James Pearson and James Law created the PE-LA-CO name in 1906, and it’s now an Australian icon
The Pelaco factory at 23 Goodwood St on Richmond Hill, Melbourne was purpose built in 1922, and it was known for its pioneering production systems and improved working conditions.
Their advertising at the time was just a little racist though - note the faces of a laughing ‘blackfellow’ painted on either side of the factory sign - these refer to the company’s advertising campaign which featured an aboriginal man wearing nothing but a Pelaco shirt, saying ‘Mine tink it they fit’.
In 1939 Pelaco erected a Neon Sign on the top of their factory - which is now heritage-listed.
Pelaco moved out in 1990s, and the original sign is set to be replaced. The engineer for the current owner stated recently that "the existing structure is not able to be adequately repaired and instead they wish to proceed with works to replace the sign and supporting structure with a new supporting structure and new letters, essentially of the same form and appearance as the existing ones."
The Richmond Library in Melbourne has a range photos of the factory taken in 1951, when Pelaco reached the height of its importance and dominated the Australian market.
This is my favorite photo though -
Although many of the women in the photos appear young - and therefore probably not yet married - no doubt many married women still worked at this factory, and others like it. Photos like these help to remind us that the 1950s weren't all about stay at home mothers and housewives.
I am sure my grandmother would have preferred this factory to the tomato sauce factory she worked in during the 50s in country Victoria!
More images on tumblr.
♥ Deb
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| 1950s ad for Pelaco shirts. |
The Pelaco factory at 23 Goodwood St on Richmond Hill, Melbourne was purpose built in 1922, and it was known for its pioneering production systems and improved working conditions.
Their advertising at the time was just a little racist though - note the faces of a laughing ‘blackfellow’ painted on either side of the factory sign - these refer to the company’s advertising campaign which featured an aboriginal man wearing nothing but a Pelaco shirt, saying ‘Mine tink it they fit’.
In 1939 Pelaco erected a Neon Sign on the top of their factory - which is now heritage-listed.
Pelaco moved out in 1990s, and the original sign is set to be replaced. The engineer for the current owner stated recently that "the existing structure is not able to be adequately repaired and instead they wish to proceed with works to replace the sign and supporting structure with a new supporting structure and new letters, essentially of the same form and appearance as the existing ones."
The Richmond Library in Melbourne has a range photos of the factory taken in 1951, when Pelaco reached the height of its importance and dominated the Australian market.
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| An interior view across the factory floor, showing women at work |
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| Pelaco staff smiling for the camera from their sewing machines |
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| Women boxing up folded shirts, 1951 |
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| Pelaco employees looking out over Richmond from the roof of the factory |
I am sure my grandmother would have preferred this factory to the tomato sauce factory she worked in during the 50s in country Victoria!
More images on tumblr.
♥ Deb
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