Hoover constellation vacuum cleaner
Hoover Constellation vacuum cleaner, about 1956. A particularly 'space age’ 1950s vacuum cleaner, noted for its use of exhaust air to make it hover. Coupled with a futuristic spherical shape and fashionable colouring, the Constellation is truly a design classic among vacuums. It is made from metal with plastic components. This example is mainly grey with blue details.
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This Constellation 822 model made in the late 1950s was designed to float above the ground with innovative ‘air lift’ technology. The vacuum cleaner base was designed to float easily behind the user, moving smoothly from room to room. The earlier 82 model Constellation required a 4-caster dolly for easy trolleying from room to room. The underside blow action could also be used to blow dirt and dust away. The blow function was advertised as being able to fluff pillows and aerate underneath carpets to protect them against dampness. It is unclear if the addition of the blow function impacted the effectiveness of the suction. It might have been a successful marketing gimmick that was not very effective and may have even lifted dirt and dust into the air.
The Constellation canister section came in numerous colour combinations. It was usually two-tone, the top section being a beige or grey with a contrasting colour on the lower half. The distinctive bumper rail around the middle usually stood out in a contrasting colour. The attachments would either be in a standard grey or in the colourway of the canister.
The Constellation canister vacuum cleaner came with five distinct nozzle attachments, two extension pipes, a ‘Hooverflex’ hose, and a dust bag which was pre-fixed in place but removable. It was a popular product, produced in the UK from 1954 into the 1980s, with minor design modifications.