More topics...
The rush light holder offers a glimpse of domestic life in the 1700s.
A rush would have been dipped in mutton (sheep) fat and allowed to dry. Mutton fat was best because it dried the hardest. The greased rush would then be placed in the ‘jaws’ of the holder and lit.
It was a child’s job to fix the rush – certainly not a job suited to the fingers of a mother and her needlework.
Chobham Museum rush light holder
Copyright: Image courtesy of Brian Wood
A lighted rush would be laid on the edge of a chest of drawers at bedtime giving just enough time to undress and get in to bed. The edges of old furniture often have burnt little grooves from this domestic task.
Have your say