Cleaner Collection (#39)

An elderly woman in a straw hat washes the pavement of Raffles Place in the financial district of Singapore, Southeast Asia, Asia

Vacuum Cleaner Housewife
French housewife with that vacuum cleaner which, as the advert says, she just had to have Date: 1920s

Woman Window Cleaner
It must be tantalizing to be so near and yet so far from such delicious looking cakes, but the " Georgina" outside busies herself with her new job regardless of temptation

Orion Vacuum Cleaner
The ORION takes the leaning out of cleaning - has no revolving brush to wear away the surface by friction - and it costs only Nine Guineas !

Wall Street Cleaner
Sam Kattler was a street cleaner around Wall Street. He amassed a little fortune, lost it in the Wall Street Crash, and went back to Wall St. in his former occupation

Progress Vacuum Cleaner
You see, the house is much cleaner with the PROGRESS than with any other vacuum cleaner, whats more, Maman didn t even hear us do the housework !

Hoovering a Chair 1930S
A housewife demonstrates how to vacuum clean an armchair using a Hoover " Dustette" cleaner

Electrical Engine
The electrical locomotive which replaced the original steam engines - resulting in quieter, smoother and above all cleaner travel

Hungarian Window Cleaner
A window cleaner in Budapest, Hungary, who also washes down doors

Women Window Cleaners
George the window cleaner, who will soon be in the army, shows his pupils, the " Georginas" how to hold their buckets without spilling water as they clean J. Lyons window

Window Cleaning Girl
Georgina, replaces the male window cleaner whilst he is in the army during World War Two. She wears an apron, a ladder on her shoulder and a bucket over her capable arm

Frantz Electric Cleaner
A house-proud lady vacuums her home with the Frantz Premier Electric Cleaner

Vacuum Cleaning Service
Vacuum cleaning service, in horse and cart form, parked outside the Edgware Road

Futuristic home, with chores done automatically
A futuristic home, with chores done automatically. The housewifes life will be an easy one in which she can sit back, read the paper and listen to music

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In the early 1900s, the concept of a "cleaner" took on a whole new meaning. From the upright Hoover to the Western Electric vacuum cleaner, these innovative devices revolutionized household cleaning. Advertisements depicted women patiently using their vacuum cleaners, showcasing how effortless and efficient cleaning could be. But it wasn't just homes that benefited from this technological advancement. Even wireless communication systems were not spared from the power of suction as they were seen being meticulously cleaned by diligent individuals. The bustling High Street in Tonbridge, Kent was no exception to this trend. Follows & Bates winding machines advertised their services with pride, ensuring that every intricate detail was spotless and well-maintained. As time went on, even more advancements in cleaning technology emerged. The Daisy vacuum cleaner made its debut in 1912, promising an even easier way to keep homes dust-free and pristine. Beyond domestic settings, establishments like The Bull and Swan Inn in Stamford, Northants relied on cleanliness to attract customers. A black-and-white photograph captured its charm while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean environment for patrons' enjoyment. Artists also found inspiration in depicting scenes related to cleanliness. "The Chess Game" painted in 1896 showcased meticulous attention to detail as players engaged in a strategic battle amidst a pristine setting. Similarly, "Cup of Chocolate; La Tasse du Chocolat" portrayed an elegant scene where cleanliness played an essential role in creating an inviting atmosphere for indulging one's senses. Even public spaces such as Dunville Park and Royal Victoria Hospital on Falls Rd. , Belfast recognized the significance of cleanliness for health and wellbeing purposes. And let's not forget about those who dedicated themselves to keeping our railways spick and span - railway cleaners ensured that trains ran smoothly without any dirt or debris hindering their journey. Lastly but certainly not leastly (if that is indeed a word), women window cleaners defied societal norms by taking on this physically demanding and traditionally male-dominated profession.