Showing 92 items matching "industrial machinery"
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Sunshine and District Historical Society IncorporatedPhotograph - Massey Ferguson Industrial & Construction Machinery On Site Servicing Photograph
... Massey Ferguson Industrial & Construction Machinery On Site Servicing Photograph...Massey Ferguson Sunshine Harvester Works Handmag tractor front end loader A black & white photograph with two Massey Ferguson employees inspecting an oil filter standing in front of a Massey Ferguson serving panel van and a Handmag tractor front end Loader Photograph Massey Ferguson Industrial & Construction Machinery On Site Servicing Photograph ...Handmag tractor front end loadermassey ferguson, sunshine harvester works -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageMachine - Steam Engine, Tangyes engineering, Mid-1880s
... ...industrial machinery...Flagstaff Hill Warrnambool Maritime Village Maritime Museum Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village Shipwreck coast Great Ocean Road machine invention engine steam steam engine horizontal steam engine Tangyes horizontal steam engine stationary steam engine single cylinder steam engine manufacturing farming pumps lifting equipment engines machine tools hydraulic rams hydraulic pumps steam pumps differential pulleys Mill type steam engine 4 inch cylinder Weston’s differential pulley Thomas Aldridge Weston 1862 International Exhibition in London Brunel SS Great Eastern Cleopatra’s Needle Forth Road Bridge Cornwall House Collins Street Melbourne agricultural machinery industrial machinery Allspeeds dairy pump Richard Tangye & Brothers James Tangye and Brothers Tangye Brothers and Price Tangye Brothers Tangye Brothers & Holman Tangyes Ltd. ...This Tangye B-size, single-cylinder, horizontal steam engine was likely manufactured in England around the mid-1880s. It was distributed by Melbourne machinery merchants Cameron & Sutherland, which also operated in Bendigo and Ballarat. A local cheese maker once used the engine to drive factory equipment. It was later donated to the Warrnambool Technical School, which then donated it to Flagstaff Hill to add to its historical steam engine collection. Between its manufacture and its donation to Flagstaff Hill, the governor had been replaced by the current Pickering governor. This engine design was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When connected and powered up, the engine could drive an overhead line shaft via a flat belt off its flywheel. The line shaft would then drive the machinery via flat belts. It could drive virtually any type of machinery, such as water and sewerage pumps, mine elevators, winches, cranes, metal forges, air blowers, and marine machinery. This engine features a mechanical governor, which controls the speed of the engine regardless of whether it is under load. It also has a water pump built into the valve rod, which is used to supply the boiler with water. Steam enters the cylinder via a slide valve and applies pressure to the piston; it is like a modern internal combustion engine, but in the case of the steam engine, the pressure is exerted in turn on either side of the piston. In other words, the connecting rod is pushed by steam via the piston and piston rod and then pulled back again by steam pushing on the opposite side of the piston. Thus, power is exerted almost continuously, except at the end of each piston stroke, when it reverses direction. In the 1880s, many local butter and cheese manufacturers installed Tangye steam engines to power their machinery. A comprehensive article in the Gippsland Mercury in September 1889 extolled the magnificence of the Farnham Butter Factory in Dennington, Warrnambool, and described how one Tangye engine was used to drive several machines in the cheese- and butter-making processes. A report in the Warragul Guardian in December 1890 notes that the newly opened Warrnambool Butter Factory used a Tangye steam engine to pump water from a 60-foot well. Tangye: Richard Tangye (1833–1906) and four of his brothers—James, Joseph, Edward, and George—were the sons of Joseph Tangye, a Quaker Cornish miner. In 1857, they founded the engineering firm Richard Tangye & Brothers in Birmingham, UK. In 1860, the firm became Tangye Brothers and moved to Cornwall Works in Birmingham. The business encouraged inventors to join the company and develop their patents there, as happened with Weston’s differential pulley block, invented by the Englishman Thomas Aldridge Weston in 1854. Tangye bought the patent in 1858, giving the firm the sole right to manufacture it. The design received a medal for “original application, practical utility and success” at the 1862 International Exhibition in London. Also in 1858, the Tangye firm was commissioned by Brunel’s shipping company to manufacture hydraulic lifting jacks, or rams, to launch the steamship SS Great Eastern. The success of this project brought favourable attention to the firm, and it became involved in other notable projects, including the erection of Cleopatra’s Needle in London in 1878 and work on the Forth Road Bridge in Scotland. The firm underwent several name changes over the years, including James Tangye and Brothers (1857), Tangye Brothers and Price (1859), Tangye Brothers (1860), Tangye Brothers & Holman (1876), Tangye Brothers (by 1878), Tangye Ltd. (1881), and then simply Tangye. Its machinery and equipment were exported worldwide. In 1884, a branch with showrooms, offices, and a warehouse was opened in Melbourne at Cornwall House, Collins Street West. The firm was well known for producing high-quality machinery for agriculture and industry. Even today, new Tangye machinery is available for a subsidiary of Allspeeds. An extensive account of the firm’s history, names, inventions, and further references is available in Grace’s Guide, which also includes references to and diagrams of the Tangye horizontal steam engine. The horizontal steam engine was made by the well-known engineering firm Tangye, known for its high quality of manufacture. It was an important development in machinery because it helped improve productivity. Engines of this type are still used in some parts of the world today. This engine is a good example of a late 19th-century steam engine used in industry and agriculture and adapted for many different purposes. It is also important locally because it was connected to a local cheese making business and part of the thriving western district dairy industry. It may have been one of the Tangyes engines used at the Farnham butter factory or the Warrnambool Butter Factory, which was reported to be one of the most important in the Colony. It is also connected to the Warrnambool Technical School, established in 1968. Steam engine: stationary Tangye Size B, single-cylinder, horizontal Mill type steam engine. It has a 4-inch diameter cylinder with an 8-inch stroke. The body is painted green, and the Pickering governor is red. It was manufactured in Birmingham, England, in accordance with Tangye's Patent 238930, and distributed by Cameron and Sunderland, Melbourne, in the mid-1880s. TANGEYS PATENT BIRMINGHAM B SIZE 238930 CAMERON & SUTHERLAND MELBOURNE THE PICKERING PORTLAND . GOVERNOR . CONN. U.S.A.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, machine, invention, engine, steam, steam engine, horizontal steam engine, tangyes horizontal steam engine, stationary steam engine, single cylinder steam engine, manufacturing, farming, pumps, lifting equipment, engines, machine tools, hydraulic rams, hydraulic pumps, steam pumps, differential pulleys, mill type steam engine, 4 inch cylinder, weston’s differential pulley, thomas aldridge weston, 1862 international exhibition in london, brunel, ss great eastern, cleopatra’s needle, forth road bridge, cornwall house, collins street melbourne, agricultural machinery, industrial machinery, allspeeds, dairy, pump, richard tangye & brothers, james tangye and brothers, tangye brothers and price, tangye brothers, tangye brothers & holman, tangyes ltd., tangye, richard tangye, james tangye, joseph tangye, edward tangye, george tangye, cornwall works, birmingham, pickering governor, pickering portland connecticut usa, 19th century, dairy plant, steam power, tangye's patent 238930, tangye b size engine, cameron & sutherland, machine merchants, 1880s, mid-1880s, cheese manufacturer, butter manufacturer, diary industry, warrnambool technical school, belt driven machinery, agriculture, mechanical governor, farnham butter factory, warrnambool butter factory -
National Wool MuseumPamphlet - The New "Prospect" Blowing Machine, J Charlesworth
... ...Industrial Machinery...Charlesworth Working Life Textile Industry Industrial Machinery Textile Machinery THE NEW “PROSPECT” / BLOWING MACHINE / .. ...Part of a collection of archival materials from Collins Bros. Mills.Four page pamphlet with text printed in black and graphics printed in black and colour.THE NEW “PROSPECT” / BLOWING MACHINE / .. ACHIEVES THE OBJECT.. / AND / TAKES CARE / OF / THE COSTadvertising, j. charlesworth, working life, textile industry, industrial machinery, textile machinery -
National Wool MuseumBooklet - Catalogue of Worsted Machinery, Prince Smith & Sons, Burlington Shed, Keishley
... Industrial Machinery...The organisation had reputation for machines of the highest quality. Industrial Machinery Textile Industry Working Life Advertising Prince Smith & Son Textile Machinery Catalogue of / WORSTED / MACHINERY. / Special Machinery for / Worsted & other Fibres. / PS&S / Manufactured by / PRINCE SMITH & SON, LIMITED / KEIGHLEY, England. / Estabd. 1795. ...Part of a collection of archival materials from Collins Bros. Mills. The company was founded by William Smith in 1795. He produced spinning frames known as throstles and in the early 19th century was producing high-quality machinery for processing textiles. His son, Prince Smith, took over the business and in 1869 he bought the Burlington Shed works from Samuel Cunliffe Lister and renamed the company Prince Smith & Son. The organisation had reputation for machines of the highest quality.Forty eight page booklet with red and black printed text and graphics. Cover is brown with green and black embossed textCatalogue of / WORSTED / MACHINERY. / Special Machinery for / Worsted & other Fibres. / PS&S / Manufactured by / PRINCE SMITH & SON, LIMITED / KEIGHLEY, England. / Estabd. 1795.industrial machinery, textile industry, working life, advertising, prince smith & son, textile machinery -
National Wool MuseumBooklet - Catalogue of Woollen Machinery, Wm. Whiteley and Sons Limited
... Industrial Machinery...Part of a collection of archival materials from Collins Bros. Mills. Industrial Machinery Textile Industry Working Life Advertising Wm. ...Part of a collection of archival materials from Collins Bros. Mills.Ten page booklet with black printed text and graphics. Cover is black printed text and graphics.ESTABLISHED 1854. / WM. WHITELEY & SONS, LTD. / Lockwood, HUDDERSFIELD, / England. / TEXTILE MACHINISTS. / Makers of all kinds of WOOLLEN MACHINERY,industrial machinery, textile industry, working life, advertising, wm. whiteley and sons limited, textile machinery -
Ballarat Heritage ServicesPhotograph - Digital photographs, L.J. Gervasoni, CSR Timbrock Factory Maddingley - internal remains of boiler, 2015
... ...industrial...machinery...http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/69285 jbd timbrock rowsley station maddingley factory csr jack mcconnell heritage industry industrial machinery CSR Timbrock Factory Maddingley - internal remains of boiler CSR Timbrock Factory Maddingley - internal remains of boiler Photograph Digital photographs L.J. ...http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/69285 CSR Timbrock Factory Maddingley - internal remains of boilerjbd, timbrock, rowsley station, maddingley, factory, csr, jack mcconnell, heritage, industry, industrial, machinery -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Combing, Port Phillip Topmaking, 1990
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process....Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown combing Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the combing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, combing -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Combing, Port Phillip Topmaking, 1990
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process....Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown combing Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the combing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, combing -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Finishing, Port Phillip Topmaking, 1990
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the finishing process...Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown finishing Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the finishing process Photograph Finishing, Port Phillip Topmaking ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the finishing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the finishing processvictorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, finishing -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Pressing, Port Phillip Topmaking, 1990
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the pressing process....Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the pressing process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the pressing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the pressing process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Backwashing, Port Phillip Topmaking, 1990
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the backwashing process....Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing backwashing Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the backwashing process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the backwashing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the backwashing process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, backwashing -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Gilling, Port Phillip Topmaking, 1990
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the gilling process....Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing Gilling Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the gilling process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the gilling process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the gilling process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, gilling -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Carding, Port Phillip Topmaking, 1990
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the carding process....Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing Carding Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the carding process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the carding process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the carding process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Automatic Card Feeding, Port Phillip Topmaking, 1990
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the automatic card feeding process....Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the automatic card feeding process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1990 at the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd. This image shows the automatic card feeding process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the automatic card feeding process.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Opening Day, Port Phillip Topmaking, 18 June 1990
... Colour photograph featuring two men and a woman standing amongst industrial wool processing machinery....Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd John Kerin Colour photograph featuring two men and a woman standing amongst industrial wool processing machinery. Photograph Opening Day, Port Phillip Topmaking ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with four others taken at the opening day of the modernised facility in Williamstown operated by Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd on 18th June, 1990. One of the people depicted is John Kerin, MP.Colour photograph featuring two men and a woman standing amongst industrial wool processing machinery.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, john kerin -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Wool Scouring, Williamstown, 1960
... Black and white photograph mounted on backing card, showing interior of a factory with industrial wool processing machinery....Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing Carding combing wool scouring Footscray Front: [printed] Wool Scouring Back: [handwritten] 6A Black and white photograph mounted on backing card, showing interior of a factory with industrial wool processing machinery. Photograph Wool Scouring, Williamstown ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with five other black and white photographs showing interior and exterior views of woollen mills in the 1960's and 1970's. This photo shows the wool scouring process inside the mill in Williamstown in 1960.Black and white photograph mounted on backing card, showing interior of a factory with industrial wool processing machinery.Front: [printed] Wool Scouring Back: [handwritten] 6Avictorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing, wool scouring, footscray -
National Wool MuseumFilm - Cap Spinning and Wool Scouring Machine, Sound Design Studios and Digital Arts, Melbourne, 1988
... machinery...industrial machines...Film wool processing factory mill cap spinning machine wool scouring machine J Dyson & Sons machinery industrial machines Label on tape: VIDEO VISION / VHS / GEELONG WOOL MUSEUM / SPINNING / SCOURING Black VHS tape with white sticker and printed text. ...Tape shows two short films showing the operation of a cap spinning machine and wool scouring machine. Probably used in previous displays at the National Wool Museum.Black VHS tape with white sticker and printed text. Tape is housed in a black plastic case with labels and stickers. Film includes colour footage and audio. 00:05 - cap spinning machine in operation, including close up detail shots 01:12 - end 01:21 - wool scouring machine in operation, including close up detail shots 02:45 - endLabel on tape: VIDEO VISION / VHS / GEELONG WOOL MUSEUM / SPINNING / SCOURINGfilm, wool processing, factory, mill, cap spinning machine, wool scouring machine, j dyson & sons, machinery, industrial machines -
National Wool MuseumFilm - Cap Spinning Machine, Les Gilbert, 1989
... machinery...industrial machines...Film wool processing factory mill cap spinning machine machinery industrial machines Label on tape: VIDEO VISION / VHS / SPINNING / COMPILE / SOUND / DESIGN / STUDIO / LES GILBERT/DIRECTOR / 9A GARDEN STREET PRAHRAN / VICTORIA 3181 AUSTRALIA / TELEPHONE (03) 529 3086 Black VHS tape with yellow and white stickers and hand written and printed text. ...Tape shows a short film depicting the operation of a cap spinning machine, interspersed with explanatory animated graphics. Probably used in previous displays at the National Wool Museum.Black VHS tape with yellow and white stickers and hand written and printed text. Tape is housed in a black plastic case. Film includes colour footage and audio. 00:04 - animated graphic of cap spinning machine 00:26 - cap spinning machine 06:04 - end Film loops until 01:03:57Label on tape: VIDEO VISION / VHS / SPINNING / COMPILE / SOUND / DESIGN / STUDIO / LES GILBERT/DIRECTOR / 9A GARDEN STREET PRAHRAN / VICTORIA 3181 AUSTRALIA / TELEPHONE (03) 529 3086film, wool processing, factory, mill, cap spinning machine, machinery, industrial machines -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Wool Scouring, Williamstown, 1974
... Black and white photograph showing interior of a factory with industrial wool processing machinery. A man is shown standing near machinery....Sutton / 80 Ferguson St., Williamstown / Telephone 937-6017 / FOR REPRINT QUOTE NO Back: [handwritten] LW33 / 5A / 22 / SCOURS Black and white photograph showing interior of a factory with industrial wool processing machinery. A man is shown standing near machinery. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with five other black and white photographs showing interior and exterior views of woollen mills in the 1960's and 1970's. This photo shows the wool scouring process inside the mill in Williamstown in 1974.Black and white photograph showing interior of a factory with industrial wool processing machinery. A man is shown standing near machinery.Back: [printed] COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY BS / Barry M. Sutton / 80 Ferguson St., Williamstown / Telephone 937-6017 / FOR REPRINT QUOTE NO Back: [handwritten] LW33 / 5A / 22 / SCOURSvictorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing, wool scouring, footscray -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Combing, Port Phillip Mills, Williamstown, 1984
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process. ...Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing Carding combing Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1984 at the Port Phillip Mills in Williamstown. This image shows the combing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing process. Two women are shown in the background operating machinery.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Carding, Port Phillip Mills, Williamstown, 1984
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the carding process. ...Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing Carding combing Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the carding process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1984 at the Port Phillip Mills in Williamstown. This image shows the carding process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the carding process. A man is shown in the background standing near machinery.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Wool Scouring, Port Phillip Mills, Williamstown, 1984
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery from a high angle during the wool scouring process. ...Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing Carding combing wool scouring Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery from a high angle during the wool scouring process. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1984 at the Port Phillip Mills in Williamstown. This image shows the wool scouring process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery from a high angle during the wool scouring process. Two men are shown stading beside the machinery.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing, wool scouring -
National Wool MuseumPhotograph - Combing and Finishing, Port Phillip Mills, Williamstown, 1984
... Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing and finishing process, with slivers of wool in the foreground. ...Victorian Wool Processors Early Wool Processing Textile Industry Jim Kim Topmaking Port Phillip Topmaking Pty Ltd williamstown pressing Carding combing wool scouring Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing and finishing process, with slivers of wool in the foreground. ...Part of a collection of photographs previously housed at Victorian Wool Processors (VWP), who were the last early stage wool processing company in Melbourne, and the second last in Victoria. The photographs were collected from other companies as they closed, and were donated to the museum by David Ritchie who was the General Manager at VWP. Victoria Wool Processors (Aust) Pty Ltd was founded by Jim Kim in 1983 as a dedicated international wool trading firm. Seeking greater quality control, the company opened its first physical processing plant in Melbourne in 1990 before scaling up to a state-of-the-art, 24-hour carbonising and scouring facility at Laverton North in 2002. For decades, it stood as one of the largest early-stage wool processing operations in the Southern Hemisphere, known for incorporating modern water-recycling and waste-management infrastructure. However, a severe domestic energy crisis and soaring natural gas prices forced the permanent closure of its manufacturing plant in December 2024, culminating in the company's official corporate liquidation in April 2026. This photo was previously in a frame with three others taken in 1984 at the Port Phillip Mills in Williamstown. This image shows the combing and finishing process.Colour photograph showing industrial wool processing machinery during the combing and finishing process, with slivers of wool in the foreground. Two women are shown in the background operating machinery.victorian wool processors, early wool processing, textile industry, jim kim, topmaking, port phillip topmaking pty ltd, williamstown, pressing, carding, combing, wool scouring -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural CollectionBook - Tool Catalogue, McPherson's Limited, McPherson's FOR ENGINEERS & INDUSTRIALISTS, 1949
... Book is covered by green card and printed on the front with the title and a cartoon sketch/picture of a man standing facing away from viewer at a large industrial piece of machinery. Appears to be working. Picture includes an orange tiled floor and yellow wall. ...Book is covered by green card and printed on the front with the title and a cartoon sketch/picture of a man standing facing away from viewer at a large industrial piece of machinery. Appears to be working. Picture includes an orange tiled floor and yellow wall. ...This book is a catalogue issued for machinery merchants, tool specialists, suppliers of engineers' requisites, manufacturers of pumps, bolts, nuts, rivets, makers of high grade machine tools.Book is covered by green card and printed on the front with the title and a cartoon sketch/picture of a man standing facing away from viewer at a large industrial piece of machinery. Appears to be working. Picture includes an orange tiled floor and yellow wall. The book has 448 pages. Front cover: McPherson's FOR ENGINEERS & INDUSTRIALISTS MELBOURNE SYDNEY ADELAIDE PERTH Back Cover- McPherson's Ltd. 546-566 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE * Telephone: MY270 * Telegraphic Address: "MERCHANT" MELBOURNEnon-fictionThis book is a catalogue issued for machinery merchants, tool specialists, suppliers of engineers' requisites, manufacturers of pumps, bolts, nuts, rivets, makers of high grade machine tools. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageFunctional object - Copper Sheet, circa 1878
... These raw materials were used by colonial artisans such as blacksmiths and metal smelters to fashion, and repair, agricultural implements and industrial machinery. Copper was valued for its non-corrosive properties and its malleability, or ease of working. ...These raw materials were used by colonial artisans such as blacksmiths and metal smelters to fashion, and repair, agricultural implements and industrial machinery. Copper was valued for its non-corrosive properties and its malleability, or ease of working. ...In 1984 the Commonwealth Government made available to Flagstaff Hill a collection of lead ingots and copper sheets recovered from the wreck-site of the LOCH ARD. They were presented to the Warrnambool City Council by the Hon. Tom Uren MHR, Minister for Territories and Local Government: “The Commonwealth recognises that shipwrecks like the LOCH ARD are our national heritage with important educational, recreational and tourist applications” (The Standard, Tuesday 8 May 1984). The LOCH ARD was wrecked in 1878. Unsuccessful salvage operations were then undertaken with the 90 ton paddle steamer NAPIER. In sudden bad weather this vessel too was sunk. The precise position of the LOCH ARD in the exposed and dangerous waters off Mutton Bird Island became lost to memory. The underwater location of the LOCH ARD was rediscovered in 1967 by a Warrnambool skindiver, Stan McPhee. In the two years following his find, the vessel was systematically pillaged by unauthorised salvagers. This led to the State and Federal Governments’ intervention in 1969. A roundup and seizure of recovered lead ingots and copper sheets was conducted by Commonwealth and Victorian Police. Offenders were charged and convicted. The “repossessed loot of the Tassie Boys” was placed into secure storage (Jack Loney, 1978, Wrecks & Reputations). The LOCH ARD manifest of cargo lists “Pig lead 50 tons, 994 pig & 37 rolls” and “Copper 33 plates, 53 bolts”. While the lead ingots have been subsequently described as “ballast”, the copper sheets are unlikely to have been associated with the ship’s normal complement in that way. Similar product lines in the cargo manifest are “Bar and rod iron 102 tons”, “Plate iron 3 tons” and “Zinc 12 tons”. These raw materials were used by colonial artisans such as blacksmiths and metal smelters to fashion, and repair, agricultural implements and industrial machinery. Copper was valued for its non-corrosive properties and its malleability, or ease of working. Both these qualities were useful, for example, in laying underground gas pipes that supplied lighting to residences, businesses and streetscapes in the mid-nineteenth century. As the nineteenth century progressed, the metal was also increasingly valued for its conductivity, with copper wiring linking colonial communities to each other, and the wider world, via the Telegraph system. The average weight of the copper sheets is 216 kilograms, calculated by "volume 0.1936m³ X Cu density 8930kgs/m³".The shipwreck of the Loch Ard is of significance for Victoria and is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register ( S 417). Flagstaff Hill has a varied collection of artefacts from Loch Ard and its collection is significant for being one of the largest accumulation of artefacts from this notable Victorian shipwreck. The collections object is to also give us a snapshot into history so we can interpret the story of this tragic event. The collection is also archaeologically significant as it represents aspects of Victoria's shipping history that allows us to interpret Victoria's social and historical themes of the time. The collections historically significance is that it is associated unfortunately with the worst and best-known shipwreck in Victoria's history. Large heavy sheets or panels of copper metal raised from the wreck of the LOCH ARD. The 10 sheets are of roughly similar dimensions and rectangular shape. They bear signs of prolonged submersion in seawater, with various degrees of limestone accretion, adhered marine growth, and green oxidisation. Three of the sheets are severely buckled, demonstrating the force of underwater explosives used in their salvage. One sheet appears cut or severed in a diagonal line downwards from its top left hand corner. One sheet has a 10cm X 10cm square cut out of its top right hand corner. All sheets are in sturdy, stable condition. No maker’s marks are visible. Kindly on loan from the Commonwealth of Australia.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, glenample station, mutton bird island, loch ard gorge, sailing ship, copper sheet, manutacturing materials, metal imports, muntz -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageEquipment - Foghorn, 20th century
... As well as building ships the company built large industrial and agricultural machinery and maritime goods....As well as building ships the company built large industrial and agricultural machinery and maritime goods. this replica foghorn represents the design of a Swedish, Tyfon model 1910. ...A marine foghorn gives an audible navigational signal to warn vessels of dangers, hazards and the presence of other vessels in fog conditions. The foghorn signal is a series of long and short sounds with short or long pauses between them. These common signals conform to a code called the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and provide such information as whether the vessel is under sail or motor, large or small, aground or at anchor. The designs of foghorns vary but they all use a column of air to make a loud sound. Some use vibrating plates or metal reeds, others force air through holes in a revolving cylinder or disc, sounding like a siren, and some use a clockwork mechanism to open the valves that let the air into the horn. They are usually built to meet particular specifications e.g. U.S.C.G. (US Coast Guard). This Tyfon plunger foghorn has a horizontal handle attached to a vertical rod that moves up and down inside a cylinder. When the handle is plunged down, in a similar way to a bicycle pump, the air is forced out of the bottom of the cylinder into a pipe with a bell-shaped horn on the end, making a loud, low sound. The wider base of the cylinder helps to keep it stable. The original type Tyfon foghorns were manufactured in about 1910 by Kochums Mechanical Workshop (Kockums Mechanical Werkstad, Ltd.), Malmo, Sweden. The company was established in 1840, became a Limited company in 1866, and established a shipyard at the Port of Malmo, Sweden, in 1870. The civilian ship production in Malmo ceased in 1987. As well as building ships the company built large industrial and agricultural machinery and maritime goods.this replica foghorn represents the design of a Swedish, Tyfon model 1910. It is an example of the type of safety equipment used on marine vessels to signal other vessels and signal to land. Replica foghorn; portable marine, plunger operation. It has a brass cylinder and adjustable brass horn. The plunger handle and base are wooden. Inscriptions are on the plaque on the horn and moulded into the air intake. Facsimile of a Kockums of Malmo, Sweden, Tyfon model 1910 Fog Horn.Impressed into the attached plaque "KOCKUMS MLK. VERKSTAD / MALMO SWEDEN" and "TRADE TYFON MARK" Also added to the plaque individually "288938" Molded around the circumference of the air intake "TYFON PATENT"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, foghorn, fog horn, tyfon foghorn, kockums mlk verkstad, malmo sweden, replica, warning signal, safety equipment, ship's equipment -
City of Melbourne LibrariesPhotograph, Bull, Hugh Jones, 1897-1993, Steel manufacturers, McPherson's Ltd, Melbourne
... Rapid growth sparked higher demand for industrial machinery made from steel and infrastructure such as rail. ...Rapid growth sparked higher demand for industrial machinery made from steel and infrastructure such as rail. ...Photographer notations on slide: Steel Manuf’rs at McPherson’s Ltd 1933 Published: The Age, 30 August 1933 BUREAU OF STEEL MANUFACTURERS OF AUSTRALIA. (1933, August 30). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204372874 Published title: Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia Published caption: A group of Inter-State Visitors, from the Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia, on a tour of inspection at the Bolt Works of McPhersons Pty. Ltd., Burnley-Richmond, yesterday. Research by Project Volunteer, Louise McKenzie: The photo shows a line up of 36 men, in three rows, in front of a building. They are mostly dressed in dark 3-piece suits, or camel coats. But one gentleman stands out in his full length leather coat! Striped ties are popular, and they are all holding hats. One man, at the rear towards the right, looks a bit younger with his thick, black, brylcreamed hair.. These interstate gentlemen are described in the newspaper caption as representatives of the Bureau of Steel Manufacturers "...on a tour of inspection at the Bolt Works of McPhersons Pty Ltd, Burnley, Richmond." Interestingly, the Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia (BOSMA) still exists, and is the industry body for major Australian steel producers like BlueScope, Liberty, and InfraBuild, representing their interests, engaging with government, and participating in standards setting for the domestic steel market, with a history dating back to 1923. While BOSMA focuses on primary manufacturing, the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) serves as the broader peak body for the entire steel supply chain, from mills to end-users, promoting and supporting the industry. But at the time of this photo, the Australian steel industry was just starting to make headway. As the AST website explains, "Steelmaking in Australia began just a decade prior to the start of the 1851 Gold Rush whilst Australia was still divided into colonies. Iron ore deposits were discovered in 1840 at Iron Knob, South Australia but a lack of equipment meant that the process of producing steel was impossible. Even attempts at smelting the iron ore in a blast furnace to create pig iron were unsuccessful due to the poor quality of iron ore and coke available to the budding industry. In the other colonies at the time, such as Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales, there were minor discoveries of iron ore but poor technical expertise and limited quantity meant that the quality of steel was poor. Compared to the far superior steel being imported from Britain at the time, the steel manufacturing industry simply couldn’t compete and was unviable. By the 1870s, almost all steel production in Australia had been abandoned. The situation began to change at the turn of the century. Rapid growth sparked higher demand for industrial machinery made from steel and infrastructure such as rail. It became apparent that there was a need for locally manufactured steel and soon there would be an answer. In 1901, the year Australia united into a federation, the nation’s first blast furnace went into production at Eskbank near Lithgow in New South Wales. The development was spearheaded by William Stafford and his son Esk, and Stafford is known as the father of Australian steel production. In 1915, production expanded with another steel mill in Newcastle that was opened by BHP. It sourced coke from local mines and iron ore from South Australia, creating a domestic loop for steel manufacturing. In the following years, more steelworks opened in Whyalla, South Australia and Port Kembla in NSW. Steel manufacturing in Australia was now underway." The company mentioned in the photo’s notation and in the newspaper caption, was McPhersons, "...an Australian hardware firm, for many years a leading merchant of woodworking and metal-working machinery... [and founded by] Thomas McPherson (c.1823–1888) who had a home "Dudley House" at 142 Dudley Street, West Melbourne. [The] ironmongery business [was located] in 1860 at 149 Spencer Street, Melbourne. Merchandise carried included bells, lathes, horseshoes and steam engines." (Wikipedia - McPherson's Pty Ltd) Anyone who has read Robyn Annear’s excellent award-winning 2014 book Bearbrass – the name for early Melbourne - will remember only too well her description of West Melbourne, from where the city of Melbourne as we know it, emerged. Her book resurrects the village that was early Melbourne – from the arrival of white settlers in 1835 until the first gold rushes shook the town – and brings it to life in vivid colour. The McPherson family, whose arrival in Bearbrass coincides with this period (Thomas arrived in 1852), became intimately involved in the growth and development of Melbourne. Thomas was Mayor of Melbourne (1870-1871); his eldest son Hunter became a successful Sydney businessman; second son Edward and third son William inherited the company, and ran it together until 1896 when Edward killed himself. William had a notable career in politics as treasurer of Victoria 1917-1923, in which year he was knighted. 1928-1929 he was Premier of Victoria, and a noted philanthropist. The family were significant property owners in the city of Melbourne: 149 Spencer Street, 582-588 Collins Street, 554-566 Collins Street, together with a property on Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne, and factories in Sunshine, Tottenham, Kensington and Richmond – all by the mid 1940s. By that time they also had controlling interests in several Australasian industries, including Ajax Bolt and Rivet Pty Ltd of NZ, F W Hercus Manufacturing Co Ltd, manufacturers in South Australia of lathes, guillotines and other heavy machinery, also of Patience and Nicholson (P & N), manufacturers in Maryborough, Victoria, of twist drills and thread-forming tools; also Wiltshire Files on Sunshine Road, Tottenham, manufacturing files and rasps. The Acme Machine Tool Company became a branch of McPhersons, and the company claimed to have supplied, from their own manufacture, all five million rivets (some 3,600 tonnes) used in the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – described as a steel through arch bridge, which opened in 1932; the tallest of its kind in the world (Wikipedia – Sydney Harbour Bridge) McPherson’s was also innovative in other ways. It published a comprehensive catalogue, extensively detailed with prices, available free of charge to farmers and other businesses. In 1908 it had 148 pages. By 1937 it had grown to 372 pages. The University of Melbourne’s Archives entry on McPherson’s Limited notes: "After the outbreak of the Second World War, McPherson’s factories worked at full capacity and were crucial to Australia’s war efforts. On 5 December 1944 McPherson's converted to a public company named McPherson's Ltd, with William Edward as Chairman of Directors. By the start of the 1950s the company had a very different Board of Directors; in 1947 the Managing Director Oliver Addison died, and his replacement Marshall Eady died only six months later. Both had been Directors since McPherson’s became a proprietary company in 1913. Another Director, Philip Bevan, died in 1948 and this was followed by the death of William Edward in 1950. S.B Holder, F.G. Thorpe, H.L. Hastie, F. Grassick and D.G. Syme all joined the Board before 1950. The company continued to prosper for many years after the death of William Edward. His son, William David, was invited to join the McPherson’s Ltd Board in 1951. He married Angela Cumming in 1955 and soon after was sent to Brisbane as Director in Charge to oversee the building of a new warehouse. The opening of this warehouse in Queensland meant that the company now had major outlets in five states. As time went on, manufacturing in Australia began to decline and imports of everyday tools began arriving from Asia. These tools were being produced with much lower labour costs and could be sold at cheaper prices. William David retired in 1984 and eventually parts of the company were divested, such as the Richmond Bolt Works which closed in the early 1990s. Since the 1980s, McPherson's has diversified into housewares, printing, and health and beauty care products." This article also contains photos, one of which is a photograph of 'Bolt works picnic' 1920, showing workers in their shirt sleeves participating in a tug of war in a rural "picnic" setting. McPherson’s premises at 554-566 Collins Street more than lasted the test of time and is listed as historically significant. The magnificent art deco building from the 1930s in the heart of Melbourne was first commissioned in 1934 and completed in 1937. It is an imposing building fronting almost a quarter of the city block between Spencer Street and King Street, and was designed to be a warehouse, office and showroom for the hardware empire. International architects Stuart P Calder, and Reid and Pearson designed the four-storey building with a basement level and a stair tower at the centre that provides access to what was a tennis court on the roof. It is considered an example of the streamlined modern style in Melbourne and shows how the McPherson company, protected from taxes after World War I, was able to manufacture goods without being affected by the competition. The building has survived, and its current iteration is as the home to il Mercato Centrale – an Italian style artisan market concept. The University of Melbourne Archives hold a particularly good image of the building from its heyday, complete with Collins Street lamps on the pavement outside the store. And to return to our image, sited at "Bolt Works of McPhersons". Today this segment of McPhersons is still very well known - Ajax. A good summary of the company’s history, and the development of the name and business, can be found on the Mine Suppliers Online website: "AJAX Fasteners can trace its heritage back to 1900, when the Acme Bolt Company was established in West Melbourne, Victoria. In 1909, William McPherson used the company as the basis for establishing McPherson’s Bolt Works – adopting the brand ‘Ajax’ – and moved it to Richmond. Over the years, the company changed many times in response to industry needs to ensure that it remained the premier manufacturer of high quality fasteners in Australia. Many other names in the industry, such as Firth Cleveland, Spurway Cooke and Nettlefolds were merged or acquired into the company. McPhersons ended their 80-year ownership of Ajax in the early 90s when they sold their shares to National Consolidated, which was also a major shareholder at the time. In 1997, Ajax Fasteners moved to new purpose-built premises in Braeside, Victoria. Soon after, National Consolidated was taken over by the diversified manufacturer Austrim. The group soon acquired the iconic Nylex, and adopted the name Nylex Corporation. In January 2007, ACME Operations Pty Ltd acquired Ajax Fasteners and continues to operate the business today from the Braeside plant. The name ACME provides a nostalgic return by the new owners to the company’s heritage, when the Acme Bolt Company was founded in July 1900." REFERENCES: BUREAU OF STEEL MANUFACTURERS OF AUSTRALIA. (1933, August 30). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204372874 Wikipedia, McPherson’s Pty Ltd, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McPherson%27s_Pty_Ltd Wikipedia, Richmond, Victoria, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_Victoria Industry: From the mid-19th century, Richmond was a centre of manufacturing industry, including many large complexes such as the Bryant & May match factory, Jaques Limited engineering works, the Wertheim Piano factory and Pelaco. Wikipedia, Sydney Harbour Bridge, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Harbour_Bridge eMelbourne, Manufacturing, https://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM00896b.htm 'New life for Melbourne's McPherson Building', The Urban Developer, https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/mcphersons-building-melbourne-il-mercato-centrale-food-retail-destination Bureau Of Steel Manufacturers Of Australia Limited, http://www.bosma.org.au/ 'A Brief History of Steel Manufacturing in Australia', AST, https://astraders.com.au/a-brief-history-of-steel-manufacturing-in-australia/ 'Steel manufacturing in Australia: a brief history', Hard Bakka Steel Fabrication, https://www.hardbakka.com.au/component/virtuemart/steel-manufacturing-in-australia-a-brief-history?Itemid=494 McPherson's Limited, University of Melbourne Archives, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/nodes/view/58364 Source of Description: 'Nuts and Bolts: A story of a family and a firm', Barbara Hamer (2006), McPherson’s Printing Group 'Photograph of 'Bolt works picnic' 1920', University of Melbourne Archives, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/assets/display/1287217-max?u=dea2e4d2fd07ac822e624f1e7d39adb3 'Photograph of the exterior of the McPhersons Department store at 546 Collins Street, Melbourne.', University of Melbourne Archives, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/assets/display/1287215-max?u=12430d30453a77059b7d10d49006a521 Robyn Annear, Bearbrass: imagining early Melbourne, Black Inc., 2014 (originally published 1995 by Mandarin) 'Company details', Ajax Fasteners, http://www.minesuppliersonline.com.au/australia/braeside/hardware/ajax-fasteners 'Former McPherson's Building', Victorian Heritage Database, https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/741Photographer notations on slide: "Steel manuf'rs at McPherson's Ltd 1933 B5".1930-1939, industrial workers, clothing and dress, 1930, iron and steel industry, businesses, bridges, industry, melbourne, gold rush, moderne style architecture -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageMachine - Treadle Lathe, 1920-1923
... It is in good condition and sought today by collectors as many of it's attributes were innovative at the time and lead to further development and incorporation of some of its features into more industrial models of production machinery. flagstaff hill warrnambool shipwrecked coast flagstaff hill maritime museum maritime museum shipwreck coast flagstaff hill maritime village great ocean road lathe 1920-1923 round bed lathe treadle lathe drummond type a guildford surrey drummond brothers guildford surrey england tread'e "MADE BY DRUMMOND BROTHERS LIMITED - PATENT TEES - RYDE'S HILL n GUILDFORD SURREY", "Serial Number 01470," "L44" or "L45 " Lathe, round bed, treadle powered lathe, Drummond Type A, Serial number and maker's inscription. 1920-1923, Made by Drummond Brothers in Guildford, Surrey, England. ...The lathe-making business incorporated in 1902 as Drummond Bros Ltd originated in the fertile mind of Mr Arthur Drummond, said to have been living at that time at Pinks Hill, on the southern edge of Broad Street Common, west of Guildford. Mr Drummond, whose accomplishments included several pictures hung in the Royal Academy, was unable to find a lathe suitable for use in model engineering. In 1896 he designed for himself a ‘small centre lathe … which had a compound slide rest with feed-screws and adjustable slides’. He also designed and built ‘lathes of 4.5 inch and 5 inch centre height, which had beds of a special form whereby the use of a gap piece was eliminated but the advantages of a gap-bed lathe were retained’. Assisted by his brother, Mr Frank Drummond, who had served an apprenticeship to an engineering firm at Tunbridge Wells, the first lathes were made in a workshop adjoining Arthur Drummond’s house. The demand that speedily built up led to the decision to form a company and manufacture the lathes for sale commercially. Land was acquired nearby, at Rydes Hill, and the first factory built. The enterprise was a success, and the company quickly established ‘a high reputation in this country and abroad for multi-tool and copying lathes, and gear-cutting machines’. Other lathes were added to the range, including the first of the ’round bed’ machines for which the firm became widely known. A Drummond 3.5 inch lathe was among the equipment of Captain Scott’s 1912 expedition to the South Pole, and large numbers of 3.5 inch and 4 inch designs were exported to Australia, Canada and India. By the outbreak of war in 1914, 5 inch, 6 inch and 7 inch screw cutting lathes, arranged for power drive, were on sale. Large orders were received from the government for 3.5 inch lathes, for use in destroyers and submarines, and 5 inch lathes for the mechanised section of the Army Service Corps. The latter were used in mobile workshops. The factory worked night and day to supply the forces’ needs, until production was disrupted by a fire which destroyed a large part of the works in May 1915. As soon as rebuilding was complete work restarted. At the end of the war the entire production was being taken by the Government departments, a special feature being a precision screw lathe, bought by the Ministry of Munitions in 1918. Between the wars Drummond Bros Ltd introduced new machines for the motor vehicle, and later the aircraft industry, and the works were extended on many occasions to fulfill the increasing orders. The Maxicut multi-tool lathe (1925), designed for high-production turning operations, was one of the first machines of this type to be built in England. It was followed (1928) by an hydraulic version for turning gear blanks, and similar work. Further developments provided machines which, during the Second World War, turned all the crankshafts and propeller shafts for Bristol engines. Others, ordered by the Ministry of Supply were employed in turning shells, and many other specific needs of vehicle and aircraft manufacture were catered for by new types of Drummond lathes. Production of the small centre lathes ceased during the war when the company needed to concentrate on building multi-tool lathes and gear shapers. After the war a completely new Maxicut range was introduced, replacing the older versions, and fully automatic. The types were continually developed, and new versions manufactured until the end of the company’s life in 1980. The disappearance from the scene of Mr Arthur Drummond in 1946, and the end of the company’s autonomous existence in 1953 when the company was acquired by William Asquith Ltd, which was in turn bought by Staveley in 1966, meant that the factory at Rydes Hill became one – albeit very effective – part of a large national engineering company. Achievements at the Guildford works during its last years included the development of automated Maxicut gear-shapers in what was ‘probably the most fully automated gear shop in the country’, while a machine from Guildford was sent to the Osaka Fair in 1962. In 1963 an agreement was signed with Hindustan Machine Tools for the manufacture of Maxicut gear-shapers in state owned factories in Bangalore and Chandigarh. During 1963 the two largest multi-tool lathes ever made in the UK were installed in Ambrose Shardlow’s works in Sheffield for handling cranks up to 14 foot long. In 1976 Drummond lathes were included in Staveley’s £14,000,000 installation in Moscow of an automated production line for Zil motor cars. Up to the end invention continued at Guildford: a new Drummond Multi-turn memory-controlled machine was shown at the International Machine Tool Exhibition in 1977. This could not save the works from the pressures of the late 1970s, and Staveley Industries closed its Guildford site in 1980.An early example of a lathe that was designed primarily for the hobbyist model maker. It is in good condition and sought today by collectors as many of it's attributes were innovative at the time and lead to further development and incorporation of some of its features into more industrial models of production machinery. Lathe, round bed, treadle powered lathe, Drummond Type A, Serial number and maker's inscription. 1920-1923, Made by Drummond Brothers in Guildford, Surrey, England. Lathe is complete with Chuck, Tool post and Tail Stock in situ (30 extra parts)"MADE BY DRUMMOND BROTHERS LIMITED - PATENT TEES - RYDE'S HILL n GUILDFORD SURREY", "Serial Number 01470," "L44" or "L45 " flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, lathe 1920-1923, round bed lathe, treadle lathe, drummond type a, guildford surrey, drummond brothers guildford surrey england, tread'e -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageMachine - Diving Compressor, Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd, 1880-1890
... industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe's at 145 High Street, Holborn, London, but in 1828, new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods, including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water-pumps, refrigeration equipment and diving apparatus. ...industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe's at 145 High Street, Holborn, London, but in 1828, new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods, including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water-pumps, refrigeration equipment and diving apparatus. ...This compressor was part of the E.G. Ward Collection. It is connected to the diving suit and boots, also in our collection. Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd was a British company that developed diving equipment and breathing equipment and worked on commercial diving and marine salvage projects. The company advertised itself as 'Submarine Engineers'. It was founded by Augustus Siebe, a German-born British engineer chiefly known for his contributions to diving equipment. Siebe Gorman traded as an engineering firm for over 180 years, from 1819 to 1999. The early success of the business was due to its founder, the Prussian immigrant Christian 'Augustus' Siebe (1788-1872). For business reasons, he applied for and was granted British citizenship in 1856. He was a gifted engineer who was able to translate theoretical problems into practical, working products. During the industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe's at 145 High Street, Holborn, London, but in 1828, new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods, including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water-pumps, refrigeration equipment and diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe specialised in submarine engineering early on, and the company gained a reputation for the manufacture of safe, reliable diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe is best remembered for the development and manufacture of the ‘closed’ Diving Dress based on the ideas of Charles and John Deane, George Edwards and Charles Pasley. Apart from some small modifications to valves and diver communications, the basic 12 bolt ‘closed’ diving dress remained relatively unchanged after the 1870s. Later company successes were also based on innovation, with new products that could be successfully developed and manufactured to high standards. This was largely attributed to the inventive nature, foresight, engineering and entrepreneurial skills of Robert Henry Davis (1870-1965). In 1882, RH Davis joined the company of 'Siebe & Gorman' as a young 11-year-old office boy, and he was to remain with the company until he died in 1965. Augustus Siebe retired in 1869 and handed over the company to a new partnership of Henry H. Siebe (1830-1885) and William A. O'Gorman (1834-1904). The new firm traded as 'Siebe & Gorman' (1870-1879) from premises in and around Mason Street, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. The two partners soon recognised the potential of R.H. Davis, and in 1894, aged 24, he became General Manager of Siebe & Gorman. Davis increasingly ran the company until the surviving partner (W.A. Gorman) died in 1904. The firm was disposed of to the Vickers (armaments) family, and a new company, Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd. (1905-1998) was formed. Under the chairmanship of Albert Vickers, R.H. Davis was kept on as Managing Director, and the company forged ahead. However, after WW1, the Great Depression caused manufacturing output and share prices to slump. In 1924, Robert Davis made a deal with the Vickers Board and acquired control of the company through majority shares. Under his leadership, the Siebe Gorman Company flourished, and in time, four of his sons also joined the firm. The company gained a worldwide reputation for the manufacture of diving apparatus, decompression and observation chambers, and safety breathing apparatus of all types for use on the land, in the air and under the sea (including mine rescue, tunnelling, aircraft, diving, submarine escape and in other hazardous environments). Close research and development links with the MOD (especially the Admiralty), also provided a lucrative outlet for the company's products. In 1932, Robert Davis was knighted by King George V, principally for his invention of the ‘Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus’ (D.S.E.A.). Siebe Gorman essentially remained a family firm from the beginning (under A Siebe) until it became a public company for the first time in 1952. However, following WW2, British manufacturing stagnated through stifled investment and post-war austerity, and there was little innovation. Siebe Gorman's fortunes began to decline as an ageing Sir Robert Davis failed to invest or change the company's business and management practices. In 1959, Siebe Gorman was acquired by the “Fairy Group” and the ailing Sir Robert was made Life President. Consequently, nothing changed, and the slow decline continued until Sir Robert's death in March 1965. Around 1960, Siebe Gorman acquired the diving apparatus manufacturer C E Heinke, and for a brief period, it manufactured some diving equipment under the combined name of Siebe Heinke. Around 1964, Mr E. 'Barry' Stephens was appointed as the new Managing Director to modernise Siebe Gorman. Changes were made, including a move to a new factory in Wales in 1975. The new company concentrated on firefighting breathing apparatus and escape equipment, and the move coincided with the loss of many of the older, traditional craft skills. Between 1985 and 1998, Siebe expanded through acquisitions, and several other companies were acquired. The Siebe Gorman (diving apparatus) company has therefore traded as A. Siebe (1819-1870); Siebe & Gorman (1870-1879); Siebe Gorman & Co (1880-1904); Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd (1905-1998).The diving compressor, along with associated equipment in the Flagstaff Hill collection, represents a highly significant snapshot of marine history. These items are particularly important in understanding the evolution of diving equipment, with a special focus on their use in salvage operations before and throughout the Second World War. Manufactured by a company renowned for its inventions, development, and innovation in marine engineering, the equipment demonstrates the progression of technology in deep-sea diving. Early helmets and related items produced by this company remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide, highlighting their historical and technological value. The presence of these items within the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum allows for a unique insight into the working conditions and methods employed by divers. It also illustrates the considerable dangers they faced while performing such essential and hazardous work, underscoring the critical role played by these professionals in maritime history.A single cylinder divers' pump by Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd, London, eccentric hand cranked in brass, brass-mounted mahogany case with instructions to the underside of the lid, brass-covered pressure gauge and air outlet, brass maker's plaque to the front, water inlet and outlet to the rear, green-painted lifting rings. Machinery has some blue-painted areas on the metal. This compressor is part of the E.G. Ward Collection.Plate on the back 'WATER SUPPLY" "WATER OVERFLOW" "WATER DRAIN-IN" Pressure gauge dial "BOURDON'S PRESSURE GAUGE" STEBE GORMAN & CO. LONDON", "LBS PRESSURE" "FEET OF SALT WATER" Plate on the front " PATENT, Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd Submarine Engineers" below emblem (Lion, Crown, Horse)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, maritime-museum, diving compressor, london, siebe gorman & co ltd, marine technology, life saving, deep sea diving, maritime museum, maritime village, manine history, maritime history, marine engineers, marine diving, deep-sea diving, e g ward, vintage diving compressor, e. g. ward, e.g. ward, edward ward, ted ward -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and VillageFunctional object - Diving Suit, boots and weight, Early-to-mid 20th century
... industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe' at 145 High Street Holborn London, but in 1828 new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water pumps, refrigeration equipment and diving apparatus. ...industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe' at 145 High Street Holborn London, but in 1828 new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water pumps, refrigeration equipment and diving apparatus. ...This diving suit with helmet, boots and weight is part of the E. G.Ward collection, along with the diving compressor and a photograph of a diver in this equipment. Siebe Gorman & Company Ltd was a British company that developed diving equipment and breathing equipment and worked on commercial diving and marine salvage projects. The company advertised itself as 'Submarine Engineers'. It was founded by Augustus Siebe, a German-born British engineer chiefly known for his contributions to diving equipment. Siebe Gorman traded as an engineering firm for over 180 years from 1819 to 1999. The early success of the business was due to its founder, the Prussian immigrant Christian 'Augustus' Siebe (1788-1872). For business reasons, he applied for and was granted British citizenship in 1856. He was a gifted engineer who was able to translate theoretical problems into practical, working products. During the industrial Victorian period, the business traded as 'A. Siebe' at 145 High Street Holborn London, but in 1828 new premises were acquired at 5 Denmark Street, Soho. The family firm produced a wide range of manufactured goods including paper-making machinery, measuring machinery, water pumps, refrigeration equipment and diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe specialised in submarine engineering early on and the company gained a reputation for the manufacture of safe, reliable diving apparatus. Augustus Siebe is best remembered for the development and manufacture of the ‘closed’ Diving Dress based on the ideas of Charles and John Deane, George Edwards and Charles Pasley. Apart from some small modifications to valves and diver communications, the basic 12-bolt ‘closed’ diving dress remained relatively unchanged after the 1870s. Later company successes were also based on innovation, with new products that could be successfully developed and manufactured to high standards. This was largely attributed to the inventive nature, foresight, engineering and entrepreneurial skills of Robert Henry Davis (1870-1965). In 1882, RH Davis joined the company of 'Siebe & Gorman' as a young 11-year-old office boy and he was to remain with the company until he died in 1965. Augustus Siebe retired in 1869 and handed over the company to a new partnership of Henry H. Siebe (1830-1885) and William A. O'Gorman (1834-1904). The new firm traded as 'Siebe & Gorman' (1870-1879) from premises in and around Mason Street, Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth, London. The two partners soon recognised the potential of R.H. Davis and in 1894, aged 24, he became General Manager of Siebe & Gorman. Davis increasingly ran the company until the surviving partner (W.A. Gorman) died in 1904. The firm was disposed of to the Vickers (armaments) family and a new company 'Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd.' (1905-1998) was formed. Under the chairmanship of Albert Vickers, R.H. Davis was kept on as Managing Director, and the company forged ahead. However, after WW1, the Great Depression caused manufacturing output and share prices to slump. In 1924 Robert Davis made a deal with the Vickers Board and acquired control of the company through majority shares. Under his leadership, the Siebe Gorman Company flourished and within time, four of his sons also joined the firm. The company gained a worldwide reputation for the manufacture of diving apparatus, decompression and observation chambers, and safety breathing apparatus of all types for use on the land, in the air and under the sea (including mine rescue, tunnelling, aircraft, diving, submarine escape and in other hazardous environments). Close research and development links with the MOD (especially the Admiralty), also provided a lucrative outlet for the company products. In 1932, Robert Davis was knighted by King George V, principally for his invention of the ‘Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus’ (D.S.E.A.). Siebe Gorman essentially remained a family firm from the beginning (under A.Siebe) until it became a public company for the first time in 1952. However, following WW2, British manufacturing stagnated through stifled investment and post-war austerity, and there was little innovation. Siebe Gorman fortunes began to decline as an ageing Sir Robert Davis failed to invest, or change the company business and management practices. In 1959, Siebe Gorman was acquired by the “Fairy Group” and the ailing Sir Robert was made Life President. Consequently, nothing changed and the slow decline continued until Sir Robert's death in March 1965. Around 1960, Siebe Gorman acquired the diving apparatus manufacturer C E Heinke, and for a brief period, it manufactured some diving equipment under the combined name of Siebe Heinke. Around 1964, Mr E. 'Barry' Stephens was appointed as the new Managing Director to modernise Siebe Gorman. Changes were made, including a move to a new factory in Wales in 1975. The new company concentrated on fire-fighting breathing apparatus and escape equipment, and the move coincided with the loss of many of the older, traditional craft skills. Between 1985 and 1998, Siebe expanded through acquisitions, and several other companies were acquired. The Siebe Gorman (diving apparatus) company has therefore traded as A. Siebe (1819-1870); Siebe & Gorman (1870-1879); Siebe Gorman & Co (1880-1904); Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd (1905-1998).The diving suit, helmet, boots, and weights, along with associated equipment in the Flagstaff Hill collection, represent a highly significant snapshot of marine history. These items are particularly important in understanding the evolution of diving equipment, with a special focus on their use in salvage operations before and throughout the Second World War. Manufactured by a company renowned for its inventions, development, and innovation in marine engineering, the equipment demonstrates the progression of technology in deep-sea diving. Early helmets and related items produced by this company remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide, highlighting their historical and technological value. The presence of these items within the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum allows for a unique insight into the working conditions and methods employed by divers. It also illustrates the considerable dangers they faced while performing such essential and hazardous work, underscoring the critical role played by these professionals in maritime history.Diving suit including helmet, boots and a weight. Diving suit is made of canvas with knitted cuffs. The helmet is metal. The boots have a thick sole and thick leather upper that is held on with leather straps and buckles. The toe of the boot is heavy metal. The weight is worn next to the trunk of the diver and it has an inscription to mark the front. It is worn with straps and buckles holding it in place. Royal Navy Admiralty Pattern 6 bolt No 3 light Siebe Gorman light diving helmet circa 1960, used by the Royal Navy before and after World War 2. This equipment is part of the E. G. Ward Collection."Siebe Gorman & Co Ltd Marine Engineers London. Patent" with "E G Ward" on front and back plate. On weight "FRONT"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, diving suit, siebe gorman and co ltd., siebe gorman and co ltd marine engineers london, marine engineers, diving helmet, diving boots, diving weight, marine diving, maritimemuseum, maritime village, maritime history, marine technology, life saving, deep sea diving, maritime museum, siebe gorman and co ltd., siebe gorman and co ltd, london, deep-sea diving, e. g. ward, e g ward, e.g. ward, edward ward, ted ward
