Houseware Collection

The Caledonian Market, London, 1912
Shoppers viewing stalls of goods at the Caledonian Road Market, London, on a Friday in 1912. This image shows a real mix of London society looking through china, houseware and clothes. 1912

TUPPERWARE PARTY, 1950s. A Tupperware party in an American home. Advertising photograph, 1950

A compund rotary washing machine with rollers for wringing or mangling, 1862
7125117 A compund rotary washing machine with rollers for wringing or mangling, 1862; (add.info.: A compund rotary washing machine with rollers for wringing or mangling, designed by Richard Lansdale)

Thomas Bradford's washing machine combined with wringing and mangling apparatus, 1862
7125115 Thomas Bradford's washing machine combined with wringing and mangling apparatus, 1862; (add.info.: Thomas Bradford's washing machine combined with wringing and mangling apparatus)

Energy. Electric oven. c.1900 (chromo)
2636207 Energy. Electric oven. c.1900 (chromo); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sciences. Energy. Electric oven. Coll. Part.); Photo © CCI

Publicity Poster Advertising Singer Sewing Machines, 1930 (litho)
IND54612 Publicity Poster Advertising Singer Sewing Machines, 1930 (litho); Private Collection; Index Fototeca

Here food can be kept cool and fresh (litho)
8676269 Here food can be kept cool and fresh (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Here food can be kept cool and fresh. Workings of a refrigerator)

India, Delhi, Old Delhi. Aluminum vendor, detail of goods for sale

BUTTER CHURN, 1936. Farmers wife churning butter, Emmet County, Iowa. Photograph by Russell Lee, December 1936

HINE: HOME INDUSTRY, 1913. A mother and father and their nine-year-old daughter finishing garments in dilapidated tenement apartment in New York City. Photograph by Lewis Hine, January 1913

TEXAS: STORE, 1938. Houseware store in San Augustine, Texas, photographed by Russell Lee, 1939

AD: MONTGOMERY WARD & CO. American advertisement for Montgomery Ward & Companys Spring catalog, 1927

SAN ANTONIO: MARKET, 1890S. Market day in San Antonio, Texas, 1890s

HINE: MILL HOUSING, 1912. An Italian American mother and five children in their crowded textile mill workers home in Providence, Rhode Island. Photograph by Lewis Hine, November 1912

HINE: MILL HOUSING, 1912. A Polish American mother with her children in their crowded three room apartment, shared between eight workers at the Olneyville Cotton Mill in Providence, Rhode Island

AD: COMMUNITY SILVER, 1911. American advertisement for Community Silver, 1911

AD: LEATHER AND HOUSEWARES. American magazine advertisements for silverware, leather and household goods, 1890

AD: HOUSEWARES, 1890. American magazine advertisements for various housewares, 1890

TUPPERWARE PARTY, 1950s. Women arriving for a Tupperware party in an American suberban home. Advertising photograph, 1950s

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Step back in time and explore the world through captivating snapshots from different eras. In the 1950s, Tupperware parties were all the rage in American homes, as families gathered to marvel at innovative storage solutions. A photograph from this era captures the excitement and camaraderie shared during these gatherings. Traveling across continents, we find ourselves amidst the bustling Caledonian Market in London, 1912. Here, vendors proudly display their wares, including an aluminum vendor showcasing a wide array of household goods for sale. The market becomes a treasure trove for those seeking practical yet stylish items to adorn their homes. Delving deeper into history, we stumble upon a heartwarming scene from Emmet County, Iowa in 1936. A farmer's wife diligently churns butter with love and care while embracing her role as a homemaker. This image by Russell Lee reminds us of simpler times when everyday essentials were crafted with dedication within our own households. The concept of home industry takes center stage in Hine's photographs from 1913. We witness parents passing down skills to their children - be it weaving or other crafts - fostering both family bonds and economic sustainability within communities. Venturing southwards to San Augustine, Texas in 1938 reveals a vibrant houseware store captured by Russell Lee's lens. Shelves filled with kitchen utensils and decorative pieces offer endless possibilities for homemakers striving to create beautiful living spaces. Advertisements have always played a significant role in promoting household products throughout history. An American advertisement for Montgomery Ward & Company's Spring catalog showcases enticing options that catered to diverse needs and tastes during its time. Journeying further back into late-19th-century San Antonio brings us face-to-face with market day scenes brimming with life and energy—a testament to how essential housewares were even then—providing tools necessary for daily life amidst bustling city streets.