Object of the month

This heavy-duty iron framed beauty used for domestic laundry is known as a mangle. Cogs on one end work together when an iron wheel and handle are turned, placing heavy pressure on the wooden rollers to smooth dry linen following washing, or to wring water from wet washing. 

This mangle was owned and used by Esther Hiddlestone who resided at 72 Nicholson Road, the first house between Union and Coolgardie Streets, Nicholson Road. The Hiddlestone family's electrical goods shop was on the western side of Rokeby Road until approx. August 2003.

In 2024 this item was conserved with the old wood logs removed and replaced and the iron sandblasted, resoldered for stabilisation and sealed with renaissance wax. 

Find out more about this mangle and other domestic items from the early 1900s on CollectionsWA.