Food warmer, England, 1801-1850

Made:
1801-1850 in England
Creamware foodwarmer, pedestal, liner, pannikin

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Creamware foodwarmer, pedestal, liner, pannikin
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Creamware food warmer, pedestal, liner, pannikin, and perforated container, probably English, first half 19th century

This glazed earthenware food warmer was used to keep food warm for patients or invalids 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 hollow space at the bottom was used to house an oil or spirit lamp which burned alcohol to provide a source of heat. The perforated cover was placed over the lamp and then the food was placed at the top in a lidded jar called a pannikin. Under the pannikin there is a space, known as a liner, for hot water. The steam given off from the liner warms the food.

Details

Category:
Nursing & Hospital Furnishings
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A639872
Materials:
creamware (glazed)
Measurements:
overall: 172 mm x 202 mm 122 mm, 1.3kg
type:
food warmer