I.A.Recordings
Industrial Archaeology

Video compilation 27: Locks, Keys & Files

This tape consists of Compilations 4, 5 & 21 together. Locks: H.E.Fletcher, steel cabinet lock maker, New Invention. This old family firm run by two brothers, still makes a variety of cabinet locks by hand and supplies several large retail stores.

Keys: In 1882 Arthur Hough formed a company to make keys in New Invention. For over one hundred years, this family firm has supplied key blanks and finished keys to all parts of the lock industry. Now it is capable of supplying tens of millions of items per year, using the latest production machinery.

Files: Wilf Davies was recorded demonstrating hand file cutting at the age of 80 in the Lock Museum, Willenhall in July 1987. Wilf has been involved in the cutting and making of files since he was 14 years old. Today, files are machine-made, but hand made files are still highly prized by the skilled metal-worker. Made with the help of The Lock Museum & Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council. NGR: SJ 978 016, SJ 963 035, SO 961 984 Recorded July 1987 This tape has no commentary. Total running time: 107 mins. £ 14.10

All images taken from the video.

Back toI.A.Recordings Home Page Compilations list

Last modified 24/03/01