Beatty Bros. Electric Ironer

Datec. 1937

DimensionsOverall: 92.5 × 139.2 × 42.7 cm
*Width includes flip-up side table

Credit LineGift of Donna Morgan, 1993

Object number1993.057.001

Label TextThis is a Beatty electric ironer, touted as able to finish the work of ironing in half the time. Sat before the machine, a woman guided clothes over the roll. The clothes were then carried against the heated shoe by a press of the knee. Permanent press fabrics and women’s increasing entry into paid work were among the factors that made electric ironers obsolete. Beatty Bros. was founded in Fergus, Ontario in 1874 by George and Matthew Beatty. In its earliest years the company was primarily involved in the manufacture of agricultural machinery, barn equipment, and household appliances. They acquired Wortman and Ward, a London-based manufacturer of water pumps and washing machines in 1912 and continued to purchase other businesses while growing their own. Their factories in Fergus and London employed 600 people, and a further 800 people were employed at branches in Great Britain. The company merged with General Steel Wares in 1969, becoming defunct as an individual business.

NameIron, Electric