If anyone thought I had mined my two day visit to the Tour de France in Yorkshire last year for various ABC Wednesday letters to the maximum here is my last hurrah, possibly. I had this in mind for the letter A and then forgot, but it is now making a belated appearance for the start of Round 17 and playing a happy tune - on the Accordion. I would never have the coordination to play this instrument but here it is being played on the move and sat in a British registered 1939 Citroen 15 Roadster. The French theme completed by the flag and both driver and passenger wearing berets. The accordion is an instrument loved by radio and film sound editors for indicating "hey folks we are in Paris" the only other sound I can think of so overused is the kookaburra's 'laugh' for signposting the Australian outback; unless you can think of some more.
From the joy of music to the drudge of housework
which today with labour saving devices is a breeze compared to when this Victress Vowel Washing Machine was in use. As can be seen on the side this is - The Vowel "A" model used in the late 19th and early 20th century and manufactured by Thomas Bradford of Salford.. (They went up in size with different vowel indicators) The company started out as makers of butter churns and dairy appliances so I suppose the agitation of water to wash clothes would have been a natural development from butter churns. The Vowel "A" machine was one of the cheapest they produced and their advertising said "equal to 12 shirts". I'm not sure if that means you could get 12 shirts into it or if the cost was equal to buying 12 shirts, whatever, its price was £3 10s 0d. The auctioneers Christies were selling what is now an antique a few years ago with an estimated price of £400 to £600 and at auction it actually sold for £1,315. You could buy about five modern ones for that price, but would they last as long?
If I turn down the colour and the wear marks it could be new! Its location is the backyard of a recreated Victorian workman's house, in particular a foreman's house who would be earning enough to be able to afford it. Unfortunately I omitted to take a photo of the turning handle on the other side because my butterfly mind was distracted by this
adorable little dog which was scampering in and out of the house.
An entry to ABC Wednesday, a journey through the alphabet this week starting anew again
here
13 comments:
Wonderful photo's
The first one is my favourite, i've played the accordeon since i was 7 and loved it. Years ago i had to sell the instrument and i've regretted it since.
To play it, its lesser hard than it seems by the way ;-)
Present time gives us lots of luxury helpers to do the housework, thankfully. That you would be distracted by that dog, i totally understand, he/she would have distracted me too ;-)
Thank you for your entry this week, wishing you a nice day!
♫ Mel☺dy ♫ (abc-W-team)
My Father used to play what was called a squeeze box which sounded a bit like an accordion but the sound wasn't a defined as an accordion.
Yes, I confess to thinking of France when I hear an accordion playing but I reckon that is just a generation thing... I doubt if the youngsters of today would think the same, in fact how many of them would know of the instrument... I had a boyfriend who's father played one, very badly !
Oh that washing machine...I think I'll stick to my Bosch...10 years old and still going.... famous last words Harumph !
Best wishes,
Di.
ABCW team.
A great pic with the accordion! Wow, that washing machine should now be a museum piece. Happy week:)
Looks like the accordion player is enjoying himself immensely! Great post.
Leslie
abcw team
I say we don't get to hear much of the accordion around here.
My ABC WEDNESDAY
I find it terribly funny!
ROG, ABCW
Superb. I like that historic washing machine.
My brother played the accordian when he was little. Great choice for the letter A and that Victorian washing machine is something else!
I also like the sound of the accordion. But my favourite instruments are the violin, all wind instruments and actually all baroque instruments.
I had played the recorder for a long time, but now not any more.
Have a great week.
Wil, ABCW Team
really fun post! love the accordion ~ : )
the accordionist is riding in a mighty fancy car!
Can't believe what folk will pay for old tat at auctions.
I love hearing to accordion and that interesting info about that Vowel 'A' washing machine..
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