House Work Collection

MS. MAGAZINE, 1972. Cover of the first issue of Ms. magazine, spring 1972

Two women at work in a Mexican kitchen. Painting by an unknown artist, c1850
MEXICO: KITCHEN, c1850. Two women at work in a Mexican kitchen. Painting by an unknown artist, c1850

HOME APPLIANCE AD, 1926. Advertisement for the Hoover vacuum cleaner from an American magazine of 1926

Jesus, Mary and Martha
Jesus talks with Mary while Martha does housework

English politician. Photographed at her home in Chelsea, England, 1975, shortly before being named leader of
MARGARET THATCHER (1925- ). English politician. Photographed at her home in Chelsea, England, 1975, shortly before being named leader of the Conservative Party

Cinderella by Arthur Rackham
Ella, aka Cinderella, sitting in rags with a broom in her hand. Date: 1919

Washing Board
A photograph demonstrating the use of a scrubbing board in a tub during washday in the early 20th century

Baking Day, by Ethel Parkinson. A little Dutch girl kneads some dough, while a little boy tastes some freshly baked pastry

Cleaning Day, by Ethel Parkinson. A little Dutch girl wields a mop, while a little boy kneels down and scrubs the floor

A clean sweep for Mrs Thatcher. 2nd February 1975. Mrs Margaret Thatcher, who is challenging for the leadership of the Conservative party, seen here doing household chores

Wilfred Pickles seen here under the thumb. January 1947

Karate housework Housewife Annie lashes out at her carpet as sher trains for the up coming karate championships. June 1972 P000246

Washboard for scrubbing laundry in the 1800s
Woman reenactor doing laundry with a washboard, living history demonstration, Shiloh National Military Park, Tennessee. Digital photograph

Mr. W. P. Worthy and his wife iron clothes for American troops in the West Country village
Mr. W.P. Worthy and his wife iron clothes for American troops in the West Country village of Shrivenham

Wilfred Pickles seen here under the thumb. January 1947

Domestic Life: Washing and cleaning a house wifes work is never done. February 1969

House wife seen here scrubbing the front door step. Circa 1952

The Final Frost Barrier! Advertisement for General Motors Frost-Proof Imperial Freezer from an American magazine of
APPLIANCE ADVERTISEMENT. " The Final Frost Barrier!" Advertisement for General Motors Frost-Proof Imperial Freezer from an American magazine of 1959

Scots housewife preparing haggis, 1800s
Chopping the ingredients for haggis in Scotland, 1800s Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century E. A. Abbey illustration

STOVE ADVERTISEMENT, 1957. New Kenmore Ranges from Sears! Advertisement for a Sears Kenmore automatic gas range, from an American magazine, 1957

Kitchen chores, about 1900
Woman cleaning pots and pans in her kitchen, circa 1900. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a Jessie Willcox Smith illustration

Homemade jam, pickles, and canned tomatoes
Traditional homemade pickles, tomatoes, and fruit jam. Photograph

Homemade pickles and canned tomatoes
Traditional home-preserved pickles and tomatoes. Photograph

Fruit for home canning
Fruit and berries with old-fashioned home preserving jars. Photograph

Mangling Machine
Engraving of a woman using a mangle to squeeze excess water out of washed clothes

Man cleaning inside of huge kettle at brewery, Wisconsin

Woman with sad expression by hung laundry

Portrait of a woman holding a broom

Black and white print of woman pouring cake mix into pan

Woman ironing clothes in 1970s home

Close-up of woman washing clothes on washboard

Black and white vintage print of a woman in the kitchen

Woman with apron holding cookbook

Black and white print of woman using electric eggbeater

Housewife doing laundry

Homemaker tasting food from cooking pot

Close-up of a broom sweeping up dirt

Exuberant woman with raised rolling pin

Housewife serving dinner

Homemaker holding recipe book and rolling pin

Homemaker washing laundry

Two girls help their mother with the housework; one holds a bucket of water, the other shakes down a mat. c. 1910

Baileys Furniture Paste
Bagleys Furniture Paste polish, 1900 1900

Tops for Automatic Cooking! : advertisement for a Sears Kenmore electric range from an American magazine of 1957
STOVE ADVERTISEMENT, 1957. " Tops for Automatic Cooking!" : advertisement for a Sears Kenmore electric range from an American magazine of 1957

WOMAN SPINNING. Line engraving, 17th century

SOAP ADVERTISEMENT, c1866. Advertisement for Silvers Wash Powder, c1866

CATLIN: COMANCHE VILLAGE. A view of a Comanche village on the Great Plains, showing women dressing robes near racks of drying meat. Line engraving, 1844, after George Catlin

IRELAND: HAND MILL, 1874. Irish peasant women using a hand mill to grind cereal grain into flour. Wood engraving, English, 1874

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"Unveiling the Invisible: The Evolution of Housework Through Time" In the spring of 1972, Ms. Magazine made a groundbreaking debut, shedding light on the often overlooked realm of housework. This cover symbolized a turning point in history, as women's voices began to rise against societal expectations. Traveling back in time to c1850, we find ourselves immersed in a Mexican kitchen where two women diligently work side by side. Their efforts may have gone unnoticed then, but today we recognize their contribution to our understanding of domestic labor. The story takes us even further back to biblical times with Jesus, Mary, and Martha. While Martha busied herself with household chores, Mary chose knowledge over traditional gender roles - an act that sparked contemplation about the value society places on housework. Fast forward to 1975 when an English politician named Margaret Thatcher posed for a photograph at her home in Chelsea. Little did she know that shortly after this moment captured in time, she would become leader of the Conservative Party and challenge gender norms within politics. Meanwhile, advertisements from 1926 showcased advancements in home appliances like the Hoover vacuum cleaner - revolutionizing cleaning methods and easing some burdens associated with housework. Arthur Rackham's depiction of Cinderella reminds us of timeless tales where women were expected to fulfill domestic duties before finding their happily ever after. These stories perpetuated societal expectations surrounding housework for generations. Ethel Parkinson's paintings "Baking Day" and "Cleaning Day" transport us into scenes filled with both hard work and joyous moments shared among family members during daily tasks - reminding us that there can be beauty found amidst mundane routines. As we conclude our journey through time, we witness Mrs. Margaret Thatcher making history once again as she sweeps away barriers within British politics on February 2nd, 1975. Her determination serves as inspiration for all those who strive for equality regardless of gender or occupation.