Learning through objects from the Islington Education Library Service’s handling collection
Charcoal Iron, Victorian, Original
As the name suggests, this Victorian iron was heated by burning charcoal inside it. Even though the charcoal iron looks more sophisticated than the simple flat iron, it was not as popular. This may have been because the charcoal iron gave off fumes, which must have been unpleasant for the woman doing the ironing.
The example shown here is made of iron and has red wooden handles, one on top for lifting it and one on the catch at the front that keeps the iron closed. Both of these handles were needed to load the iron with charcoal easily. As wood does not conduct heat well, these handles made the task of filling the iron much easier.
The holes around the base of the iron are for letting the fumes out; unfortunately they could also sometimes let out sparks and smuts - the last thing that is wanted with clean washing!
The example shown here is made of iron and has red wooden handles, one on top for lifting it and one on the catch at the front that keeps the iron closed. Both of these handles were needed to load the iron with charcoal easily. As wood does not conduct heat well, these handles made the task of filling the iron much easier.
The holes around the base of the iron are for letting the fumes out; unfortunately they could also sometimes let out sparks and smuts - the last thing that is wanted with clean washing!
Length and height:19cm
Length and height:19cm
As the name suggests, this Victorian iron was heated by burning charcoal inside it. Even though the charcoal iron looks more sophisticated than the simple flat iron, it was not as popular. This may have been because the charcoal iron gave off fumes, which must have been unpleasant for the woman doing the ironing.
The example shown here is made of iron and has red wooden handles, one on top for lifting it and one on the catch at the front that keeps the iron closed. Both of these handles were needed to load the iron with charcoal easily. As wood does not conduct heat well, these handles made the task of filling the iron much easier.
The holes around the base of the iron are for letting the fumes out; unfortunately they could also sometimes let out sparks and smuts - the last thing that is wanted with clean washing!
The example shown here is made of iron and has red wooden handles, one on top for lifting it and one on the catch at the front that keeps the iron closed. Both of these handles were needed to load the iron with charcoal easily. As wood does not conduct heat well, these handles made the task of filling the iron much easier.
The holes around the base of the iron are for letting the fumes out; unfortunately they could also sometimes let out sparks and smuts - the last thing that is wanted with clean washing!
