Summary

Photograph of male factory workers assembling heaters, possibly at Hecla's Little Bourke Street premises in Melbourne. They stand at benches surrounded by heaters in various stages of completion. In the foreground completed heaters of the 'Jupiter' and 'Century' models are standing on the wooden floorboards.

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 assembling electric heaters. They stand at benches in a large, open factory floor. Large windows are open at the far and right hand walls. In the foreground are completed heaters of the Century and Jupiter models.

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