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Willenhall in the West Midlands
of England has been the centre of the British lock industry for 400 years. In
the sixteenth century, Willenhall was granted the privilege of making all locks
for government use.
Today, famous names such as Yale, Squire and Union are still
busy in the area and some small specialist firms have also survived. |
In 1983, The Lock Museum Trust purchased 54, New Road Willenhall - a typical Victorian house with backyard workshop. They opened the buildings as the Lock Museum in 1987.
As well as static displays in
the gaslit house, the visitor can experience something of the living and working
conditions of a 19th century lockmaker and his family. Lock making skills are
demonstrated by volunteers using original tools and equipment such as
fly-presses, blacksmith's hearths and belt-driven machinery. |
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The original works manufactured bar padlocks for South America and barge
padlocks for canal boats. The family firm employed one or two locksmiths, but
the family were expected to help when trade was busy! Finished locks were
varnished in a japanning oven.
In 2003 the museum became part of the Black Country Living Museum, and has been re-opened as the "Locksmith's House" - visit their web site for more information and details of opening times. |
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All the images on this page are taken directly from Compilation No.33 "West End Locks, Willenhall Lock Museum & Other Works".
There are many other I.A.Recordings compilations on the theme of lock making.
Also see the production "Hand Made Padlocks". |
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