A 1930s classic coat and hat hook, and a fine object of Bakelite functionalism. We have several of these beautifully designed hooks, which were manufactured by Everite – the leader in UK household Bakelite hardware back in the day. Never used, they are as if new. A Bakelite hook affixed to the back of a bedroom or bathroom door is a thing of joy and beauty – and jolly useful too.

History of Bakelite

In 1909, Belgian chemist Leo Baekland created the first entirely synthetic plastic, calling it Bakelite. Its properties were revolutionary for it was resistant to heat and didn’t conduct electricity, making it really good insulator, and therefore particularly useful to the automotive and electrical industries emerging at the time. Lightweight and durable; sleek and stylish; affordable and convenient; it could also be moulded into every shape imaginable; and the 1920s and 30s saw Bakelite embrace modernism, where it was used in jewelry, lamps, desk sets, clocks, radios, telephones, kitchenware, and all manner of hardware – such as this hook.

Country of origin: UK

Date of manufacture: c.1930

Material: Bakelite

Dimensions: Height 11cm, Width 4.5cm, Depth 11cm

Condition: excellent - never used