the solid framework with a large rectangular bed and two rollers, a travelling press above with a geared, chain-operated flywheel to the rear, stamped with the maker's name in several places and bearing the patent badge "92813",

On installation, the travelling element of the press is loaded with stone in order to provide considerable downward pressure. The rack, chain and geared wheel assisted with a flywheel enabled the weight to travel along the bed with two rollers. At the end of each pass, the weight tilts as it is grabbed by a wedge shaped brake – enabling the pressed linen to be extracted. The machine would originally have had a large cranked handle. The design was patented in 1888.

“Thomas Bradford & Co. was established in 1850 at the Crescent Iron Works in Salford. They manufactured dairy appliances and butter churns, and within a decade became one of the first major manufacturers of washing machines in Britain. The company also set up a steam laundry at 140, 142 and 143 High Holborn, London. The company later established premises at Victoria Avenue, Manchester, and 130 Bold Street, Liverpool.

As an exhibitor at the Royal Jubilee Exhibition in Manchester in 1887, the company stand included commercial laundry and swimming-bath machinery, steam driers and disinfecting equipment. The company is mentioned as the supplier of a fully equipped laundry on board the Pacific Steam Navigation Company’s passenger liner, Reina del Mar.

The company ceased production during the 1960s.”

Synopsis of Thomas Bradford & Co from The Science Museum, Manchester