Historical information

Scouring is the process that removes wool wax and other unwanted products from wool. Wool is washed in a hot detergent solution. It moves through a series of scouring bowls and is then rinsed and dried. Careful handling and washing preserves the strength and softness of wool.

If the wool contains lots of seeds and other vegetable matter, it must be cabonized. This means it is treated with a solution of sulpheric acid and then baked at high temperature to remove impurities.

The disused scouring water left-over from this process was often let drain into rivers and watercourses causing pollution. Many of Geelong's wool scours along the Barwon River were closed due to environmental damage.

The race system on this bowl is not the original it has been modified with a variation of the harrow system. Used at E.P. Robinson South Geelong from c.1890-1970.

Physical description

Scouring bowl.

Inscriptions & markings

J. Dyson & Sons Pty Ltd, Geelong