Clothes Iron
Object detail
Accession number
2007.155
Production period
Description
A cast iron metal black coloured clothes iron. Heating pad on bottom to be heated by means of fire, cylindrical handle for use.
Brief History
Pans filled with hot coals were used in China for pressing clothes over a thousand years ago. In the late Middle Ages simple flat irons appeared. These were heated by a fire or on a stove. Not all were made of metal – some were stone, and earthenware and terracotta were also used.
The disadvantage of the metal irons was that their handles got very hot, so had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag, making using them rather unwieldy. Wooden handles were then used and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the United States.
The irons had to be kept very clean and oiled to stop them from rusting. Ironing was a hot and arduous job and constant care was needed to make sure that the iron was hot enough to press but not so hot that it scorched the cloth. They were often used in pairs, with one heating up on the fire or stove while the other was being used. The iron was rubbed on a pillow before ironing clothes to make sure it was clean enough to use. This also reduced the heat when it became too hot.
The disadvantage of the metal irons was that their handles got very hot, so had to be gripped in a pad or thick rag, making using them rather unwieldy. Wooden handles were then used and in 1870 a detachable handle was patented in the United States.
The irons had to be kept very clean and oiled to stop them from rusting. Ironing was a hot and arduous job and constant care was needed to make sure that the iron was hot enough to press but not so hot that it scorched the cloth. They were often used in pairs, with one heating up on the fire or stove while the other was being used. The iron was rubbed on a pillow before ironing clothes to make sure it was clean enough to use. This also reduced the heat when it became too hot.
Media/Materials
Other name
flat iron
Credit Line
Clothes Iron, 2007.155. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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