51/142

Pipes in need of cleaning were placed in a pipe rack such as this one, which is made of wrought iron hoops joined by parallel bars. It could be hung over a fire by the ring at the top, or stood in an oven on the two feet. This rack comes from Mere in Wiltshire.

1 pipe cleaning rack: wrought iron

Citation in publication [H. J. Massingham, 'Country Relics' (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1939)] –'Into the three circles of the pipe-rack on their legged stands, one at each end, were placed more-than-mellowed churchwarden clays to be renewed as their cradle was hung over the fire.' (p.208), MERL ‘Catalogue index’ card – ‘Churchwarden pipes were placed for cleaning in racks and then either hung from a chimney crane over the open fire or stood in a brick oven. This was a common practice both in taverns and in private houses where the long clay pipes were provided for the guests. Some of the racks were therefore very decorative, although this particular example is quite plain, and consists of three wrought iron hoops joined by parallel bars. They are supported by two feet, so that the rack could be placed in the oven, and a ring so that it could be suspended over a fire. // Mr. Massingham obtained the rack from Mere (Wilts). It measures 17 inches in length and 10 inches in height.’, MERL list / description [Massingham Collection, October 1989] – 'ACC. NO.: 51/142 // NAME: TOBACCO PIPE CLEANER // NEG NO.: 35/173 // STORAGE: LOAN.'

Rack, pipe, Pipe cleaner