The oldest machine I have is a 1961 Hoover Junior. Something about the Junior has had me obsessed as far back as I can remember. They used to be everywhere, now it’s only in the rare dreams I have of being in a market, a factory or old warehouse and finding them round every corner. Iv only ever owned the basic juniors though, never anything bigger of flashier unfortunately, and Iv never even used a Kirby! My current junior is nothing special, or even sentimental really, but if ever I’m feeling particularly anxious il get it out and the sounds, vibrations and smells all help soothe me somehow. That may be the oldest Hoover I own, but it’s not the longest Iv had with me. That goes to my 1995 Henry. Iv been on a mission to reunite him with all his family in recent years, so along with Henry there’s Bertie, Edward, Harry, Hetty, James, Jack and the twins, John & Lewis. Obviously there’s some missing but we keep searching! Theres also my Mieles, a H1 Swing electro, Yellow C2 & premium edition Blue C3 - my main daily. I also like to have a decent Dyson cordless nearby for convenience but mainly because I need a reason for all of the all the attachments I have accumulated. Plus they are good in terms of a cordless, I just love a cable and a bag I guess. Theres a few others in the collection not really worth going into, workshop vacs, carpet cleaners or old retro mini dirt devils that kinda thing.
What are your dream machines yet to be found?
For the Numatics, there’s the easy to find George & Charles, the slightly harder Basil and then the two I belive will be impossible, David & William. I live in hope. The ultimate dream machine for me though would be the Miele S8 Uniq (the Brilliance in the us I think) because it’s just over the top, decadent luxury. Iv never seen one and in the UK they stopped them ages ago. If had the money I would have one imported while they still make them, I’m just not sure if one can do that!
What are your earliest and favorite vacuum memories?
Being a toddler following my mother around while she cleans, dusting the fireplace etc as I cling onto the cloth bag of the junior to steady myself.
What is the history of vacuum you have owned?
Now that is a long list for another time!
Have you ever worked on, repaired and/or restored any vacuum cleaners?
I can fix or repair a lot of things generally, and though I have fixed many vacuums over the years, they have mainly been my own as I never specialised in that area. Would have loved to though. I tend to have ‘upgraded’ as I would call it my vaccums over the years, like adding a better quality hose, a longer cable, a powered head or even changing the colour or fabric of the machine itself!
