a- L: 8.3cm Diam: 10.4cm
b- L: 13.0cm Diam: 7.5cm Diam handle: 2.5cm
A wooden butter press consisting of 2 parts.
a- The lid is made of a light brown softwood. It is cylindrical with a very slight convex curve to the profile. There is a hole in the centre of the top lid to accommodate the handle of the plate.
b- The press plate is circular with a negative-relief design depicting a thistle flower, a berry and some leaves. The design is surrounded by a simple moulding resembling a rope. The handle extends from the centre of the back plate. It has a circular cross-section and a slightly curved profile. The end is rounded.
In Eastern Canada, Scottish thistles are a common symbol found in butter presses. Thistles are invasive and resilient in harsh conditions. Some consider it a weed, others a beautiful flower. As the national flower of Scotland for over 500 years, the Scottish Thistle is a symbol of determination and overcoming adversity. These presses may be a symbol of pride produced by Scottish immigrants who settled in Lanark County, ON in the 19th century.
