Summary
Photograph of male factory workers operating industrial equipment. In the foreground are semi-completed water cylinders. The clothing indicates the picture was taken in the early 1920s, which suggests the photo was taken in either the Hecla, Little Collins Street or Little Bourke Street factories, Melbourne. Although there are lights suspended from the ceiling the room is lit by large windows visible on the right and in the background of the picture.
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
Factory workers operating metal shaping machinery in a factory. In the foreground are partially completed water cylinder casings.
Physical Description
Black and white photograph with white border. It is 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 1920
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Format
Photograph, Black & White
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Inscriptions
Verso Top RHC: '8' Centre: '4[?]'
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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
131 mm (Width), 102 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Domestic Appliances, Factories, Factory Workers, Industrial Machinery, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Workers, Workers, Working Conditions