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Return of the hot water bottles 1946
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Return of the hot water bottles 1946
Production of the rubber synthetic hot water bottle in Streatham factory, London, post Second World War. During the War, rubber was reserved for making tires for military trucks. In 1946 rubber was released from the War effort and the manufacture of rubber in house hold goods was permitted. Date: 1946
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Media ID 14136431
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1946 Bottle Bottles Hold Items Material Materials Method Methods Mould Peacetime Postwar Pressed Recycle Recycling Rubber Sheets Streatham Synthetic Trimming
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph from 1946, we witness the return of a familiar household item to peacetime Britain: the hot water bottle. During the Second World War, rubber, the primary material used in their production, was prioritized for the manufacture of military tires. With the end of hostilities, rubber was released for civilian use once again, and the production of rubber household goods, including hot water bottles, resumed. This image captures the process taking place at a factory in Streatham, London. Women workers are seen carefully trimming and shaping sheets of synthetic rubber, which are then pressed into molds to create the final product. The raw materials were recycled and reused, making the most of limited resources. The methodical and meticulous nature of the work is evident in the focused expressions of the women, who are deeply engaged in their tasks. The scene is a testament to the industrious spirit of post-war Britain, as the country transitioned from wartime production to peacetime manufacturing. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of an everyday item and the methods used in its production during a pivotal moment in time. The return of the hot water bottle symbolized the simple pleasures and comforts that were once again accessible to the British public as they embraced the challenges and opportunities of post-war life.
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