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Sewing machines would have been commonplace in many households, often spanning generations as objects which were made to last. The sewing machines we have in the collection show various uses and purposes i.e. portable machines, ones for sewing shoes, table-top machines and different sizes for various needs.

These objects were often decorative and embellished with floral motifs, gold lettering and names to whom they belonged either engraved onto the machine or onto the case. As valued possessions, the machines were cared for and passed through family generations.

A few of our machines are Singer machines, which is an American manufacturer established in 1851, that became a common brand for sewing machines and still an active company today.