I.A.Recordings
Industrial Archaeology

Video compilation 7d: Locksmiths

This tape consists of Compilations 7a, 7b and 7c together. Charles Starkey & Son was a one man business with part-time help, making brass ship locks and latches by hand ,sucessfully competing with the giant lock manufacturers in a specialised market.

John Mattox & Sons of Amos Lane, Wednesfield are specialist key makers, making large & small warded keys by hand using precision chisels, which they make themselves. Their skills are in great demand to provide keys for old locks in castles and churches as this method of key making is virtually a lost art.

A & E Squire was founded c1930 and in 1987 employed 25 people making cabinet locks in Little Lane, Short Heath. It is a good example of a medium sized family run firm using hand skills alongside machine tools to make small locks of a high quality. Made with the help of The Lock Museum & Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council. NGR: SO 964 985, SJ 946 008, SJ 978 011 Recorded July 1987 This tape has no commentary. Total running Time: 90 mins. £ 14.10

All images taken from the video.

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Last modified 24/03/01