VIBRATORS were invented in London 130 years ago, claims a new film which has just started shooting in the capital.


Popular on LondonNet


According to the movie Hysteria, a certain Dr Joseph Mortimer Granville came up with the idea of an electric sex aid back in 1880 at a time when female ‘hysterics’ were often treated by way of sexual stimulation.

“It’s based on fact,” said Jonathan Price, who plays another doctor in the film.

“There are humorous elements, for sure, but ultimately it’s a film about female emancipation and liberation.”

For most women, electrified emancipation had to wait a couple of decades, as the first vibrators were for the benefit of male doctors, who complained of sore wrists and hands when treating hysterics manually.

(Before Mortimer Granville’s invention, there had been some success with a steam-powered implement. Hopefully if was called a “chuff”.)

By 1902, the vibrator had moved out of the doctor’s surgery and went on to create a buzz on the mass market. They came off the production lines before plug-in vacuum cleaners and electric irons.

Hysteria is directed by Tanya Wexler and, as well as Price, stars Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy and Rupert Everett, Ashley Jensen and Sheridan Smith. It’s due out next year.