIRST." "TESTED AND APPROVED SERIAL No.166 / GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE LONDON / Conducted By GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE MAGAZINE." acme wringer, mangle, laundry equipment

Item of portable laundry equipment that might have multiple purposes including washing infants.Painted (exterior) galvanised iron oval wash tub. The portable tub has two handles and an overhanging rim.laundry equipment, wash tubs, galvanised iron household objects

Wooden framed wash board with zinc coated corrugated steel board insert. Wooden frame consists of two legs three supporting wooden rods on back side of tin board and top and bottom wooden slates. Tin board has small holes all throughout. On wooden top the "Advantages of the board" are printed.Printed on wood on top of back side of board. "Advantages of this board. 1. No "Protector" is Needed. The water goes through the holes and never wets the apron of the operator. 2. The holes enable you to rapidly force both air and suds through the fabric, and so hasten the cleaning process. 3. The nicely "arched" surface is much easier to wash on than the orsinary flat surface. 4. Is, light, strong, durable, always retains its shape and never sags. 5. Has no board back to retain moisture and corrode the zinc. 6. Is very easy on the clothes. Do not have to rub them all to pieces to get them clean. Soon pays for itself on this count alone. 7. Is not only THE FASTEST WORKER IN USE, but is already coming into more general demand than any other wash board in the world. 8. If the saving of a womens strength is worth anything the labour saving qualities of this board would make it well worth $1.00. Always RUB LIGHTLY and find how easily the board itself will do a part of the work. TAYLOR, SCdomestic items, laundering, advantages of this wash board, wash board, laundry, cleaning, clothes, taylor, scoot and co., toronto, canada, washing.

A significant household item used in the process of washing clothes by Melvin Newton Lovell who had started in 1869, as a young carpenter and later he became a successful businessman and manufacturer of household items.Small home appliance.A mangle or wringer is a mechanical laundry aid consisting of two rollers in a sturdy frame, connected by cogs and powered by a hand crank.domestic object, laundry, melton newton lovell

This iron was used by women to press the clothes from the mid 19th century. Coal embers were put inside, heating the base of the iron. Small bellows could be used to fire up the embers in order to keep the iron hot.This item is significant as it represents the appliances used by women from the mid 19th century until the advent of electricity.Brass iron with hinged lid, curved funnel and wooden handle with asbestos standdomestic object, iron, laundry, appliance

BHS CollectionSoftcover book with coloured photograph of a large domestic fireplace with various cooking implements. Contains 32 pages of black and white photographs and diagrams of items used in the home from the Middle Ages to the Victorian Era.Jacqueline Fearndomestic equipment, cooking utensils, cooking methods, home appliances, laundry, lighting, eating utensils

This handmade basket is typical of baskets used for domestic purposes for many years in the early to mid 20th century. It was produced in Australia by Graf's. Wicker baskets were popular at this time as they were light but durable. They were made in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including laundry baskets, storage items in the home, in shops and by travelling hawkers. Wicker was also a common material used for furniture. Vintage baskets by Graf's are still in demand by collectors. Franz and Anneliese Graf arrived in Australia about 1960 and spent time at the Bonegilla Migrant Camp where one of their sons Arnold was born. They moved to Melbourne and began Graf’s basket making business soon after. The basket in our Collection brings the Graf story full circle back to its Australian roots.This item is significant as it is representative of basketry items popular throughout Australia in the 1960s. This basket was hand-made in Australia and used by a resident of the Wodonga District.A woven cane shopping basket with a wooden base and single bamboo handle. The basket is made from mixed weaving of cane and light-blue strips. Underneath basket: Original GRAF'S Basket Hand made in AUSTRALIA On metal attached to handle: GRAF’S HANDLE BINDING, PAT.PEND vintage cane wear, vintage basket, graf baskets, basketware australia