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T. & C. Clark & Co. (Manufacturer)

Irons like this, a variant of the box iron which used solid iron 'slugs' instead of charcoal, were once common in farmhouse kitchens. They were apparently still in use in parts of Cumberland in the 1950s. A little charcoal was ignited in the fire and transferred to the iron. The iron was then placed in a draught to kindle the heat, and more charcoal added as it was needed. The small hole at the back with the sliding cover enables the heat to be regulated, and the funnel on top disperses fumes. This iron was made in Wolverhampton and came to the Museum from Oxfordshire.

1 charcoal iron: metal; wood; good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Charcoal irons such as this were once common in farmhouse kitchens. They are said to be still in used to-day [1951] in parts of Cumberland. A little charcoal was ignited in the fire and transferred to the iron. The iron was then placed in a draught to kindle the head, and more charcoal added as it was needed. The lid of the iron opens, and there is also a funnel for fumes. A small hole with a sliding cover in the back of the iron regulates the heat. This iron came from Oxfordshire. It bears the makers’ name, T and C Clark & Co. of Wolverhampton, and the date, 1867, of an award of merit to that firm.', Mrs Makower purchased the iron at a Women's Institute stall.

Wolverhampton

1875-01-01 - 1899-12-31

Late-nineteenth century

Wood, Metal, iron