-Blackpool Tower- still bank c. 1908

This -Blackpool Tower- still bank was made by Chamberlain & Hill using cast iron. During the late 19th century, the materiality of cast iron allowed for affordable production of all sorts of goods, from frying pans to architectural facades. This bank, a miniature version of the iconic British landmark, speaks to the rise of industrial tourism and consumer culture. The process of casting iron involves pouring molten metal into a mold. This process allowed for the intricate detailing of the tower's structure, replicating its latticework and decorative elements. The weight of the iron gives the bank a sense of permanence, reflecting the aspirational idea of saving money for the future. The bank also blurs the lines between souvenir, sculpture, and commodity. It prompts us to consider the social and economic forces that shape our material world, and the ways in which even the most functional objects can carry cultural significance.