The tools we make with
Tools help us to understand how makers create. Some tools, like this plane used for woodwork, have changed little for hundreds of years and wouldn’t look out of place in your toolbox today. Other technologies, like electrotyping, were radical innovations and, for a short period, transformed how we reproduced metal objects, until the next invention came along. Tools are often among artisans’ most prized possessions. The sewing machines and workboxes here have been decorated to mark their importance.
Written by: Miri Ahn, Curatorial Coordinator at V&A East
Published: May 2025
Description: Electrotype pattern of a dish
Maker: Elkington & Co.
Description: Electrotype pattern of a helmet
Maker: Elkington & Co.
Description: Electrotype pattern of a dish
Maker: Elkington & Co.
Description: Moulds used for restoring ‘The Triumph of Amphitrite’ table decoration (museum no. 246:1-1870)
Maker: B & C Mouldmaking Ltd
Sourcebook for Design
- Museum Number
- IS.2344:1 to 19-1883
- Title/Description
- Workbox
- Artist/Maker
- Unknown
- Location
- Bombay
- Date
- 1881-1882
- Museum Number
- IS.81:1 to 6-1948
- Title/Description
- Workbox
- Artist/Maker
- Unknown
- Location
- Galle
- Date
- 1830-1850
- Museum Number
- IM.2:1 to 33-1936
- Title/Description
- Workbox
- Artist/Maker
- Unknown
- Location
- Galle
- Date
- 1830-1850
- Museum Number
- W.60-1924
- Title/Description
- Cabinet workbox
- Artist/Maker
- Tooke (W. H.)
- Location
- England
- Date
- 1800-1850
- Materials/Techniques
- Mother, Ivory, Rosewood, Inlay
- Museum Number
- 06443:1/(IS)
- Title/Description
- Fragment
- Museum Number
- IS.8-1982
- Title/Description
- Enamellers' kiln
- Artist/Maker
- Kudrat Singh
- Location
- Jaipur
- Date
- 1982
- Materials/Techniques
- Earthenware, Painted
- Museum Number
- IS.33-1985
- Title/Description
- Mallet
- Date
- 20th century
- Museum Number
- 2201-1899
- Title/Description
- Plane
- Artist/Maker
- Unknown
- Location
- Italy
- Date
- 1783
- Materials/Techniques
- Walnut, Carving
- Museum Number
- IS.3402:14-1883
- Title/Description
- Goldsmith's tool kit
- Location
- West Bengal
- Date
- c.1880
- Museum Number
- T.1600:1,2-2017
- Title/Description
- 'New Family' sewing machine (model 12/12k)
- Artist/Maker
- Singer Manufacturing Company
- Location
- USA
- Date
- 1888
- Materials/Techniques
- Plywood, Nyssa, Cast iron, Paint, Moulding, Casting, Transfer