Morphy Richards
1n 1936, Donal Morphy and Charles Richards joined forces to become the famous electrical brand Morphy Richards. Their mission was to produce electrical kitchen gadgets that the masses could afford, rather than the luxury items that had been sold before. Manufacturing stopped during the war, with their efforts and factories used to make aircrafts instead, however, when the 1950s love for home interiors boomed, they became a leading kitchen brand. Producing gadgets that every housewife desired; from irons to toasters, blenders and even hair dryers, it’s hard to realise now why this was so important to women at the time. The introduction of these and others household gadgets such as a steam iron that created enough steam for 25 minutes and a blender that mixed in moments, not only gave women their time back but the ability to produce wonderful food too!
Salter
Salter Housewares began in 1760, in the UK village of Bilston, where they first produced fisherman scales, similar to the ones used today. Their range further developed from 1825 onwards, when the founder’s nephew George took over the company, renaming it George Salter & Co. They moved to West Bromwich where they designed the kitchen and bathroom scales and went on to become the leading measures brand throughout the 20th century. However, most of their scales were for commercial use such as the large Post Office and green grocer scales, but due to the trend of new gadgets and interesting designs in the 1920s and 30s, Salter designed smaller scales in coloured enamel to match the bread bins and casserole pots.
From the enamel 1930s scales with heavy weights, bright orange 1970s mixing bowls that sit on a black plastic stand, to red wall hung scales with a folding down square tray, Salter have designed a look that works in every kitchen.
Alessi
Alessi kitchenware was established as early as 1921, in an Italian village famous for its wood and metal craft. However, it wasn’t really until the 1980s that the brand became huge, through their clever use of employing recognised designers to create stand-out items that became their signature look. The designs were, and still are, fun, quirky yet beautiful at the same time. The first iconic piece was the bird kettle designed by Michael Graves in 1985; a chrome kettle with a plastic bird at the spout which whistles when the water boils. The feel of this is very art deco with its geometric shape, high shine and even a celluloid looking bird.
