Canary Cage. Silver painted metal box with glazing on each side.
The front, in the shape of an oval porthole, has a barred partition behind it.
With a black painted O2 cylinder held on top in 2 brackets.
Complete with a wooden perch and red plastic water bowl.
27.2 x 23.0 x 10.0 cm
Exhibition Label Text: This variation on the open canary cage dramatically reduced the
number of birds who died protecting miners from poisonous carbon monoxide gas.
To test for gas, the glass door was opened to let air in. If gas was
present the bird was quickly affected. The door was then shut
and a valve opened to let in pure oxygen from the canister on top.
This swiftly revived the bird.
Digital image on Keeper’s computer – S:/Keeper/MyPictures/Exhibitions/DisplayNewVisitorCentre. Taken November 2003.
for further information see general information file.
See photograph 1999.0506 for cage in use.