Modernization of Pots and Pans in Britain : A Design History of Modern Household Objects

Abstract

This paper discusses the development process and the design changes of the modern household objects, through the case study on pots and pans in Britain. From the end of the 19th century trough the 1930s, production of large pans decreased but the types of pans multiplied. The most typical type of saucepans to the 1910s was the 'bellied' type, deep heavy pans of cast iron. From the 1920s, shallow light pans of aluminium with handles of insulating material became the norm. This change of design was accelerated by the inter-relation of some factors; i.e., the change of the heat source of cookers, change in everyday cooking methods, changes in appearance of cookers, and the changes in kitchen space and design. Although pots and pans superficially appear not to have changed very much over a long period, they actually have followed a process of change reflecting the state of the industry, the society, and the lifestyle in each period.