Summary

Black and white photograph of a kitchen display, entirely kitted out with Hecla domestic appliances including several hot water urns, stoves and toasters, circa 1930s

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 a 1930s kitchen that is crowded with new domestic appliances that are mainly of a silver metal viewed past a curved front bench. The rear wall is covered with mirrored cabinets and the scene is lit by three glass shaded lights on the ceiling. The walls have a textured abstract pattern that matches the bench in front and all surfaces are highly reflective.

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 and holes are punched through the top of the photograph as well as the paper backing.

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