The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border.
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Twyfords Limited
From mining china clay to flush testing: Twyfords have a handle on everything that is involved in the production of the humble sink and WC.
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Overview
Twyfords Limited of Eturia in Staffordshire demonstrate in this basic publicity film how they use moulds to make ceramic basins and toilets. The labourious process of multiple kiln firings is followed by the hazardous electro-plating of metal components in bubbling vats. A final test flush and the toilet is ready for use. Luxurious brochure displays remind us that this was an era when an inside bathroom and toilet remained a dream for many.
The Twyford family have a history in the Staffordshire pottery industry dating back into the seventeenth century. Production was eventually centred on a new plant at Alsager in Cheshire before being moved overseas in 2011. The firm does, however, retain an office in Stoke on Trent.
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