The Electricity Revolution

A selection of electrical goods from the John Lewis Store

Electricity had been installed in many homes during the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the post-World War II years that electrical appliances became common.

For the first time housewives could use electric washing machines, vacuum cleaners, electric fires and kettles. Soon, so-called ‘white goods’ like the fridge and washing machine would follow. The electric home was fast becoming a reality. Mass production enabled goods to be produced in large quantities at low prices.

Smaller electrical appliances often use batteries which store electricity. These appliances Can be moved from place to place. Batteries eventually run down and need to be replaced or recharged.

Imagine life without electrical appliances – no electric lighting or heating, no cooker, no fridge, no television, no telephone, no computer … doesn’t sound too comfortable, does it?

But none of those things would work if we couldn’t plug them in to the electricity supply – essential for all modern appliances.