Summary

Photograph of male factory workers plating metal components of Hecla heaters, possibly in the Little Bourke Street Hecla factory, Melbourne.

Facings for 'Century' model heaters are visible alongside the tubs. To the left of the image a man washes components prior to the electroplating process. The facings and other components are then slotted onto poles and suspended over the tubs for nickel plating. Along two walls of the space are banks of windows. These provide light and ventilate the area.

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

Male factory workers in the nickel plating section of the Hecla factory. 5 tubs are spaced along the right hand wall, across from these is a washing tub. Along the window sills Hecla components are stacked, including bodies of kettles and heater casings.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph with white border. It is adhered with sticky tape at each corner to a buff paper backing.

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