Electric Fan Heater
ca. 1934 (designed), 1938 (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
By the mid-1930s the production of domestic electric heaters was established, but the market was geared towards wealthier homes, those who could afford the installation and running of this relatively new form of domestic power. This is a convection heater and works on the principle that cool air is drawn in via a fan, heated, and returned again to the room.
This heater was designed by Christian Barman and manufactured by the phonographic equipment company, His Master’s Voice, which later became known as HMV.
This heater was designed by Christian Barman and manufactured by the phonographic equipment company, His Master’s Voice, which later became known as HMV.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Chrome-plated metal |
| Brief description | Electric fan heater, chrome-plated metal, designed by Christian Barman, ca. 1934, manufactured by HMV 1938. |
| Physical description | Convector electric fan heater, circular in section, tapering towards top, with four chrome-plated tiers. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label |
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| Historical context | By the mid-1930s electricity was cheap enough to be the sole source of heat in wealthier homes. Heating appliances exploiting the new form of energy had few precedents: in some cases they imitated glowing coals in a fireplace while others had the heating element in full view and could be moved around the room. Convector heaters gave greater opportunities for modern treatments: this one would appear to be designed purely functionally, with four tiers deflecting the warm air down and out. Its decorative effect is dependent not upon applied ornament but its shiny, reflective surfaces and curvilinear, streamlined form. The heater, which was produced by a phonographic equipment manufacturer, also came in cream enamel finish. Christian Barman was an influential propaganist for the Modern Movement. As well as being an architect and product designer, he was editor of 'The Architectural Review' and Publicity Officer for London Transport. [Gareth Williams, 'British Design at Home', p.121] |
| Summary | By the mid-1930s the production of domestic electric heaters was established, but the market was geared towards wealthier homes, those who could afford the installation and running of this relatively new form of domestic power. This is a convection heater and works on the principle that cool air is drawn in via a fan, heated, and returned again to the room. This heater was designed by Christian Barman and manufactured by the phonographic equipment company, His Master’s Voice, which later became known as HMV. |
| Bibliographic reference | Baker, Malcolm, and Brenda Richardson (eds.), A Grand Design: The Art of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London: V&A Publications, 1999.
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.71:1 to 3-1978 |
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| Record created | February 7, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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