Lesney Factory, Hackney Wick

[biglouis]

Certainly a shrine to my childhood, maybe yours as well?

M8 SAA90/2

lesney-factory.jpg

[cocker]

Indeed it is - and a good picture. What is the building used for now and what is going to happen to it I wonder?

[spylaw4]

Walked along that towpath this afternoon! Nice shot.

[elansprint72]

Good Life on Mars building- boatman makes the shot.

[azzo]

Lovely colours and capture.

Louis,

Very nicely done indeed.

[biglouis]

Originally Posted by cocker

Indeed it is - and a good picture. What is the building used for now and what is going to happen to it I wonder?

Guys, thanks for the comments.

Keith, no idea what it is used for now but turning it into a toy museum might be an idea although I doubt the location would be too inspiring.

LouisB

[suilvenman]

A very nice photo, Louis.

And also a worthwhile exercise to keep these reference points on film before they change or disappear forever.

Cheers, Ken

[PaulL]

Brings back memories of my technical visits thier when working for Berger Paints on Carpenters Road. The sprayers used too smoke when spraying and more paint went past the job than on it.

We used to add acid to the paint just prior to delivery so it etched onto the mazak castings of the toys, if it was in the paint any longer in storage the paint would go off in the can.

Further on up carpenters road where it meets the high street was a pub where Iron Maiden used to play.....

Happy days

[biglouis]

Originally Posted by PaulL

Brings back memories of my technical visits thier when working for Berger Paints on Carpenters Road. The sprayers used too smoke when spraying and more paint went past the job than on it.

We used to add acid to the paint just prior to delivery so it etched onto the mazak castings of the toys, if it was in the paint any longer in storage the paint would go off in the can.

Further on up carpenters road where it meets the high street was a pub where Iron Maiden used to play.....

Happy days

Paul

Thanks a lot for your memories, very interesting indeed, especially the image of sprayers smoking and working. Fascinating that a toy required such engineering expertise. Got any more stories to tell about the factory?

LouisB

[paulskinback]

Hi biglousie

My Mum and Nan worked here in the 60's and both had "loose knicker elastic" as the saying goes. i.e. I was given loadsa free toys every Friday night when nan visited us that she pinched as she worked on the line making them.
The houses on the left of your photo were the site of the massive other part of the factory in Lea Conservancy Rd. If you PM me (if poss) I will supply my e-mail and send you lots of stuff on Lesneys. It is a fascinating story.
Not sure how well you know Hackney, but if you come back to Waterden Road where the old Hackney dog track was, this was also near a load of Lesney buildings that not many people are aware of. They have just been demolished for the Olympic park.

The first Matchbox Boxes were printed by Boxes Ltd in Dace Road. Old Ford not far away. My Dad was aprinter and probaly did some along with Airfix boxes.

More to tell so if you want to know more. keep in touch.

Dave