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Archaeology of domestic life in early 20th century Britain

The aim of this blog is to publish data on early 20th century buildings, whilst this is still accessible. Much material of interest to the historian is being destroyed through 'home improvements' and DIY, and objects are increasingly being divorced from their context through dispersal after the death of their owners. By creating an easily accessible contextual record of material culture, it is hoped that those interested in this period of history may have a resource through which the details of domestic life might be studied.

If you have any artefacts of interest, or make discoveries during the process of your own investigations that you would like to share, please contact me!

Sunday 26 April 2009

Building A: Tile fileplace installed within late Victorian (c. 1900) House



This back room of the house is now a dining room, although would have in the past been used as a This room used as a 'kitchen' - note the tiled floor.

Damage sustained at some point. Original hearth removed. The fireplace may date to the 1930s, but might be as late as 1950s in date (sadly the tiled hearth is modern - this would have been tiled to match the fireplace: the extent of the earlier hearth can just about be seen) Instalation of this fireplace may have been after removal of a range, considering the aperture indicated by the infilled plaster surrounding this new addition, although there was possibly a range in what is now the kitchen (photos to follow). Alternatively, it's probable that a simple cast iron fireplace was here previously (although the fire insert is contemporaneous with the surround). Does this new fireplace represent an attempt at modernity, or a more practicle response to changing conditions?