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A Manufacturer Cheltenham, Australia

Colour Sample Set - Laminex Reg. No: HT 15884 16

Summary:: Alternative name: plastic swatch set

This Laminex trade sample set features thirty-eight double sided plastic laminate swatches and an accompanying product information swatch, thread together by a silver metal chain and stored in a small black cardboard box.

The samples were manufactured in the late 1950s by Laminex Pty Ltd at their plant located at 332 Bay Road Cheltenham, Melbourne. Each of the laminate samples features text identifying the product name, pattern and finish. Colours include a palette of pastels and bold primary colours. Patterns include abstract organic shapes, wood grains, basket weaves, linen prints, metallic threads and flecks. The finish identifies a matt or high gloss appearance, or specifies its suitability for application onto furniture. These samples were used in the mid twentieth century to aid in the selection of colours and patterns for the surface decoration of walls, dining furniture and kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinetry.

Laminex Pty Ltd was established in 1934 by Robert Sykes and Arthur Beck, in Brighton, Melbourne. It was one of the first companies to manufacture and distribute decorative plastic laminates within Australia. The first plastic laminate sheets, launched in the late 1940s, were approximately 8 x 4 feet in size and featured a limited range of colours and designs. Initially, Laminex products were only distributed to furniture manufacturers and cabinet makers, who fabricated their products with decorative laminates and sold them through show rooms and major department stores. By the early 1950s Laminex was accessible to the public, with the release of 'contact adhesive', a binding agent which enabled the handyman and do-it-yourself enthusiast to apply decorative surfaces within the home. During the 1950s Laminex phased out their operation in Brighton and moved to a larger factory in Cheltenham, Melbourne.

The post World War 2 housing boom, combined with an increase in household consumption, created an enormous demand for emerging plastic technologies. By the late 1950s, time saving kitchen appliances, hardwearing decorative surfaces and synthetic enamel paints were integrated into domestic architecture. Laminex aimed to revolutionise traditional interior décor schemes by introducing surface treatments that were not only functional and hygienic, but reflected the latest fashion trends. Full page colour advertisements appeared within influential woman's magazines featuring marketing campaigns promoting the 'laminex … lovelier for a lifetime' trade mark. Retail showrooms were also an effective marketing tool, where samples of Laminex products, such as this sample set, were available to be taken home for 'colour matching'.

In 1958 Laminex Pty Ltd was acquired by Australian Consolidated Industries (ACI). During the 1970s, Laminex expanded into the manufacture of substrate materials, such as particleboard and MDF. Laminex established timber mills in Ballarat in 1970 and Wagga Wagga in 1982. By the late 1980s Laminex products were being exported into Asia.
Description:: Set of 38 laminex samples and an additional swatch containing a Laminex information panel. These are hung on a silver metal chain, and stored in a small black lidless box. Samples are two sided and include colour name and other information at the bottom.

Discipline:	History
Dimensions:	80 mm (Height), 48 mm (Width), 40 mm (Length)
Dimension Comment:	This dimension includes the box with the samples housed inside it.

More information

Tagged with:	do-it-yourself diy products, home decorating, laminate sheeting, plastic laminates, plastics, sales representatives
Themes this item is part of:	Laminex Pty Ltd, Domestic & Community Life Collection
Primary Classification:	BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
Secondary Classification:	Painting & Decorating
Tertiary Classification:	laminate samples
Inscriptions:	Printed on front of box: "LAMINEX"
Manufacturer:	Laminex Pty Ltd, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia, late 1950s Date Manufactured Notes: Date range estimated from style and colour palette in this sample set, and from preliminary research of the company.
References:	http://www.thelaminexgroup.com.au/aboutus_history.asp A Place like home : a nostalgic journey through the Australian home, Museum of Victoria, Laminex Industries, Museum Victoria, Melbourne, 1994