Whilst taking photographs of the museum collections it is not unusual to come across something that makes you think 'What is that?'

One of our most recent photographs is of an item that would not look out of place on 'Dr Who' or as part of a mad scientists lab. It is in fact a hairdresser's perming machine.

Built in the 1930's the 'Chandelier' worked by electrically heating elements around which hair would be wrapped and 'cooked' into a style lasting for several days. With some early forms of this type of machine, there was a risk of burning and electrocution!

Standing around five feet tall with iron base and chrome finish, this perming machine must have looked quite scientific set in a high street salon.

To see a photograph of a similar 'Chandelier' perming machine in use, please see 'Related Links'.

Anthony Brown - Digitisation Photographer