Summary

Black and white photograph of male factory workers plating appliance components at a Hecla manufacturing plant, probably the Little Bourke Street premises. Along the left wall components are immersed in tubs of solution for electroplating. towards the right other workers clean parts. The area is lit by windows that span the left hand wall, these are open to provide ventilation. One worker monitoring the nickel plating process wears a heavy glove, most have have bare hands and arms.

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 engaged in the process of electro-plating metal. Some immerse product components in wooden large tubs, others clean, polish or degrease parts.

Physical Description

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

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