Philobiblon

I’ve just watched with some bemusement a mangle (wringer) going for £132 on eBay. We’re not talking here of some substantial, attractive piece of Victoriana to decorate a fine conservatory, no, a probably 1950s or perhaps 1960s, bolt-to-the-side of the tub, plain white number of no visual merit whatsoever, but advertised as in good working order.

I’ve done a bit of research (and totally bemused the South Asian staff in my local odd-goods store by asking if they had mangles – well they do have lots of odd old-style things) and it seems no one is making these today. Obviously a business niche begging to be filled.

(And if you are wondering why I want one, yes it is for the obvious purpose. Having limited space in the kitchen, I’ve chosen to have a dishwasher and am washing clothers in a Wonder Wash, which works very well. But hand-wrung items are taking rather a long time to dry.)