In the early 20th century, the West London landscape was transformed with industries setting up in Ealing and Hounslow.
The factories along the ‘Golden Mile’ of the Great West Road were modern and eye-catching, designed to help promote and advertise their products. They included well-known brands such as Trico windscreen wipers, Pyrene fire extinguishers, Jantzen American swimwear, Gillette and Coty. Land which was previously rural was used for the factory sites. A brand-new electricity plant as well as easy transportation access encouraged development.
Although each factory went through changes and the workers faced various challenges, for half a century manufacturing boomed. However, this was not to last and the 1980s and 1990s saw a steady decline with many of the factories closing.
Thanks to a grant from Historic England’s ‘Everyday Heritage’ fund, we have been working with volunteers to research and record the oral histories of those who worked at; A.E.C Southall, Trico Folberth and Firestone on the Great West Road.
