Curling Iron c. 1939

This Curling Iron was created by Wellington Blewett. At first glance, it might seem everyday, but consider its making. The tool, made of metal and wood, blends utility with design. The metal rod, crucial for conducting heat, is carefully shaped for its purpose. Note the handle; its wood likely turned on a lathe. The smooth finish invites touch, reflecting an attention to ergonomics that elevates the object beyond mere function. The curling iron is a product of both industrial metalworking and traditional woodworking. Historically, tools like this were central to the beauty industry, which provides opportunities for some, but also relies on often-unseen labor to produce the desired effects. Blewett’s curling iron reminds us that even the simplest objects have histories embedded in their making, histories that blur the lines between craft, design, and the larger world of labor and consumption.