Object number
68/511
Description
A set of hearth bellows, used for keeping a domestic fire alight and for increasing its temperature. The bellows are made of wood, with leather sides and handles, and a brass nozzle. They are decorated with an image of a woman harvesting wheat, and were painted by the donor's grandmother.
Physical description
1 pair of bellows; wood, leather and metal [brass]; fair conditionThe two pieces of wood are joined together by strips of leather and the handle has a looped piece of leather to keep the bellows together when not on use; it is decorated with metal beading
Label Text
Bellows. These are hearth bellows, used to blow air onto a domestic fire and maintain its temperature. This element of temperature control made bellows useful for cooking, and an essential tool for blacksmiths who needed a particularly hot furnace. Whilst blowing air onto a fire may seem counter-productive, fire needs heat, fuel and oxygen to continue burning. Bellows provide a burst of oxygen. Fireplace bellows were usually on display for visitors to view, and so they were often decorated to match the style of the room. For example, these bellows were painted by the donor's grandmother.
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External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_9560.tif - High resolution image
