Name/TitleCupboard

About this objectThis is a metal kitchen cupboard with three drawers on one half and a door on the other half. The handles are central on the drawers and the third drawer is nearly as twice as deep as the others. There are two metal shelves in the cupboard. The unit is cream with black handles and a black border around the top and edges, and the top is white and scratched. The cupboard was used by Mrs Ramsey from 1949 to 1985.

Metal kitchen units were produced after WW2 to make use of surplus capacity in the engineering industry. Kitchen units were produced to a standard proscribed by the Ministry of Works, called the 'British Standard' and were used in prefabricated houses and government buildings after the war. These units are believed to have been manufactured by the Hygena Cabinet Co in the early 1950's, as part of their 'BU range'. By the late 1950's similar products were sold in varying colours.

This object is part of our permanent Domestic Life display - 'The 1950's Kitchen.

Date Made15.03.1949

Medium and MaterialsThe unit is metal (aluminium) and the handles are plastic (bakelite).

MeasurementsLength: 1070mm
Height: 830mm
Depth: 535mm

Large cupboard door:
Height: 730mm
Length: 450mm

2 small drawers:
Height: 200mm
Length: 450mm

Object numberSTMEA:1993-16.2

Copyright LicenceAttribution - Non-commercial (cc)