Junk Drawers, Hair Rollers and the Revolution of Domesticity

The life of an Earl, with his hundreds of keys and a junk drawer to rival them all, is one we can only dream of. But don't despair, dear readers, for even you can have a truly spectacular junk drawer.

The news of Charles Spencer, Earl Spencer, and his summer spent sorting through hundreds of keys at Althorp Estate sparked a wave of envy and anger in many. How could one person have such a magnificent repository of forgotten treasures, a veritable haven for all things lost and forgotten?

But hold on a moment. Before you feel the sting of injustice, remember that the UN has declared having a junk drawer a "basic human right". We all need that space, that chaotic, unjudging haven where we can stash those things we have no immediate use for, but might need someday.

Now, let's build that perfect junk drawer, a place where lost keys, forgotten batteries, and stray rubber bands can find a new home.

The Essentials:

Keys: You might not have the grand halls of Althorp, but chances are you have a collection of keys that would make even the Earl jealous. House keys for homes you no longer own, car keys for vehicles long gone, and keys given to you for safekeeping by neighbours – all essential components of a true junk drawer. Don't forget those keys to the back door that was replaced years ago. You never know when time might start going backwards, and you'll need them to escape into your garden.

Batteries: Dead batteries are an absolute must. Put those empty cells back in the drawer after you replace them. Soon enough, you'll have a glorious mix of dead and new, a delightful confusion that adds to the drawer's mystique.

Rubber Bands: Every rubber band is precious. Remember, on your deathbed you wouldn't want to think, "I could have saved so many rubber bands!"

A Second Best Potato Masher: What if your primary masher fails in the middle of dinner? You'd be in a mashing emergency! The final rule of junk drawers is simple: keep your palette knife handy. You'll need it to pry open the drawer when your masher inevitably gets stuck.

Beyond the Junk Drawer: Carmen Curlers and the Domestic Revolution

But let's not forget the domestic heroes, those objects that truly revolutionised our lives.

I'm currently obsessed with the Danish drama, "Carmen Curlers", a series about the creation of the first heated hair rollers. It's a captivating story about a product that changed the lives of women everywhere.

Why do we celebrate the construction of the Eiffel Tower, a magnificent feat of engineering, but often overlook the humble washing machine? This appliance empowered women to join the workforce and ensured girls didn't miss school. It freed them from the tyranny of "wash day," a day dedicated to laborious hand-washing.

From the horse-drawn vacuum cleaner, where crowds marvelled at the dust collection, to the innovative hair rollers, domestic objects have a rich and fascinating history.

So next time you open your junk drawer, take a moment to appreciate its chaotic beauty. And if you find yourself with a spare hair roller or two, remember that you are holding a piece of history, a testament to the ingenuity and domestic revolution that shaped our world.