Photograph of Premier Knitting Company, Manly, ca. 1920-1926 / photographed by Arthur J. Faithful

PXA 2153

fonds

ca. 1920-1926

Graphic Materials, Photographs

1001329

2 photographs - black and white, silver gelatin

The Premier Knitting Company, Manly, situated at 17 the Corso, Manly, specialized in garments in wool and art silk for women, men and children, both ready-made and made to measure.

The employees pictured working in the manufacturing room are all women, long associated with the textiles industries. The early 20th century saw the rise of small-scale, light manufacturing operations such as this. In 1924 the company opened two branch shops in Oxford Street, Paddington and in 1925, Sydney Arcade, as well as Mosman, Coogee and Katoomba. The businesses were owned by Florence Elizabeth Wildbredt Durrant Collier and George William Romany Lee Gaudie (d.1952), both of Manly. On 30 June 1924 they sold out to Frederick Albert Wilcox, a Manly manufacturer, and his wife Agnes Wilcox who closed the business in 1926.

Reference: Library Correspondence File

1. Photograph of women working in a knitting factory. There is one woman at each machine, and there is limited space between machines. The ladies are wearing dresses tied with either a belt or ribbon. None have their hair down - it is either cut short or tied back. The walls of the room are filled with packages, from floor to ceiling. Lights hang at various spots around the room, some are depicted with shades, and some without.

2. A window display of Premier Knitting stock, including ladies and children's wear. The shop number, 17, can also be seen. The shop was situated on the corso, Manly.

Out of copyright: Created before 1955
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Verso of photograph 2 reads "1 [indecipherable word] on each slide (special order) please make good slide".
Stamp on verso of photograph 2 reads "Commercial Photography. Your Photographer. Phone 1650 Arthur J. Faithfull No.1 Exeter Bldgs. 19-21 the Corso, Manly, N.S.W".