head with electrified hair
Date1774-1793
Inventory NumberDW0338o
ClassificationElectrostatic Apparatus
Subject
Maker
Nairne and Blunt
fl. 1774 - 1793
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionspacked in box: 34.4 x 68.8 x 38.6 cm (13 9/16 x 27 1/16 x 15 3/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionDW0338 is a portable electric machine stored in a travel chest with numerous accessories. The electric machine is designed to clamp onto a table. It generates electricity by means of rubbing a glass globe against a cushion.
The components are catalogued separately as DW0338a-o.
DW0338o is an accessory for demonstrating the electrification of hair. It consists of the head and shoulders of a male figure mounted on brass rod. The carved wooden man is painted with a face, white skin, and black hair. He seems to be made out of a doll because there are places to attach arm joints, which are now filled with hardened putty. His hair was originally stitched down to a strip of cloth, which is nailed to the head. The hair was presumably more plentiful at one time. The face was "improved" (most likely by students in the 19th century) with the addition of a mustache and goatee, ears, and jaw line.
The components are catalogued separately as DW0338a-o.
DW0338o is an accessory for demonstrating the electrification of hair. It consists of the head and shoulders of a male figure mounted on brass rod. The carved wooden man is painted with a face, white skin, and black hair. He seems to be made out of a doll because there are places to attach arm joints, which are now filled with hardened putty. His hair was originally stitched down to a strip of cloth, which is nailed to the head. The hair was presumably more plentiful at one time. The face was "improved" (most likely by students in the 19th century) with the addition of a mustache and goatee, ears, and jaw line.
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Christie's, June 5, 1968 (lot 384). Donated to CHSI 1985.
Nairne and Blunt
Date: 1774-1793
Object number: DW0338a-o
