Past Kitchens
Each person involved in the study was asked to relate their ‘kitchen history’ – all the kitchens they had experienced throughout their life. This information was analysed and key themes identified.
Many recollections emerged, the kitchen being the warmest place in the house and the hub of the home. Many remembered a scullery for washing duties, a pantry for storing tins and packets and a larder with a marble slab for keeping food items cool and fresh.
Although a kettle on a fire or a kitchen range could supply relatively small amounts of hot water, the 'copper' water heater was the only means of obtaining hot water in significant amounts for Monday washday, cleaning the house, washing up dishes and the occasional bath (a tin one shared by the family, taking it in turns).
The kitchen table was a strong memory used for many purposes: food preparation, eating, DIY, homework, play and family conversation. The dining room was often reserved for special occasions and entertaining guests with a hatch to the kitchen for passing meals through being more common in the 1960s.
Kitchen work was hard until ‘mod cons’ such as the twin tub (to replace the wash tub and mangle), the modern cooker and the fridge freezer came along.
Our learning from kitchens past has enriched our understanding of what people want and need from their kitchens today.
Many recollections emerged, the kitchen being the warmest place in the house and the hub of the home. Many remembered a scullery for washing duties, a pantry for storing tins and packets and a larder with a marble slab for keeping food items cool and fresh.
Although a kettle on a fire or a kitchen range could supply relatively small amounts of hot water, the 'copper' water heater was the only means of obtaining hot water in significant amounts for Monday washday, cleaning the house, washing up dishes and the occasional bath (a tin one shared by the family, taking it in turns).
The kitchen table was a strong memory used for many purposes: food preparation, eating, DIY, homework, play and family conversation. The dining room was often reserved for special occasions and entertaining guests with a hatch to the kitchen for passing meals through being more common in the 1960s.
Kitchen work was hard until ‘mod cons’ such as the twin tub (to replace the wash tub and mangle), the modern cooker and the fridge freezer came along.
Our learning from kitchens past has enriched our understanding of what people want and need from their kitchens today.