Talk on The History of Staines Linoleum

Lino was invented by Frederick Walton of Isleworth

The History of Staines Linoleum is the topic at the next meeting of the Hounslow and District History Society’s which is held United Reformed Church Hall, Chapel Road, Hounslow on Tuesday 29th March 2016 at 7.45pm. The speaker is Nick Pollard, the Chairman of Spelthorne Archaeology and Local History Group and Chairman of Spelthorne Museum.

Mr. Pollard will explain how linoleum was invented by Frederick Walton of Isleworth in 1864 but he chose a mill by the River Colne at Staines for the site of the world’s first factory to produce his new floor covering. The product soon became very successful. Consequently the factory became the town’s largest employer for the next century or so.

Mr. Pollard’s talk will show the site and some of the production processes as well as the company’s social side. There are illustrations of material saved when the plant closed in the 1960s.

Visitors to Staines will have seen the arresting sculpture of linoleum at the end of High Street so it will be fascinating to learn about the background of this well-known product and the people involved with its manufacture. Everyone is welcome at £2.00 each for non-members.

March 20, 2016