1940s Washing Machine

This washing machine was bought in 1939 and worked without issue for over 40 years! Before the invention of the washing machine, all laundry was done by hand, which was a time and labour intensive process. In the 1940s it would have been rare for a family to have a washing machine like this, and only people with a certain level of income would have been able to afford one.

Listen to an audio recording of the last wash this machine completed, along with an interview with the owner explaining how it works and some historical background.

Image: Leeds Museums and Galleries