Production

Early 1960's - from 60's brochure.

 

Executive Staff

k shand h goldsworthy l parkinson f nyland t power

Kenneth Shand
company secretary, joined W.A.P. Watson
in 1930. He was responsible for the overall financial administration.

Harold Goldsworthy
who joined the company in 1924, was works manager and also responsible for the production of new lines.

Roy Parkinson
manager of the crested souvenir department, joined the firm in 1950. Many thousands of his souvenirs were exported annually.

Frank Nyland
manager of the jewellery section of the factory joined the company in 1960.

Trevor Power
son of Mr Wallis Power.

 

image8

Die-sinker 'Sid' at work

The die-sinker seen at work in the first picture was continually adding to 'Exquisite’s' hundreds of dies, many of which were used for items exported to all parts of the world. Some 12.000 brooches, and up to 20.000 pieces of costume jewellery alone were turned out each week for the firm's by-return order service. In addition to the jewellery. gross upon gross of crested souvenirs were made each week.

The 30,00 sq.ft. "Exquisite" factory at Solihull, in Warwickshire was situated on a 3 1/2 acre site and was fitted with the most modern equipment of the day for the production of fashion jewellery and crested badges and souvenirs.
A coach ran daily to Birmingham to bring to work employees who were with the firm when it was housed in the city's jewellery quarter.
Other members of the always-growing labour force were recruited locally and trained for the work by skilled "old timers," some of whom had been with W. A. P. Watson for between 30 and 40 years.

 image9

Section of the plating shop - manager Mr Cheatam foreground

 image5

Part of the tool room - Tom Siviter manager in foreground

  image6

Vacuum coating with the latest electrostatic spray

 image11

Overall view of the press section of the factory floor

  image7

Vitreous enamelled badges and crest charms

 image10

Making rubber moulds - Gordon Normansell

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Site originator - Trevor Power