Summary

Photograph showing workers, possibly in the Framing Department, at the Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd factory in Abbotsford, circa 1928. During the first few decades of the 20th century, the factory rapidly expanded with many new buildings added to the factory site.

James Gault is pictured in this photograph, shown in shirt and vest, standing between a pole and a woman who is seated at the right of the photograph.

James Gault was originally a photographic artist who later worked in various positions with Kodak, and its predecessor company Baker & Rouse, probably from about the late 19th century until about 1941, when he left to start a business with his son Robert who was an electrical engineer. James Gault's wife also worked at Baker & Rouse.

Mr Gault was held in good regard by the company. In 1913 he was rewarded 1 pound for an innovation to stop machinery in the case of an accident, to make the factory safer.

In 1928, along with 9 other senior staff, Mr Gault was left 300 pounds by Kodak managing director Thomas Baker after he died. Kodak workers of more than eight years service were all provided for in Mr Baker's will, with most staff receiving from 40 to 200 pounds. James Gault's many years of service and the esteem he was held in by Thomas Baker no doubt contributed to the generous legacy that he received.

When he left the company Mr Gault and his son were invited to a lunch with the managing director Edgar Rouse in December 1941, to wish them good luck in their new endeavour on behalf of the company directors.

Mr Gault's grandson donated this photograph to the Kodak Heritage Collection.

Kodak manufactured and distributed a wide range of photographic products to Australasia, such as film, paper, chemicals, cameras and miscellaneous equipment. Its client base included amateur and professional photographers, as well as specialist medical and graphic art professionals who used photography, x-ray and other imaging techniques.

Description of Content

Interior photograph of workers inside a factory. Men and women are at work, with some of the women seated. The men wear long aprons over long sleeved shirts and ties. There are stacks of photograph frames and mounts on work benches. There are various belt drives attached to a gantry in the ceiling. Electric lighting hanging over work tables can be seen.

Physical Description

Black and white landscape format print.

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