'Pyramid' food warmer invented by Samuel Clarke, England, 1888-1920

Made:
1888-1920 in Cricklewood
maker:
Clarke's Pyramid and Fairy Light Company Limited
Foodwarmer, earthenware pannikin with lid, metal stand

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Foodwarmer, earthenware pannikin with lid, metal stand
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Food warmer, earthenware pannikin with lid, metal stand, patented Pyramid by Samuel Clarke, Cricklewood, London, English, 1888-1900, probably made for the North American market

This device could be used to heat a pint of milk, keep food warm or to prepare pap. Flour or bread was mixed with milk diluted with water to make pap, which could be used to wean infants off breast milk. The metal jug was filled with hot water and the ceramic pannikin was placed inside it. The jug was then placed in the stand. To provide heat a lit candle or a tea-light was placed underneath. The device was trade marked by Samuel Clarke as a ‘Pyramid’ food warmer as the different parts stack up like a pyramid.

Details

Category:
Nursing & Hospital Furnishings
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A639882
Materials:
earthenware (glazed) and tin
Measurements:
overall: 332 mm 142 mm, 1.03kg
type:
food warmer