|
The British Heat Resisting Glass Company"Phoenix" |
|
page 4
| The way in which the company was be conducted could be somewhat cavalier, as Alec Wilfort's experience with Dr. Gibson shows. Joan McTighe also experienced this sort of attitude: |
Casserole on chrome plated stand |
I was employed at Phoenix Glassworks in the 1940s, dealing with recording oven breakages. As a timid 16 year old I did my best to do my job without attracting undue attention.The senior management at that time were Sir Lionel Smith-Gordon, Mr. Gemmell (who was American and sometimes arrived in uniform), Mr. Gardner and Mr. Wilson.Our offices were very modern in design, with clear glass above panelling to allow in as much light as possible. |
 Gravy boat with yellow rose design | One day, Mr. Wilson came into our office and spoke to Miss Jenkins and told her she could have the next day off. We were all very surprised to hear this until the reason was explained to us. He had several rolls of curtain material and lining, together with the measurements, and said she could have the day off to make up the curtains. Miss Jenkins said she was very sorry but she could not sew. The other staff members were approached, Miss Harbourne, Mrs. Bathurst and Miss Tate-Bradley. |
| All of them regretfully declined saying they had never made up curtains. Then, looking round the office, Mr. Wilson espied me trying to keep my head down. "Right then, Miss McTighe, it looks as though it's up to you". I tried to protest but he said "Come along now, I'll drive you home with this cloth". |
Tea service and serving plate in various designs |
My mother was absolutely shocked when I told her what the situation was. She had never attempted anything like that before and felt unable to cut into this expensive blue/beige material. At this I became extremely worried, fearing that I might lose my job if I did not get the curtains made up. Mother suggested going to see a neighbour who had a machine and, thankfully, she undertook to sew the curtains. It took her, an experienced machinist, at least two days to complete the task and my Mother had to pay her into the bargain. |
Bowl with stylised pattern in blue and black |
Casserole with leaf pattern |
I was then able to breathe a big
sigh of relief and kept my job.
In fact, the curtains were still hanging at the windows when I eventually left Phoenix to go to work at the garage which Mr. Gardner had opened in Oxford Street - but that is another story. |
 |
| click here to continue the Phoenix story |