The Paddi Garment
Nappy
1949-1959 (manufactured)
1949-1959 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Due to the ephemeral nature of these nappies it is quite rare to find them complete in their packaging. This pack is part of a two part disposable nappy. This nappy was designed by Valerie Hunter-Gordon, she was a mother of three and married to a soldier. She had looked to find something suitable for her children as an alternative to the traditional terry nappy but unable to find anything she designed her own system. She started to make these for friends and family at home on her domestic sewing machine and before long had made about 400. She went on to find a company Robinson & Sons to produce her product, signing an agreement on the 8th November 1949. This product was to change the lives of mother’s moving to a more disposable approach to rising their children, though this did come at a cost that some mothers were unable to afford. But it was a good time for the product just after the Second World War and there was a change in attitudes towards women. There were also many advertising campaigns in the fifties promoting the modern household and a modern gadget/methods of housekeeping. They demonstrated the Paddi Pads at the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show in 1952. The company sold 750,000 packs by the end of the year. It was a slow revolution but by 1960 sales had reached six million. The Paddi Pads remained popular until the invention of the all-in-one nappy. Though many British mother’s stuck to traditional methods, in 1975 less than 10% of nappy changes were made using disposables of any kind compared to 40% Italy and Germany, 70% France and 99% in Sweden.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 4 parts.
|
Title | The Paddi Garment (manufacturer's title) |
Brief description | Paddi Garment, boxed, plastic over cover for a reusable nappy, made in England, 1949-1959 |
Dimensions |
|
Production type | Mass produced |
Credit line | Given by Susan McKean |
Summary | Due to the ephemeral nature of these nappies it is quite rare to find them complete in their packaging. This pack is part of a two part disposable nappy. This nappy was designed by Valerie Hunter-Gordon, she was a mother of three and married to a soldier. She had looked to find something suitable for her children as an alternative to the traditional terry nappy but unable to find anything she designed her own system. She started to make these for friends and family at home on her domestic sewing machine and before long had made about 400. She went on to find a company Robinson & Sons to produce her product, signing an agreement on the 8th November 1949. This product was to change the lives of mother’s moving to a more disposable approach to rising their children, though this did come at a cost that some mothers were unable to afford. But it was a good time for the product just after the Second World War and there was a change in attitudes towards women. There were also many advertising campaigns in the fifties promoting the modern household and a modern gadget/methods of housekeeping. They demonstrated the Paddi Pads at the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show in 1952. The company sold 750,000 packs by the end of the year. It was a slow revolution but by 1960 sales had reached six million. The Paddi Pads remained popular until the invention of the all-in-one nappy. Though many British mother’s stuck to traditional methods, in 1975 less than 10% of nappy changes were made using disposables of any kind compared to 40% Italy and Germany, 70% France and 99% in Sweden. |
Collection | |
Accession number | B.112:1 to 4-2014 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | May 27, 2015 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSON