Summary
Black and white photograph of employees assembling electric blankets, possibly taken at the Chapel Street, South Yarra factory in Melbourne. The workers' style of dress suggests the photo was taken in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Various stages of production are visible as well as completed products in cartons.
The slogan "By Hecla it's good" - as used to comedic effect by Graham Kennedy in Hecla's pioneering TV advertising - is displayed in the workshop as well as on the packaging.
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
Photograph of the interior of a factory with workers assembling electric blankets. The factory floor is very crowded and the workers are predominantly women. The main source of light is the large bank of windows visible along the rear wall of the room.
Physical Description
Black and white photograph adhered with sticky tape at each corner to a buff paper backing.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mr Phil Wollen, 22 Oct 2004
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Place & Date Depicted
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Organisation Depicted
Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1957
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Format
Photograph, Black & White
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Inscriptions
Rubber stamp imprint, Reverse, Purple ink: 'PHOTO / 154 Lit. Collins Street / 4358 Cent. MELB.' Rubber stamp in cursive display font, Reverse, Blue ink: 'C J Frazer' Text within the image: Sign: BY HECLA IT'S GOOD Packaging, Left Hand Side: Pure wool blanket / Adjustable heat control / Mattress tape supplied / Fully washable / Low running cost / Safe - approved by all State / electricity authorities / BY HECLA IT'S GOOD Packaging, Right Hand Side: HECLA/ELECTRIC BLANKET/DELUXE DOUBLE BLANKET 60" X 54" / EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE WITH 2 TRANSFORMERS
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Brand Names
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Classification
Manufacturing & industry, Domestic appliances, Manufacturing processes
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Image Dimensions - Photograph
244 mm (Width), 198 mm (Height)
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References
Accessed 23/4/2010 <[Link 1]>
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Keywords
Domestic Appliances, Electric Blankets, Electrical Appliances, Factories, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Plants