Historical information

The Churchill Island collection includes objects from the 18th and 20th centuries. The collection is presented in sets and series, of which this object belongs to the National Trust sub-collection.

Significance

Wool presses were used in shearing sheds around the country to create bales of wool by hand in preparation for transport to the wool markets for purchase and distribution. Bales have been used to store and were a standard trading unit for wool for centuries. A standard wool bale holds about 60 compressed wool fleeces and weighs a minimum of 120 kgs. The square shape and weight enabled them to be stacked on wagons or in warehouses, and a large pack horse could carry one on each side.

Physical description

Large, retangular upright metal wool press, unpainted with some surface rust.