Summary

Black and white photograph of a shop front window display of Hecla electrical appliances including kettles and heaters and several advertising posters. A large sign in the centre displays the Hecla logo and the slogan: 'At Your Service At the Touch of a Switch', circa 1920s.

This photograph is from an album containing 255 black and white photographs depicting electrical appliances, showroom displays, factory interiors and advertising material relating to Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd. It is part of the Hecla collection of photographs, documents, products, manuals and promotional materials from the Hecla Electrics factories in Melbourne. This collection dates from the late 19th century to the late 20th century and was acquired in 2004 from the current owner of the Hecla Electrics brand.

Hecla Electrics manufactured and distributed a wide range of domestic and commercial electric appliances products to Australasia, such as heaters, kettles, toasters, stoves and water heaters. Its client base included households, commercial businesses such as cafés, hospitals and offices, as well as the military. The company promoted its goods through advertisements in home magazines and displays in shop windows, home shows and the 1935 All-Electricity Exhibition. Hecla Electrics became a household name in Melbourne during the 1920s and remained a popular Australian brand until the late 20th century.'

Description of Content

Black and white photograph of window display of electrical appliances including cooking stoves, heaters and kettles. Display is lit from within and window is framed by a decorative frieze across the top and the exterior is dark. The centre of the display features a large logo with a man in a black suit and a giant electrical switch. Two publicity signs read: 'At your service at the touch of a switch' and 'More leisure hours for every housewife'.The rear wall is decorated with striped bands of material stretched around the central poster and some of the appliances are elevated on glass shelves.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph adhered with sticky tape to white backing paper with holes punched on side. Photograph is attached at all four corners.

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