FOOD WARMER
1960 - 1979(a) Round, silver coloured metal, food container base. Round, shallow, aluminium dish, with a flat base. Slightly angled sides creating a wide opening with a thick rounded rim.
(b) Round, silver coloured metal, food container lid. Round, shallow, aluminium lid, with a flat top. Slightly angled sides creating a wide opening at the base. The lid has an unrounded straight metal edge that fits into the base (part a).
These food warmers, also known as 'dixies', were used to transport meals from the Prison's kitchen to prisoners in their cells.
In March 1996, this food container was moved into collection storage from the Fremantle Prison Museum at 16 The Terrace.
In March 2015, former Senior Prison Officer David Campbell advised curatorial staff on the use of these food warmers. He informed staff that they were used at Fremantle Prison in the 1960s and 1970s to deliver food to the prisoners in their cells.
Details
Details
The Prison's kitchens prepared up to 500 meals at a time. As there were no communal dining facilities at Fremantle Prison, prisoners ate meals in their cells. Meals were served on plates and placed inside food warmers like this. The food warmers were then placed on bain-maries to keep them warm while they were transported to each prisoner in their cell.
