Extinguishing burning pans, United Lamp Black Works, Four Ashes

Description:Extinguishing a burning pan at United Lamp Black Works. Workers are pulling out a pan full of burning creosote. Creosote, a by-product of the manufacture of coal-gas, was burned in wheeled metal pans to produce the lamp black which was carbon powder. Here, a shutdown of the works had been ordered and all eight burning pans were withdrawn from the burning chambers and extinguished with water. Two men to the left are getting ready to withdraw another burning plan. Standing closest to the camera are Roy Evans and Ernie Norris, both Fitters. A man in front of them is crouching down and starting to extinguish the burning pan with water as it emerges from the canopy. Wearing a lighter coloured coat is Ernie L. lees, the Works Superintendent. Far right, pulling out the burning pan are Albert Machin and his father Stan

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.