Item MM 107019 Photograph - Hecla Electrics Pty Ltd, Factory Workers Polishing Heater Components, circa 1925

Summary

Photograph of male factory workers polishing heater facing components, possibly at Hecla's Little Bourke Street premises in Melbourne. Four machines are running, each with a polishing wheel at either end of the drive shaft. Workers are finishing the nickel plated facings and central bowl components of Hecla heaters.

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 various employees finishing the surfaces of heater components on polishing machines. Finished materials are leaned against the polishing machine and surrounding benches. The factory workers wear no protective clothing. The factory space is primitive and the machinery simple. Lighting is provided by large banks of windows along the outside walls. Some of these have been opened for ventilation.

Physical Description

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