Man hoovering
Add housekeeping to the list of archival chores I'd rather perform in the past. Not only do the tasks look simpler (limited activity, fixed locations), they seem to require a heightened, more thoughtful level of dress and grooming. Of course, I'd advocate for an individualized chore uniform. Aprons or multi-pocketed
work jackets add a traditional, protective layer. But I'd extend my outfit to include sturdy lace-up shoes, a nice wool waistcoat and a more archival (washable, reusable) version of the 19th century printers' oversleeve in cotton poplin.
Sew your own oversleeves
For a practical manual on housekeeping in the past and present, see:
Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Housekeeping by Cheryl Mendelson.
Trouser press
Shaking out the rugs
Dusting the television with a feather brush
A footballer preparing a meal
Wringer and centrifuge
A pile of washing-up
A brush salesman and his bicycle
Photographs from the
Nationaal Archief flickr photo set:
Huishouden/Housekeeping.
Sew your own oversleeves
Trouser press
Shaking out the rugs
Dusting the television with a feather brush
A footballer preparing a meal
Wringer and centrifuge
A pile of washing-up
A brush salesman and his bicycle
1 comment:
I've come across many of those old trouser press devices - many seem to have been fire hazards waiting to happen.
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