East Cleveland Image Archive

A brief history of the banner: after the unfurling ceremony the banner disappeared around 12 years later, and was lost until in 1950. It was discovered at the King’s Head Hotel, Grangetown; furled and lying in its dust covered box, in a sad state of decay. Sent to the Middlesbrough office and then to Union H.Q. in London in 1971. Proving too large for the union museum it returned to its box.
The Banner consists of a sheet of silk on both sides of which are painted various scenes in oils Over the years the panels cracked and the oils attacked the silk. The decision was made to send it to the Textile Conservation Centre at Hampton Court Palace where it was restored over a seven month period in 1989.

John Thomas has advised: “The Cleveland District of the Associated Iron and Steel Workers Banner, the gentleman seated at the rear with a beard was my Great Great Grandfather Edward Thomas (a member of the Northern Conciliation Board). He was born in Holywell Wales and is buried in Eston Cemetery, the grave stone was erected by his fellow workmen in recognition of his valuable services rendered as a representative.”

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Courtesy of a collection of Eric Johnson; thanks to John Thomas for the update.

Not  the well known Minnie this time, but Lizzie one of the loco’s from Skinningrove works, pictured in the mid 1930’s with (left to right) Len Horner, Mark Cook and ”Scotchy” Jones. Lizzie was scrapped in the late 1950’s.

Image courtesy of Joyce Dobson, thanks to David Husband advising of sources for our detail.

Another image kindly loaned to us by Neil Suckling who asked where was the photograph taken? My thoughts are that it is Skinningrove works, but I can be wrong as proved so often in the past. What do you think?

Eric Johnson suggests: ”If this is Skinningrove, it dates from the introduction of steelmaking. At the left of photograph is the new Talbots building; at this stage only one furnace of about 250 tons capacity was operating. A glimpse through a gap in the sheeting appears to be a high ground type charging machine; having driven one in my time (later in the life of the plant). Moving right, next to the water tower, the large pipe is part of the gas producers; the tall tower being the coal hoist to feed the retorts. And behind the large building is the new power house; the men appear to be standing on the site of the soaking pits and 36 inch mill.”

Image courtesy of Neil Suckling, thanks to Eric Johnson for the update.

Mr Arthur Gill’s retirement with Mr Vic Caney and Mr Fothergill. Were you there?

Back right there is Billy Winspear and Brian Atkinson, in the middle back is Arthur Summers, can you help with any other names?

George Brown tells us: ”I worked in the boiler shop, Desmond Want is bottom right corner . Second from left is Edgar Noble . Top left corner looks like George Gill. More names for this photograph as passed to me by Mr Brian Atkinson. Back row: Man with spectacles Mr R. Milner, ??, tie and pullover Mr J. Shaw, ??, ??, forward a little Mr J. Boardman, next Mr M. Wilks, Mr J. Preston, Mr Brian Atkinson, Mr G. Gill. Next row: Mr E. Noble, forward Mr B. Shaw, Mr A. Crispin, Mr W. Fothergill, half hidden is Mr J. Gill, right is Mr Desmond Want. Front as you read is Mr A. Gill and Mr Vic Caney. Hope this fills a bit more of the gaps the rest may come to us later?”
Image courtesy of Eric Johnson and thanks to George Brown for the updates.

This is the 18” mill before remodelling in 1956; Eric Johnson assists with: “The man is Les Smith (the roller) in the centre of the image.”

Image courtesy of Eric Johnson, thanks to Eric Johnson for the update.