Summary
Electric Singer sewing macine used in a mental health hospital In Victoria, Australia, circa 1945.
Physical Description
Motorised sewing machine (31-K-20) on cast-iron stand with H-shaped ends with legs splayed out at bottom with one crosspiece and 2 diagonals at back and one bar across bottom, to which is attached a large oblong treadle to operate the motor. Machine is set in a wooden table protruding on left-hand end under which is attached 1 drawer and a small switchbox. Barrel shaped 1/2hp motor is bolted below table at back on right, linked to treadle by a lever and rod. Rubber flybelt leads from wheel on one end of motor through holes in table, to wheel on machine. There is a subsidiary wheel screwed to table just below machine wheel which can be tilted to connect with flybelt, (purpose unknown). Machine is painted black, with ornate, gold-lettered brand names.
Significance
Example of sewing equipment used in Victorian mental health hospitals
More Information
-
Collection Names
-
Collecting Areas
-
Acquisition Information
Donation from Office of Psychiatric Services, May 1985
-
Manufacturer
-
Place & Date Used
-
Inscriptions
The Singer Manufacturing Co./Manufactured in Great Britain/Alternating Current Singer Sewing Motor 92148/Made in Australia to War Emergency Spec.
-
Classification
Medicine & health, Mental health - occupational therapy, Tools & equipment
-
Category
-
Discipline
-
Type of item
-
overall dimensions
72 cm (Length), 61 cm (Width), 107 cm (Height)
-
References
card with exhibit.
-
Keywords
Occupational Therapy, Psychiatric Hospitals, Recreation, Sewing Machines, Making History - Psych Services
