Description:Phil Gollings, a worker at the United Lamp Black Works at Four Ashes, near Gailey, wearing his 'blacks'.
Founded as United Lamp Black Company Ltd. during the Second World War, the company produced fine carbon powder. It was used in the manufacture of carbon paper for office use, and to create a smooth playing surface on 78rpm and early LP records. It was also an essential component in tyre manufacture, helping to prevent tyre walls overheat, so the company probably supplied the Goodyear tyre factory in Bushbury. Carbon powder was also suppled to GEC in Stafford. During the 1960s it was taken over by a US company, Columbian Carbon. The works closed in 1979.
Since 2005 it has been the site of Four Ashes Industrial Estate.