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Working Life at Simpson's Gloves Factory
Image: Sign - Travellers Interviewed Between ...
Source: Museum Victoria
Hours worked at Simpson's Gloves were normally 7.45am to 5.15pm, with half an hour for lunch. In the 1930s at peak periods, workers worked a 48 hour week, which was later reduced to 44 hours. There was 10 minutes for morning tea and no afternoon tea.
Workers typically ate their lunch at their work benches, and some would take their lunch into Studley Park via the footbridge across the Yarra. After workers complained, a lunch room was provided in the 1950s, but after a few weeks they reportedly went back to eating at their benches.
Workers provided their own tools of trade, and wore their own aprons, which they took home to wash weekly. Amos Simpson objected to women wearing trousers, so they all were required to wear dresses. This could pose its own challenge. One married office worker later recalled that one of the foremen would chase the young women up the stairs, trying to put his hand up their skirts. She would advise them: 'Well, you know what to do, just kick backwards when you get to the top'.
Apart from a pre-Christmas lunch, which the workers provided, there were no special outings or picnics organised by the managers. Amos Simpson evidently hated spending money on anything that did not result directly in greater production.
There was a social life, inside and outside the factory. The radio would be played at least part of the day through the intercom, and workers would sometimes sing along. In 1935 Hazel Morgan, a young handbag assembler, was selected to represent Simpson's in a charity fundraising competition among local business. She was crowned Queen of Richmond in an event at Richmond Town Hall. Amos Simpson and his wife attended the event, and he announced the award on the intercom the next morning.
Amos Simpson and his partner Henry Atkins typically took off an afternoon every second week during the 1930s to play golf at the Heidelberg Golf Club, where both were members.
Archives:
The University of Melbourne Archives holds business records relating to the company, including ledgers, journals, wages books, time books and catalogues.
References:
Frances, Raelene (1986).'No More Amazons: Gender and Work in the Victorian Clothing Trades, 1880-1939', Labour History, no 50: 95-112.
Interviews with former managers and workers: Arthur Atkins (1989), Ernie Jordan (1989), Nell Marks (1989), Hazel Eddy & Gwen Simons (1990).
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Wall Clock - Sessions Clock Co, 'Foyer', circa 1930
Round wooden framed wall clock, made by Sessions Clock Co, Connecticut, USA, circa 1930. 'Foyer' model. Used in main work area of Simpsons Gloves factory in Richmond, Victoria.
From: Richmond, Australia Images: 0 -
Framed Photograph - Employees of Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, Victoria, 1932
Wooden frame which formerly contained a group photograph of the managers and employees of Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, Christmas 1932. Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd was formed in 1924 and pro ...
From: Richmond, Australia Images: 1 -
Photographs - Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, Collingwood, circa 1928
Set of four black and white photographs in a wooden frame. The images depict the exterior and interior of the factory and showrooms of Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, Collingwood, circa 1928. ...
From: Richmond, Australia Images: 1 -
No Image Available
Certificate - Centenary Celebrations Fund, Framed, 1934
Framed certificate in recognition of Simpson's contribution to the 1934-35 Victoria-Melbourne Centenary Celebrations Fund.
From: Richmond, Australia Images: 0 -
Hat - Cyclist, circa 1930-1939
Alternative Name(s): Bike Helmet, Cyclist's Helmet, Bicycle Helmet Dark khaki coloured-hat to fit snugly around ears. Made circa 1930-1939 to be worn by bicycle riders/cyclists. Foun ...
From: Richmond, Australia Images: 2 -
Booklet - Laws & Rules of Debate, Saddlery, Leather & Canvas Section, Victorian Branch, ci ...
Booklet titled "Laws and Rules of Debate of the Saddlery, Leather and Canvas Section of the Victorian Branch", The Australian Saddlery, Leather, Sail, Canvas, Tanning, Leather-Dressing ...
From: Carlton, Australia Images: 3 -
Notice Board - Sick Leave, Simpson's Gloves, Richmond, Victoria, 1956
Wooden framed notice board with three notices relating to sick leave, Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, Richmond, circa 1956. Three notices: 1. "Sick Leave / Revised regulation in accordance ...
From: Richmond, Australia Images: 1 -
Photograph - Employees of Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, Richomnd, Victoria, Christmas 1932
Group photograph of the managers and employees of Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, Christmas 1932. The photo was probably taken at nearby Studley Park. Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd was formed in ...
Images: 1 -
Photograph - Group of Employees in Front of Simpson's Gloves Factory, Richmond, Victoria, ...
Group portrait of employees in front of the factory and showrooms of Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, 488-496 Victoria Street, Richmond,1928-1932. Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd was formed in 1924 ...
Images: 1 -
Photograph - Workers at Benches, Simpson's Gloves Factory, Richmond, Victoria, circa 1930
Photograph of men standing at cutting our benches in upstairs work room of Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd, 488-496 Victoria Street, Richmond, 1928-1932. Simpson's Gloves Pty Ltd was formed ...
Images: 1
