Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
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Saving of a Shabby Coat
Jean’s shabby old coat is stained and soiled until Betty recommends a trip to Castlebank Dyeworks, Glasgow, for a good old dry clean in this 1930s black and white advertisement.
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Overview
When Jean sees Betty’s new coat she can’t hide her jealousy, but this is no new coat! It has just had a thorough clean at the Castlebank Dyeworks. So, Jean’s coat joins other grubby clothes which are sorted and loaded into the Franco-Barbe cleaning machine. Busy hands skilfully spot and remove stains, tears are swiftly stitched, and collars pressed before veteran hands fold and pack rejuvenated products. Needless to say, Jean is delighted… “What a transformation Betty!”.
Castlebank Dyeworks was one of Glasgow’s oldest and largest laundries. It was founded by Alexander Kennedy in 1878 and was located in the Anniesland district. The laundry was proud of the Franco-Barbe cleaning process, which involved soaking stained material in chemical solution for several hours, giving a deep clean and revitalising the fabric. The laundry had a fleet of trademark yellow Albion vans that carried the slogan “Mother, Here Comes the Castlebank Man”. This promotional film, produced by Castlebank Dyeworks itself, was filmed by Ronald L. Jay who established Jay’s Film Service in 1930. Jay was responsible for Scotland’s first ‘talkie’ and what is believed to be Scotland’s first colour film.
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