Those units have been and still are very popular in the UK, with "Modern Maid" being a common brand name.
Hanging dryers such as these are great for kitchens equipped with AGA type stoves. On just hangs the laundry, raises the thing up and not only is it out of the way, but dries faster as the air is warmer near the ceiling.
In old UK/European estates one would find hanging drying racks such as those that ran five feet or more, better to deal with the masses of laundry/linens great houses generated. Small stoves (like an AGA) would generate heat during the cooler months for drying. Indoor units were used when temps were too cold and or weather did not permit outdoor drying.