The way an object is made is also the result of much thought and some careful choices on the part
of its maker. By studying how an object was designed and built, curators can better understand the
object and the people or person that made it. They can also learn something about who the object was
made for. Here, curators must also take note of any signs of wear or repair, which can reveal much
about the object’s actual working life. This is one very important reason why curators prefer
unrestored objects — even if restored pieces may look nicer.
A modern electric kettle is a common household item made in a factory. Still, not all electric
kettles are the same. To begin with, they may look quite different from one another. This is partly
a question of style, and style changes with time. This kettle’s particular style and shape — its
“look” — did not come about without planning. It was developed by designers and then tested by
potential buyers: if more than half the group disliked the style, the product would be redesigned.
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Source: Black & Decker Corp. |
Another important part of how an object is made is the material or materials used to make it.
Electric kettles must be made of something that is watertight, lightweight and able to withstand
the heat of boiling water. The materials must also be inexpensive and easy to assemble in the
factory, otherwise the cost of the object will be too high. At one time, shaped metal was commonly
used for electric kettles. Today, moulded polypropylene (a strong, light, heat-resistant plastic),
used in this example, is the most popular material. And while all electric kettles may be intended
to boil water when plugged in, different models function in different ways. For example, the shape
and size of the handle and spout will influence how safe or easy it is to use. Also, the type,
function and location of the on/off switch (if there is one) may vary from one kettle to another.
Some models may also use a light to show that they are on, while others may have a whistle to
indicate when the water is boiling. Other kettles let you see how much water has been added. All
these differences will influence how the kettle is made.
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Black & Decker Kettle, ca 1995 (CSTM 950589) See: Love, Leisure and Laundry |
This kettle was carefully designed and developed. Testing the design required a series of
prototypes, which are displayed with the kettle. Once testing was complete, factory production
began, using materials and components chosen for their cost, ease of construction, strength,
safety and appearance. In short, making even this common household object involved thinking
about and finding solutions to, a number of closely related problems.