Bakelite Collection

Bakelite telephone. Dial telephone with bakelite casing. Bakelite, the first plastic to be used for widespread commercial purposes

WW2 poster, Switch off that Light! Less Light -- More Planes. Date: 1940s

Advert promoting the Post Office Telephone Service. Date: 1932

Roanoid bakelite doorknob and keyhole cover in marbled cream and brown. Date: 1930s

Ocean Liners - assorted art deco style ashtrays
Ocean Liners - assorted art deco style Bakelite ashtrays, including Cunard, Queen Mary, and Cunard White Star. (1 of 2) Date: 1930s

Ocean Liners - RMS Queen Mary Bakelite ashtray (detail)
Ocean Liners - art deco style Bakelite ashtray, close-up detail of RMS Queen Mary tag. (2 of 2) Date: 1930s

GPO Bakelite telephone with dial Date: 1936

Louise Hampton in Late Night Final
British actress Louise Hampton (1881-1954) in a publicity photograph for the play Late Night Final at the Phoenix Theatre. Date: 1931

In this modern "Moo Cow"milk-bar use is made throughout of "Warerite"laminated plastics in a colour
5991438 In this modern " Moo Cow" milk-bar use is made throughout of " Warerite" laminated plastics in a colour scheme of pink, red and ivory (b/w photo) by English Photographer

Telephone, National Telephone Service, USA, 1890
BAL75257 Telephone, National Telephone Service, USA, 1890 by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; American, out of copyright

Roanoid bakelite colour range -- Mottled Horn, Tortoiseshell, Wine, Dark Green, Jade, Auburn. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite electric light fittings. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite wall fitting in marbled brown. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite ceiling fitting with gallery, in marbled cream with egg and dart design. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite ceiling fitting in marbled cream. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite switch plates in dark red. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite bell push and switch covers
Roanoid bakelite bell push in marbled green and switch covers in blue and silver. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite toothbrush holder in marbled cream. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite soap holder in marbled cream with egg and dart design. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite sponge holder in marbled cream and green. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite glass holder in marbled cream. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite bottle holder in marbled cream. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite bathroom fittings in marbled cream -- splash-back with shelf, glass holder, sponge holder, toothbrush holder, mirror, and a lamp above. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite curtain rings, flange ends and tassel hook
Roanoid Bakelite button curtain rings in five sizes (in dark red), two flange ends for a curtain rod, and a tassel hook (in marbled brown). Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite watch pad and frame in marbled cream. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite booklet holder in marbled brown -- Ulster Imperial Line, Liverpool to Belfast Express Service. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite drawer knobs in marbled brown. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite drawer pull and sash window lifts
Roanoid bakelite drawer pull in marbled brown and two sash window lifts in dark red. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite hat and coat hook in dark red. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite wardrobe hooks in marbled brown. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite finger plates, one in plain brown, the other in marbled brown. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite door handle in marbled brown. Date: 1930s

Roanoid bakelite shelf and brackets in marbled cream. Date: 1930s

Jug of lemonade and glasses on bakelite tray from the Womans Home Companion August 1923. Artist anon. Date: 1923

Bakelite shoe horn from dresser set owned by Lena Horne, mid 20th Century
A shoe horn made of orange semi-tranlucent bakelite plastic. Shaped like a long oval, it is decorated with black and gold colored embellishments in art deco style on the handle

Bakelite hand mirror from dresser set owned by Lena Horne, mid 20th Century
A hand mirror made of glass and semi-translucent orange bakelite plastic. The mirror is round with a long handle. The object has design accents of black and gold in art deco style on the back

Bakelite case for nail buffer from dresser set owned by Lena Horne, mid 20th Century
It is made of semi-translucent orange Bakelite plastic and is rectangular in shape with an oval bowl that is missing a large section

Bakelite powder box from dresser set owned by Lena Horne, mid 20th Century
The base is made of semi-translucent orange Bakelite plastic and is circular with a cylindrical handle on its top. The lid (2011.27.2.11b) has black and gold colored embellishments in art deco style

Bakelite comb from dresser set owned by Lena Horne, mid 20th Century. Creator: Agalin
Comb made of orange semi-translucent Bakelite. Decorated with black and gold embellishments along the spine in art deco style, it has smaller, closely spaced teeth at one end, and more larger

Bakelite hair brush from dresser set owned by Lena Horne, mid 20th Century
A hairbrush made of orange semi-translucent bakelite with synthetic tan bristles. The brush back has black and gold embellishments in art deco style

Bakelite clothes brush from dresser set owned by Lena Horne, mid 20th Century
A clothes brush made of orange semi-translucent Bakelite with synthetic tan bristles. It is decorated with black and gold embellishments in art deco style

Telephone. 5th July 1947

1930S GIRL ON THE PHONE
A handsome young woman smiles as she enjoys a telephone conversation with a friend. Date: 1930s

Dressing-table and stool designed for the Frankl Galleres, Inc. 1933. Furniture by Paul T. Frankl. Dressing-table in maple with stained trim

Sub Machine Gun, Owen, 9 Mm Mk I
Owen Mk I (or I/42) 9 mm sub machine gun, 1943 (c). Wooden butt and bakelite grips. Painted in jungle camouflage. The Owen was an indigenous Australian design developed in 1942

Sub Machine Gun, Austen, 9 Mm Mk I
Australian Austen Mk I 9 mm sub machine gun, 1942-1945 (c); with bakelite grips and camouflaged with green paint. In 1941 Australia possessed no home manufactured sub-machine gun although the Owen

DCH0114CR11
Vintage Voigtlander Brilliant camera with leather case and roll films

DCH0114CR09
Vintage Voigtlander Brilliant camera with leather case and roll films

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"Bakelite: A Timeless Icon of Innovation and Style" Step back in time with the iconic bakelite, a revolutionary material that shaped the 20th century. From its humble beginnings as a telephone casing to its presence in wartime propaganda, this versatile substance left an indelible mark on history. In the early days, the Bakelite telephone became a symbol of modernity and progress. Its sleek design and sturdy construction made it a staple in households across the globe. During World War II, even posters urged citizens to conserve energy with slogans like "Switch off that Light, " reminding us of bakelite's role beyond mere aesthetics. But bakelite didn't stop at telephones; it permeated every aspect of daily life. Roanoid bakelite doorknob and keyhole covers added elegance to homes while serving practical purposes. Meanwhile, unique items like a WWI lighter shaped like a pistol showcased how creativity merged seamlessly with functionality. Ocean liners embraced art deco style ashtrays crafted from this remarkable material. Their intricate designs captivated passengers aboard luxurious ships such as RMS Queen Mary – epitomizing both opulence and durability. The Post Office Telephone Service recognized bakelite's potential early on, promoting its use through captivating advertisements featuring Louise Hampton in Late Night Final (1932). These campaigns highlighted how communication could be enhanced by innovative technology. Even weapons found their way into the realm craftsmanship. Sub Machine Guns like Owen Mk I and Austen Mk I featured grips made from this resilient material – proving that even amidst war, beauty could emerge from necessity. Bakelite's influence extended beyond everyday objects; it also played host to artistic displays. A brass model torpedo resting upon a stand composed of both metal and bakelite exemplified how this substance elevated even seemingly mundane artifacts into works of art. As we reflect upon history, let us not forget the impact – an enduring symbol of innovation, style, and the human spirit's ability to transform everyday objects into timeless treasures.