Details

COLEM:1990.47

Colchester Collections

sweeper, carpet sweeper

The Ewbank Merit Carpet sweeper dates from the 1920s/1930s and was designed to clean floors, rugs and carpets. In the past, before the carpet sweeper was invented, rugs were taken outside to be beaten or alternatively a dustpan and brush would be used. This mechanical device doesn’t need electricity to operate. Pushing the sweeper turned two rollers covered in brushes which swept the dust and dirt up into two pans located underneath. Once the job was finished these pans would be emptied ready for the next use. The first Ewbank Carpet sweeper was made in 1889 by Entwisle and Kenyon Limited. It was named Ewbank after the area of Accrington, Lancashire where the factory was located. Ewbank carpet sweepers are still sold today.

England

1930 - 1940

On Display - Hollytrees Museum, Colchester