Smoothing Collection

Tailoring tools
Tools used in tailoring, including scissors, needle and thread, chalk, measuring tape, a ruler and a smoothing iron

Georgia - Tbilisi - A Tanner and Fur Hatter
Fur Hatter and tanner at Tbilisi, the capital (and largest) city in Georgia - formerly known as Tiflis. Located strategically at the crossroads between Europe and Asia

Finlayson's Patent Self-Cleaning Harrow, used after ploughing for breaking up and smoothing the surface of the soil.

Morton's Revolving Harrow, used after ploughing for breaking up and smoothing the surface of the soil.

Smoothing plane, c. 1570 (wrought iron)
701098 Smoothing plane, c.1570 (wrought iron) by German School, (16th century); length: 14 cm; David Russell Collection; (add.info)

Many experiments were performed by Dr Franklin, at different times and places, to show the effect... (engraving)
2791680 Many experiments were performed by Dr Franklin, at different times and places, to show the effect... (engraving) by English School

The Ingram Patent Rotary Machine for Printing Illustrated Newspapers (engraving)
1589666 The Ingram Patent Rotary Machine for Printing Illustrated Newspapers (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

A workman smoothing the surface of the slate bed of a billiard table at a factory in Accrington, Lancashire, England. He wears a respirator mask to protect from the dust. Date: 1950s

Village carpenter 1855
Interior of a workshop with a village carpenter using a wooden smoothing plane. Date: 1855

Staking tawed leather at a leather factory, south London
Workman staking tawed leather (stretching, smoothing and softening) at the Neckinger Mills leather factory, Bermondsey, south London. Date: 1842

Rubberised Asphalt Paving - The first roadway of its type. Shown in three stages from rubber asphalt, precoated granite chipping and then the finished section

Christmas card in the shape of a carpenters plane. Date: circa 1890s

Mirror Lapper. Machine designed by Leonardo. Codex Atlanticu
Mirror Lapper. Machine by to the manufacturing of concave mirrors. During the Renaissance, mirrors are obtained by smoothing carefully bronze, copper or silver surfaces until they reflect perfectly

Illustration by Cecil Aldin, Crackers dog show inventions (with the authors apologies to Heath Robinson). Smoothing the Scotch Collie, Pampering the Pom, and Improving the Kerry Blues Beard

A man sands wood in front of the facade of a house, print maker: Jan Luyken, wed. Pieter Arentsz & Cornelis van der Sys II, 1711

The making of wax models at Sages, Grays Inn Road. The initial stage in the moulding
The making of wax models at Sage s, Grays Inn Road. The initial stage in the moulding process of a female torso. 1921

Grey Cat (Felis silvestris catus) lying on its front being groomed

Furry black Kitten (Felis silvestris catus) being groomed with brush, side view

DuPont Highway construction, 1920s C018 / 0612
DuPont Highway construction. Workers on benches smoothing concrete on the Coleman du Pont Road in Delaware, USA. Also known as the DuPont Highway

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"Smoothing: From Tailoring Tools to Inventive Machines" In the bustling streets of Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, a skilled Tanner and Fur Hatter meticulously smooths out fabrics and hides with precision. With tailoring tools passed down through generations, he transforms rough materials into exquisite garments. Centuries ago, a revolutionary tool emerged - the smoothing plane crafted from wrought iron in 1570. This ingenious invention allowed craftsmen to achieve unparalleled smoothness on wooden surfaces, revolutionizing woodworking techniques. Across time and space, Dr Franklin conducted numerous experiments showcasing the transformative power of smoothing. Engravings captured these moments as he demonstrated its effect on various objects at different times and places. The Ingram Patent Rotary Machine for Printing Illustrated Newspapers brought about another wave of innovation. Its intricate mechanisms smoothed paper surfaces effortlessly, enabling newspapers to be printed faster than ever before. Not limited to wood or paper alone, even billiard tables required meticulous smoothing. A diligent workman carefully worked on the slate bed at a factory ensuring an impeccable playing surface for enthusiasts worldwide. Leather factories were no exception when it came to achieving flawlessness. In South London's tanneries, skilled workers skillfully staked tawed leather sheets using precise techniques that left them perfectly smooth and ready for use. Even Leonardo da Vinci recognized the importance of smoothness in his designs. His Mirror Lapper machine showcased his genius as it aimed to create impeccably polished mirrors with utmost accuracy—a testament to his innovative mind centuries ahead of its time. From practical applications to whimsical inventions like Crackers dog show contraptions depicted by Cecil Aldin or Hamleys Toy Shop's litho catalogue page from 1937 featuring toys designed for endless fun—smoothing has permeated every aspect of our lives throughout history. As we delve into French Occupations card series game from the 1890s depicting various professions including carpenters who tirelessly strive for smoothness, we realize that the pursuit of perfection knows no boundaries.