The Secret Life of the Home
On Display
At the end of the 1940s / early 1950s, a number of large regional television transmitters were built to extend the BBC's television service across the UK. As each region used a different frequency, receiver manufacturers produced a different version
Child's china teaplate, with cartoon bearing the legend "2ZY Manchester calling"; 1922-1923
Automatic electric toaster with two slots so that each bread slice is simultaneously toasted on both sides, with timer dial, encased in chrome-plated steel with pale blue panels, by Morphy-Richards, English, 1956-1966.
Example of original pattern Singer sewing machine of 1851, made c. 1853. This lock-stitch machine is one of the first built by Isaac Merritt Singer (1811-1875) in accordance with his patent of 1851. This machine was originally called the 'Jenny Lind'
Primax loud speaker (sectioned)
Sony 'Stowaway' stereo cassette-recorder, 1980, model TCS-300. This was one of the earliest cassette players intended to be used while on the move. The small size was made possible by omitting a loudspeaker, listening being via headphones. The equipm
Micro Perophone radiogramophone, 1932, restored 1968. 5-valve receiver with 10 inch 78 rpm turntable mounted vertically where speaker would normally be; hinges down for use. Basically a Regentone RG670 radio with Simpson's direct-drive synchronous tu
Hoover "Junior" model 375, 1937
Sectioned electric copper kettle, the first type of kettle to be fitted with a totally immersed heating element, thereby doubling its efficiency, provisional patent no. 33221/ 21, by Bulpitt and Sons Ltd., Birmingham, 1921-1922
Gas cooker designed by James Sharp (a pioneer of domestic gas cooking technology) and manufactured by W. M. Lankester and Son of Southampton, sheet iron construction, top box missing, 1845-1855