Looking back

Rachel_Scope · February 26

I love learning about how people used to live. I've watched countless videos about how British homes have changed throughout the past century and my main interest is how technology has changed the way we live, especially for women. I would love it if you could share some memories of how things were when you were younger, even better if you have pictures!

I recently learned about twin tub washing machines and how they allowed housewives to start having more of a social life as they no longer had to scrub each item of clothing.

Mary_Scope · February 26

We have a tiny museum in the town where I live and its full of all the old pieces of equipment that people used to use in the past………very fascinating, these are pictures of it from Trip Adviser!

WhatThe · February 26

The Design Museum in Kensington, London is worth a visit.

The Design Museum’s collection is an important record of the key designs that have shaped the modern world. It tells the history of mass production, from the manufacturing innovations of the nineteenth century up to the digital and making revolution of the last few years. The collection spans all aspects of design including architecture, fashion, furniture, product, graphic design and transport.

I studied furniture and visited the original site in Shad Thames. Fascinating.

Rachel_Scope · February 26

Tell me more about your studies in furniture @WhatThe! I'll put that museum on my list, it sounds perfect for me.

@Mary_Scope I'd love to visit that. They've crammed so much into such a small space. I live in a weavers cottage and would love to know what it looked like inside back then.

WhatThe · February 26

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1105102#Comment_1105102

I was a maker not a designer! I began with a cabinet-making course then completed an HND in furniture restoration and conservation in my late 20's. My interest had been peaked at school by a design and technology option and I was the only girl in that class 😄

I earned pocket money restoring gilded picture frames and the all-male workshops I joined put me off for life. I wasn't fast enough to earn a living this way and never would be so I had a baby instead!

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Rachel_Scope · February 26

Do you still have the pieces that you made @WhatThe? I remember at school that girls mainly took Food Technology or Textiles so good on you for being the only girl! It's such a shame that the workshops put you off. Do you still restore things?

WhatThe · February 26

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1105106#Comment_1105106

How did you know!? Yes, I have a storm-proof window frame in a cupboard should I ever need one 😆

I knew how to bake and thought this would be more interesting. Still have all my lovely tools but I don't use them.

Rachel_Scope · February 26

You never know when the storms may come and you'll need that frame 😆 Do you still bake now? How has the technology changed over the years?

WhatThe · February 26

No baking at all since our electricity prices shot up plus I get all mine from a food bank now.

Air fryers work like a mini fan oven/grill and take seconds to heat up so they are a design improvement. I don't think baking technology has changed much - the ratio of wet/dry ingredients and temperature/time has to be right. I'm not sure which you meant.

Rachel_Scope · February 26

Sorry you can't do any baking now. Just want to check, are you getting enough support?

I eventually caved in and got an air fryer because it was on offer and I must say I love it. I cook yorkshire puddings and roast veg in it and it's so much easier than bending down to get in the oven. I guess with baking technology the only thing I can think of that could have helped is an electric mixer. Though that was probably a luxury as they still are now.

WhatThe · February 26

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1105140#Comment_1105140

No Rachel but I'm used to it. I do manage because of this food bank.

I forgot about bread makers for domestic use - a great invention.

Kiki23 · February 26

Santosha12 · February 26

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1105146#Comment_1105146

Oh we had a Ewbank in light blue, every week mum swept with a decent broom after sprinkling Stardrops once a week, and every day just used the ewbank.

We had no washing machine until c mid '70s but had a mangle. I hated having to traipse to the launderette with mum.