Washing Tub Collection

Wringer, wet clothes dryer
Antique illustration of a wringer, wet clothes dryer

Picture Pages (engraving)
6010394 Picture Pages (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Picture Pages. Illustration for The Infants Magazine (1868).); © Look and Learn

Peeking
A Spaniel dog laying in a concrete tub with her face looking over the top

The washing-tub expedition, London, 1803, Napoleon I wearing an oversized hat and holding a large sword leading a French fleet of washing tubs filled with French soldiers in an invasion of England

Pumping Water
A domestic servant washing fish at the pump, circa 1857. From William Grundys English Views. (Photo by T. R. Williams/William Grundy/London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images)

Baby boy (6-9 months) bathing in basin (B&W)

A group of twelve Danish students are on a six months working visit to a Kentish farm, their trip is sponsored by the National Farmers Union and they are based at Hook Place Farm Southfleet, Kent

Brixton Prison Wash-house
The wash-house at Brixton Prison in London, circa 1850. Published in The Criminal Prisons of London, a compilation of articles entitled The Great World of London by Henry Mayhew, pub. 1862

Brixton Prison Ironing
Female prisoners at work in the ironing-room of Brixton Prison in London, circa 1850. Published in The Criminal Prisons of London

Cold Water
A Spaniel Dog jumping out of a concrete tub of cold water with a ball in her mouth and water splashing everywhere

The Washing-tub Expedition, London, 1803, Napoleon I Wearing An Oversized Hat And Holding A Large Sword Leading A French Fleet Of Washing Tubs Filled With French Soldiers In An Invasion Of England

Finland, The Washerwoman, 1900
Pekka Halonen (1865-1933), The Washerwoman, 1900

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"Washing Tub: A Journey Through Time and Labor" Step back in time as we explore the fascinating world of the washing tub. From its humble beginnings to modern innovations, this caption takes you on a captivating journey through history. In the 1800s, wringers and wet clothes dryers were essential tools for every household. Picture Pages from that era showcase engravings depicting women diligently using these devices to ensure their laundry was clean and dry. One such engraving titled "The Washerwoman, 1900" transports us to Finland, where hardworking women took pride in their laundry skills. Peeking into London's past, we stumble upon an intriguing image called "The Washing-tub Expedition, " dated 1803. Here, even Napoleon I himself can be seen wearing an oversized hat while observing this domestic chore, and is a reminder that no matter one's status or power, everyone had laundry to do. Pumping water was another crucial aspect of doing laundry before modern plumbing systems existed. The laborious task required strength and perseverance but ensured clean clothes for all. A heartwarming black-and-white photograph captures a tender moment between a baby boy bathing in a basin. This timeless image reminds us that even the youngest members of society have experienced the joys (and sometimes challenges) of being washed in a trusty tub. Venturing across borders, we find twelve Danish students embarking on a six-month working visit to a Kentish farm. As they immerse themselves in rural life, they discover firsthand the importance of proper laundering techniques using traditional wash-tubs. Not all washing tubs were found within homes; some served more unconventional purposes too. Brixton Prison Wash-house reveals how inmates would contribute by doing their own laundry within prison walls while Brixton Prison Ironing showcases yet another facet of incarcerated life during those times. Finally, let's not forget about cold water – an element often associated with refreshing dips or bracing washes.