Trolley vacuum cleaner, c 1906.
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library
Produced by the British Vacuum Cleaner Company, this vacuum cleaner is electrically driven and has a dust container, suction tube and fittings. The British Vacuum Cleaning Company was founded in 1901 by H C Booth (1871-1955) to develop his new invention - the vacuum cleaner. His first machine, carried on a horse-drawn carriage had a vacuum pump worked by one operative, while another used the equipment within the house. After his equipment gained a Royal Warrant of Appointment in 1902, society hosteses would hold parties to watch his invention at work.