Summary

Black and white photograph of Hecla employees assembling water cylinders, possibly taken at the Little Collins Street factory in Melbourne, circa 1920s. The dress of the workers indicates that the image was taken in the 1920s, a time when the focus of the business was shifting from radiators, lighting and art metal to domestic appliances. The manufacturing equipment is simple, and finishing performed by hand.

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 perspective overlooking a factory floor. In the foreground male factory workers assemble water heating cylinders at a wooden bench. In the background stands of metal cylinders are visible. Light is provided by a large bank of windows along the right hand wall.

Physical Description

White bordered black and white photograph adhered with sticky tape at each corner to a buff paper backing.

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