Номер объекта
81/113
Создатель
Описание
This is a sewing machine from Willcox & Gibbs, Type 10A and serial number 180121. The serial number dates the machine to 1871. The machine is metal painted black. There is an automatic lubrication pump attached to the machine from 'Bijur Lubricating Corp'. This industrial machine produces a lock stitch. The object is part of the Barnett Collection.
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.
Физическое описание
1 sewing machine: metal
Архивная история
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Sewing machine // Accession number: 81/113 // Classification: // Negative number: // Acquisition method: // Acquired from, date: Barnett Collection // Store: // Condition: // Recorder, date: JVB 28-7-81 // Description: Willcox and Gibbs Sewing Machine Type 10A // No. 180121 // Dimensions: // Associated information: [insert by Georgia Charitou- 14 November 2014] Manufactured prior to 1879 (from serial number) Made by Willcox and Gibbs Sewing Machine Co. 37 & 39 Moorgate Street, London EC [end insert] // References: Barnett catalogue No 60', Citation in publication [E.J. Barnett, ‘Sewing machines: a catalogue of the Barnett collection’ ([Reading]: University of Reading, 1982) – ’60 // Willcox and Gibbs Rotary Take-up machine // This firm pioneered the rotary take-up which performs the same action as that described above in the introduction, but without the various linkages.’ (pp.46), Citation in publication [G.R. Cooper, 'The Sewing Machine' (Washington DC: Smithsonian Institution, 1976) - Willcox and Gibbs produced machines with serial numbers 160,001-190,127 in 1871. (p.123), MERL Miscellaneous Note - James Edward Allen Gibbs decided to start his own sewing machine company in the 1850s, determined to make a cheaper and more elegant machine than Singer. Gibbs lost much of his wealth in the American Civil War but his business partner, James Willcox, ensured the company’s survival. Their unique selling point was their machine’s single thread chain stitch. Henry Leland, who invented the Cadillac, worked for Willcox & Gibbs and claimed he learned many of his key skills there. [Added by Tim Jerrome for the Barnett Project, 2022]
Место изготовления
England
Дата
1871 - 1871
Наименование
Материал
Размерность
- Length 400 mm
- Width 310 mm
- Depth 205 mm