Over the past six months, Researcher, Author and Curator, Clunie Walker, has delved tirelessly into the forgotten history of our special part of the world and discovered an extraordinary story of innovation, entrepreneurialism, craftpersonship and a saga that would encompass two World Wars, The Great Depression, and the journey of a young family emigrating first to New Zealand, and then Australia.
George Rodd was a jeweller in Greeves Street, while his brother Ernest was a grocer in South Melbourne. In 1919, they created G&E Rodd – a small enterprise that would soon explode into the Rodd Silverware empire spanning over half a century. Their factory complex, located on the site of The Laneway Artspace and the surrounding buildings, was once the might of the St Kilda workforce. Its iconic sign, once an integral part of the Barkly Street Streetscape, was all but forgotten. The Forgotten Factory will be presented in three specially curated components:
'The Lost Factory' features photographs of the original layout, functions and includes precious, never-before seen historical photos of the St Kilda Rodd Factory, generously provided to the exhibition by Bruce McCullough, Former Director and Manufacturing Manager, RODD New Zealand. Researched and written by Clunie Walker, 'The History of G&E Rodd' is a fascinating account of the Rodd family – from their humble beginnings as struggling emigrants to the peak of internationally recognised entrepreneurial success.
'Silverware Collection' features rare and precious pieces of Hecworth, Apex and Rodd – together at last in a display of classic refinement of the silverware that was produced throughout the factory, and in what is now The Laneway Artspace. About Clunie Walker
'History in my family is, ironically, genetic. My mother, Lily Hayes’ passion for British history, my brother Ian Walker’s obsession with ancient mathematics, and my late cousin Dr John Samuels – archaeologist, archaeology in law consultant and advisor to developments including The Stonehenge Project and The Channel Tunnel. We all have that inclination to dig further, to investigate, to discover the truth of the past. I like to focus my passion closer to home with local history. The Forgotten Factory a prime example of my enthusiasm for history on my doorstep. Local history adds an extra layer to our everyday life – creating a bond with the environment that soon, undeniably, beckons your soul.'
The Forgotten Factory
From Monday 30 January
Open seven days, from 10am until 6pm daily.
