Robert Welch Red Enamel Egg Timer

A three minute egg timer designed by Robert Welch for Victor Cast Ware, England, circa 1983.

The structure of this egg timer is solid cast iron. Arguably, after stainless-steel, this was Welch’s material of choice when designing for industry. Welch executed many household items in cast iron, from table lighters to fruit stands. However, his most famous design in cast iron is perhaps the ‘Hobart’ candlestick.

The majority of Welch’s designs made by Victor were produced as raw cast iron products -that is, uncoated natural black cast iron. Generally, enamelled examples of Welch’s cast iron work or more rare.

The red enamel on this timer is reminiscent of the colour of British post boxes. The hourglass itself is clear glass whilst the sand inside is bright white.

A substantial, useable, and collectable design by Royal Designer for Industry Robert Welch MBE.