Kodak worker processing photographic film canisters, Kodak Factory, Coburg, circa 1964
Image: Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd
Source: Museum Victoria
Media contact: Amanda Linardon alinardon@museum.vic.gov.au
A museum researcher unearthing the history of the Kodak company in Melbourne is calling on former staff and associated agents to share their stories.
Curator Fiona Kinsey is investigating the history of Kodak in Australasia through a major collection of company records, products, marketing materials, working life artefacts and photographs donated to Museum Victoria.
"As an iconic Australian company, Kodak employed thousands of people from the early 20th century until its Coburg factory closed in 2004, many of whom may still live around Coburg or Abbotsford near the original factory sites," said Kinsey. "I am interested in hearing from former factory workers, whether on manufacturing lines or in the offices, canteen, medical centre or other areas."
"A particular focus is the history of the Abbotsford factory, which operated from 1908 to 1966. We've so far identified only a handful of people who worked there prior to the 1950s – the eldest living is a sprightly 91-year-old former office clerk and member of the Kodak Ladies' Basketball Team."
"We want to identify Kodak staff from any era, but I'd especially love to hear from Abbotsford staff before the 1950s, or their children or grandchildren who might have relevant information, documents or images. I'm also keen to locate former staff at either Abbotsford or Coburg who had other family members working at Kodak."
From 1961, Kodak's Australasian headquarters was located at a huge complex in Coburg, constructed on 23 hectares of former farmland. Although no longer manufacturing in Australia, Kodak Australasia Pty Ltd operates a sales and distribution headquarters – ironically back in Abbotsford.
The oral histories recorded in Kinsey's project will support research and documentation of the museum's Kodak Heritage Collection. Some stories will also appear on Museum Victoria's Collections Online and may be used in education or public programs to enliven the collection for museum visitors.
Anyone with Kodak-related history or material can contact Fiona Kinsey via the Melbourne Museum Discovery Centre: tel 03 8341 7111 or discoverycentre@museum.vic.gov.au (Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4.30pm)
Museum Victoria Public Relations contact:
Amanda Linardon, 03 8341 7726, 0400 130 307 or alinardon@museum.vic.gov.au
For all general public enquiries, contact the museum's Discovery Centre