Summary

Yellow upright Volta model 505 vacuum cleaner. Volta was founded in Scandinavia in 1915 and was acquired by Electrolux in 1926, become one of Electrolux's brands. The model 505 was advertised in Australian newspapers from 1976 to 1978, described as 'specially designed for shag carpets'.

The vacuum cleaner was used as a prop in the 'House Secrets' exhibition at Scienceworks, 6 March 2006 to 14 July 2013. Most of the props for the exhibition were sourced from opportunity shops in 2002 and 2003 by curator Andi Horvarth and other Museum Victoria staff. 'House Secrets' aimed to 'Explore the science behind all the familiar things in our homes', presenting 'all sorts of wonderful things we might find around the home, from the food we eat, to the appliances we use, to the animals we share our living space with.' The exhibition was 'highly interactive'.

Physical Description

Yellow plastic upright vacuum cleaner. Comprises base with orange rubber bumper strip and two black switches; upright rectangular cannister with round control knob on top and dust bag inside; and a handle which extends above the cannister, with rocker-style power switch located on the upper front. A long grey power cord is looped between hooks on the handle for storage. The white plug on the end of the handle is likely to be a replacement for the original plug; the cord may also be a replacement.

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