Object number
60/135
Description
These forge bellows were used by George Wells, a blacksmith at the forge in Dunsfold, Surrey, circa 1900-1947. They were used to maintain the heat of the fire by producing a steady flow of air. They are made of wood and leather and date from circa 1900.
Physical description
1 bellows: leather; wood; good condition
Label Text
2. The Bellows. This photograph shows a traditional leather lung bellows. It came from a forge operated by the Wells family at Dunsfold, Surrey. Bellows of this type produce a slow, steady air stream and are simple to make from wood and leather. It is a two-chamber machine in which the chambers are compressing air faster than it can be pushed out of the nozzle. This build-up produces a steady stream of air which is kept going by the action of the pole lever which is operated by the smith's assistant. The air blast increases the temperature of the fire which is observed as a change in the colour of the coals from dull yellow to lemon and then to white. The long nozzle, or blow-pipe, of the bellows is linked to the underside of the fire pan by means of the tuyere. This device, made of cast iron is not visible in pictures but is probably the most important part of the forge. It is a mechanical device, which keeps ashes out of the air tube, controls the flow of air, and preheats it before it goes up into the coal. This enables the iron to be heated much more quickly with a good deal less coal. 60/135.5. The Bellows. This photograph shows a traditional leather lung bellows. It came from a forge operated by the Wells family at Dunsfold, Surrey. Bellows of this type produce a slow, steady air stream and are simple to make from wood and leather. The picture clearly shows the leather lung, the long metal nozzle and the rows of rivets which fix the leather to the wooden frame. It is a two-chamber machine in which the chambers are compressing air faster than it can be pushed out of the nozzle. This build-up produces a steady stream of air which is kept going by the action of the pole lever which is operated by the smith's assistant. The air blast increases the temperature of the fire which is observed as a change in the colour of the coals from dull yellow to lemon and then to white. The long nozzle, or blow-pipe, of the bellows is linked to the underside of the fire pan by means of the tuyere. This device, made of cast iron is not visible in pictures but is probably the most important part of the forge. It is a mechanical device, which keeps ashes out of the air tube, controls the flow of air, and preheats it before it goes up into the coal. This enables the iron to be heated much more quickly with a good deal less coal. Reference Watson, The Village Blacksmith, 1977. 60/135.
Production date
1900 - 1900
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_3408.tif - High resolution image
