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Not currently on display at the V&A

Nonsmoker

Ash Tray
1932-1939 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Ash tray resembling a wooden barrel, made from brown Bakelite. The object bulges at its middle and has moulded hoop details. There are three rests on top for cigarettes, surrounding a small, circular opening. Inside is a brass chute which directs the ash into the base of the barrel. The two halves fit together with a screw thread.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Titles
  • Nonsmoker (manufacturer's title)
  • The Velos Ash Barrel (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Compression-moulded Bakelite, brass
Brief description
Ashtray; 'Nonsmoker' / 'Ash Barrel'; Velos
Physical description
Ash tray resembling a wooden barrel, made from brown Bakelite. The object bulges at its middle and has moulded hoop details. There are three rests on top for cigarettes, surrounding a small, circular opening. Inside is a brass chute which directs the ash into the base of the barrel. The two halves fit together with a screw thread.
Dimensions
  • Height: 8cm
  • Diameter: 7.5cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
  • ' "NONSMOKER" / THE VELOS ASH BARREL' (Moulded inscription on base.)
  • 'No. 1350 / PATENTS PENDING / REGD. DESIGN 784762 / VELOS / TRADE MARK / MADE IN ENGLAND' (Moulded inscription on base.)
Object history
Fred Bulmer, a collector based in Leeds, Yorkshire, offered his collection of ‘plastic antiques’ to the V&A in late 1982. The Museum chose to purchase 59 objects from Bulmer the following year (for acquisition papers see MA/1/B3395). The objects were divided among the Museum’s collections according to object type: Furniture and Woodwork taking 26 objects (W.50 to 75-1983), Metalwork 18 objects (M.49 to 66-1984) and Ceramics and Glass 14 objects (C.41 to 54-1984).
Subject depicted
Collection
Accession number
M.65-1984

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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