Sewing Machine
ca.1875-80 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is one of the first patented sewing machines. It has an elevated shelf to support the fabric being sewn. Such machines were marketed as essential and easy-to-use accessories for the organised housewife. An expensive machine like this would have taken pride of place in a middle-class drawing room. It is decorated with a fashionable technique called ‘japanning’ – a type of painted lacquer.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Cast iron, japanned in black and gold |
| Brief description | Sewing machine, cast iron, japanned in black and gold, England, about 1875-80 |
| Physical description | Sewing machine, cast iron, japanned in black and gold, with a label, engraved 'The arm and platform machine London .E.Ward's patent'. The side facing the sewer is covered with ornament, unlike the back, which is plain. |
| Credit line | Maja Schalburg Bequest |
| Object history | The functional aspects of the sewing machine do not result in an easy or regular shape for decoration, yet the side facing the sewer is covered with ornament, unlike the back, which is plain. Such decoration was essential if machines were to take their place in the Victorian interior. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This is one of the first patented sewing machines. It has an elevated shelf to support the fabric being sewn. Such machines were marketed as essential and easy-to-use accessories for the organised housewife. An expensive machine like this would have taken pride of place in a middle-class drawing room. It is decorated with a fashionable technique called ‘japanning’ – a type of painted lacquer. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.44:1-1991 |
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| Record created | August 24, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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