Object number
2001/20
Description
This lye dropper, or lye sieve, is a small, wooden, trough-like framed sieve. Its base consists of a metal 'mesh' perforated with small holes, and secured by nails. Lye droppers were used when laundering linen. Lye was an alkaline liquid that loosened dirt in clothes. This lye dropper was formerly part of the collection of 'Rural Relics' of Anne Mallenson, which used to be on display in the Cottage Bookshop in Selborne.
Physical description
1 lye dropper: wood
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'Lye Dropper // Description // One Lye Dropper (or Lye Sieve): // Small, wooden, trough-like frame, the longer sides of which jut out at each end. The sides are straight and widen towards top. // Base consists of metal 'mesh' perforated with small holes, and secured by nails. // Natural wood colour. // Dimensions // 26.5 x 16.5 x 9.5cm (max length x max width x height) // Associated information // This item was formerly in the collection of Rural Relics of Anne Mallenson which used to be on display in the Cottage Bookshop in Selborne (now dispersed). // Lye droppers, or sieves, were used when laundering linen. Lye was an alkaline liquid that loosened dirt in clothes. It was made by balancing the dropper "on top of a tub with a layer of drainage - twigs or gravel - arranged in the bottom of the dropper. The drainage material was then covered with a cloth and topped up with wood ash. Water was slowly poured over the ash and, as it trickled through to the tub beneath, it took with it the alkaline salts from the ash. The resulting liquid was lye." - John Seymour, 'Forgotten Household Crafts' (6980 SEY) p.88 // References // See also: Article about the collection of Rural Relics in Countrylife, Feb. 2001, ?v.106.'
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