News / Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol’s pioneering ‘All Electric House’
Midway along a cul-de-sac in north Bristol is an extraordinary and trailblazing home.
The ‘All-Electric House’ on Withey Close West in Westbury-on-Trym was built in 1935 to demonstrate the potential of the latest technology, featuring the latest gadgets and gizmos of the time including an electric cooker, refrigerator and fires in every room to drying cupboards, electric clocks and food warmers.
The pioneering home, now a private residence, is the subject of a exhibition currently on show at the Ken Stradling Collection.
is needed now More than ever
The house was kitted out with furniture from Bristol-based furniture manufacturer and retailer P E Gane – photo: Ken Stradling Collection
The All-Electric House was commissioned by the Bristol Branch of the Electrical Association for Women (EAW), whose mission was to popularise the domestic use of electricity to make the lives of women less onerous.
Organisers of the nationwide Electric Dreams project, of which the exhibition in Bristol is part of, say: “The use of electricity in the home by women was the turning point that allowed women to access careers that were previously impossible due to the time constraints of manual housework, so the work of EAW and the building of this show home represents a significant milestone in the history of women’s empowerment.
“This house was instrumental in demonstrating the benefits of this new technology that was soon to be demanded by all housewives of the time.”
A local architect, Adrian Powell, was chosen to design the house, and he worked closely with Dorothy Newman and the EAW – photo: Ken Stradling Collection
Electric Dreams organisers add: “One feature of this particular house, in addition to the novelty of the many electrical appliances that it contained, was the idea that it was the home-owner who did the cooking and cleaning, rather than paid domestic staff.
“This design marked a change of direction for modern Britain in which it was understood that the householder would perform domestic tasks, rather than maids and cooks.
“This was the start of kitchen design that saw great efficiencies of movement and ergonomic design of the kitchen.”
Paper models of the All-Electric House designed by Dr Oliver Kent are available to buy at the exhibition – photo: Ken Stradling Collection
A blue plaque from Bristol Civic Society is being organised for display on the side of the house but it has yet to be installed.
The All-Electric House exhibition is at the Ken Stradling Collection on Park Row until November 16. For more information, visit www.stradlingcollection.org/all-electric-house
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
