Object number
61/89
Description
This pressure cooker was used at a cottage in Low Gate, near Hexham, Northumberland. It probably dates from the mid-nineteenth century. It is made of cast iron, and has a lid with clips and a large carrying handle.
Label Text
Pressure cooker. Pressure cookers are designed to cook food without any steam escaping, which raises the pressure inside the pot. This increases the boiling point of water and therefore quickly cooks the food without over-boiling it. This cooker is Victorian, but they only became widespread during World War 2. At this time it was realised using a pressure cooker could save fuel, as it cooked food much faster than a regular pot. Old pressure cookers could be dangerous, as they would violently explode if the steam escape valve became clogged. However, modern models are far safer and must go through rigorous testing before manufacture.
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'PRESSURE COOKER // From a cottage at Lowgate, Hexham, Northumberland. It belonged to the mother of an old lady who was 80 in 1961. // [pencil sketch]'
Object name
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_3787.tif - High resolution image
