Objektnummer
81/30
Ophav
Beskrivelse
Sewing machine made by Bing Werke, of Bavaria, model number 1-10/9232. The machine is contained in its original cardboard box, with paper instructions in many European languages and a metal clamp. This small machine was designed for use by a child. It is a single thread chain-stitch machine. The machine is black with gold painted decorations. Part of the Barnett Collection (81/25-81/143) which illustrates the history of the sewing machine. Nothing is known about the history of this specific machine.
Invented in the early 19th century, the sewing machine sped up the process of making clothes both domestically and commercially. Within the home, it reduced the amount of time women spent tailoring clothes for their families, enabling them to craft more garments for sale. Due to the sewing machine, the clothing industry flourished, with different fashions becoming available for the middle classes. However, workers did not see an increase in wages and they suffered in dreadful working conditions. The demand for better wages formed an important arm of the suffragette movement.
Fysisk beskrivelse
1 sewing machine in box with lid: metal, cardboard
Arkivhistorik
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Sewing machine // Accession number: 81/30 // Classification: // Negative number: // Acquisition method: // Acquired from, date: The Barnett Collection // Store: // Condition: // Recorder, date: DJE, 21.7.81 // Description: Bing sewing machine 1-10/9232 // [ink sketch] international trade mark, Bavaria // contained in original cardboard box with instructions // Dimensions: // Associated information: // References:', Citation in publication [E.J. Barnett, ‘Sewing machines: a catalogue of the Barnett collection’ ([Reading]: University of Reading, 1982] - '44 // Bavarian child's machine // These children's machines were made in Bavaria, probably between the two World Wars. They are single thread chain-stitch machines which work moderately well.' (p.33), Barnett Collection Review (2011) - 'This machine was designed for use by a child. It came in a cardboard box and was probably sold fairly cheaply. The instruction booklet is in the box and appears to feature a number of European languages including German, French, English, Italian, and Spanish. The accession file includes an illustration of the company logo.', MERL Miscellaneous Note - Founded in 1866 by Ignaz and Adolf Bing, Bing Werke (or ‘Bing Works’) produced a wide range of consumer goods including kitchen tools and stereo cameras. They eventually came to focus on toys and grew substantially, increasing from 500 employees in 1885 to 18000 in the 1920s. Bing marketed itself as the largest toy factory in the world and had branches in many countries. They particularly specialised in mechanical toys, making them well suited to the manufacture of children’s sewing machines. Due to the Great Depression and political change, the company closed in 1932. [Added by Tim Jerrome for the Barnett Project, 2022]
Produktionssted
Bavaria [state]
Objektnavn
Materiale
Mål
- Length 210 mm
- Width 130 mm