Ironing is the use of a machine, usually a heated tool (an iron), to remove wrinkles from fabric. The heating is around 180–220 °Celsius, depending on the fabric type. Ironing works by loosening the bonds between the long-chain polymer molecules in the fibres of the material. While the molecules are hot, the fibres are straightened by the weight of the iron, and they hold their new shape as they cool. Some fabrics, such as cotton, require the addition of water to loosen the intermolecular bonds. Many modern fabrics developed in or after the mid-twentieth century require little or no ironing. Permanent press clothing was developed to reduce the ironing necessary by combining Wrinkle resistant polymers with cotton. The first known use of the iron for removing wrinkles in clothes is known to have occurred in China, and the electric iron was invented in 1882, by Henry W. Seeley. Seeley patented his "electric flat iron" on June 6, 1882 (U.S. Patent no. 259,054). On 15 February 1858 W. Vandenburg and J. Harvey patented an ironing table that facilitated pressing sleeves and pants legs. A truly portable folding ironing board was first patented in Canada in 1875 by John B. Porter. The invention also included a removable press board used for sleeves. In 1892 Sarah Boone obtained a patent in the United States for improvements to the ironing board, allowing for better quality ironing of shirt sleeves.A domestic item with an interesting history of development, significant as it shows the progress and the evolution of a domestic item designed to make housework more efficient.Wooden Ironing board with press board for sleeves, board is folding.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, domestic item, ironing board, ironing, clothes, wrinkles in clothes, henry w. seeley, w. vandenburg and j. harvey

Foldable padded ironing board designed for use on a table. Label: "Foldable Ironing Board. Patented No. 111,674 - 11/9.39"ironing board, sleeve ironing board

Padded ironing board on flat wooden plinth

Thin wooden strip of pine with metal attachment

Part of a display by the Queensland Blind Institution (?) as part of a exhibition. Neither the full name of the organisation nor the exhibition are known, however a sign on the opposite wall reads "Government Exhibit 1962". Cane chairs, an ironing board cover, coat hangers, a cane cot and a cane screen are viewable to the far right of the image. The remaining view is of an empty space awaiting exhibitors.1 x B/W photograph of exhibition spaceC2-4138 Reproduced by Photo Section, Survey Office, Dept. Public Lands, QLD.queensland industrial institute for the blind, fundraising

Wooden ironing boards for use by Tailors L7.1 Sleeve board in shape of a sleeve, 67 cm long L7.2 Trouser board, 70 cm long, rounded at end. L7.3 107 cm long, sider on one end