View on Union Canal Looking East to Viewforth Bridge

Category

Library Item

Item no

4977

Title

View on Union Canal looking east to Viewforth Bridge

Artist / maker

Chrystal, Francis M.

Date

1920

Size

9.3 x 16 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Full title reads 'View on Union Canal looking east to Viewforth Bridge. The North British Rubber Works are seen on the left hand side of the view'.

The North British Rubber Company were the first to introduce the manufacture of rubber goods into Scotland and remained industry leaders in the development of rubber manufacture. The 'Castle Mills' headquarters by the side of Union Canal at Fountainbridge covered over 5 acres of land. In the 1890s the factory employed about 1600 people. The entire rubber process from crude imported India rubber was carried out: softening, breaking, cleansing, drying, milling, grinding, vulcanising, making up and finishing. They made all kinds of rubber goods including waterproof clothing and footwear, surgical, household and mechanical apparatus, bicycle tyres, inlaid pavement, horse shoes and flexible tubing specifically employed in the construction of the Forth Rail Bridge.

Exhibitions with this item

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Related images

Related subjects

Animals > Birds > Swans

Manufacturing Industry > Manufacturing facilities > Factories

People > Children > Children playing

Places > Edinburgh areas > Fountainbridge

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Canals

Transport > Infrastructure > Stone bridges

Transport > Infrastructure > Trails and paths

(55°56′28″N, 3°12′40″W)

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