Bakelite telephone
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Bakelite telephone
Bakelite telephone. Dial telephone with bakelite casing. Bakelite, the first plastic to be used for widespread commercial purposes, was discovered in the 1920s while the Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland was researching synthetic varnishes in the USA. It is a thermosetting plastic (one that does not melt once it has been heated and set) and it is a good insulator. This made it the ideal material to use in electrical devices like telephones and radios
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6350667
© VICTOR DE SCHWANBERG/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Communication Communications Dial Hand Set Icon Iconic Mass Produced Material Materials Phone Plastic Polymer Retro Synthetic Telephone Traditional Bakelite
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a Bakelite telephone, an iconic piece of technology that revolutionized communication in the early 20th century. The dial telephone with its distinctive bakelite casing represents a significant milestone in the history of plastics. Bakelite, the first plastic to be widely used for commercial purposes, was discovered by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland while researching synthetic varnishes in the USA during the 1920s. With its thermosetting properties and excellent insulation capabilities, bakelite became an ideal material for electrical devices like telephones and radios. This photograph captures not only the historical significance of this technological marvel but also highlights its retro charm. Against a clean white background, this still life image portrays the beauty and craftsmanship of this early plastic masterpiece. Its hand set and dial evoke nostalgia for a time when communication relied on physical connections rather than wireless networks. The use of bakelite as a mass-produced material transformed industries and paved the way for future advancements in polymer chemistry. As an enduring symbol of innovation and industrial progress, this bakelite telephone print from Science Photo Library is sure to captivate anyone interested in both historical artifacts and technological evolution.
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