Foot Warmer c. 1936

This is a watercolor painting of a foot warmer, made by James M. Lawson who lived from 1855 to 1995. Lawson's work gives us a glimpse into the domestic technologies that shaped daily life in the past. Consider the historical context: born shortly before the Civil War, Lawson lived through a period of immense social and technological change. This foot warmer, likely a common household item during his early life, speaks to issues of comfort and care that are often gendered. Who was responsible for keeping feet warm? Whose comfort was prioritized? The painting also invites reflection on class and labor. The foot warmer itself suggests a certain level of economic stability, the ability to afford such a luxury. Yet the labor involved in maintaining it – gathering fuel, tending to the fire – often fell to those in domestic service. These objects are a starting point for thinking about the material conditions of everyday life and the complex web of social relations that shape our experiences.