This meat safe was used in the early 20th century by a family in North Berwick.

This is a cream painted, metal food or meat safe. Three of the four sides of the safe have perforated, galvanised gauze windows in them.

Early methods of refrigeration, were only used by a fraction of Britain's households. Until efficient and affordable refrigerators became available in the 1950s and 1960s, most people bought their messages, or shopping on a daily basis. Perishable items, such as meat, were usually kept in a meat safe to keep them cool and protected from insects. Food safes were kept in cool parlours or sometimes just outside the backdoor. Their galvanised gauze windows ensured a steady draught of cool air circulated around the meat, keeping it fresher for longer.