| Administrative History | Brickmaking began at Friden near Hartington in 1893. Two years later, in 1895, John West purchased the estate and shortly afterwards gas-fired kilns were built to extend capacity. In 1898 Derbyshire Silica Firebrick became a Limited Company. John West was the first Chairman and Managing Director, with Frank West and AH West acting as Directors. Sand, clay, fireclay and other minerals were mined directly by the company which developed a large overseas market and also supplied numerous gas works in England with refractory products. In 1911 JW Fagan became General Manager, a post he held until his death in March 1944. -- In 1922 the company began to manufacture insulating materials and in the following year, new offices, a canteen and a laboratory were built at Friden. Production continued throughout World War II, when labour shortages led to the employment of some Italian prisoners of war. The gas industry remained major customers for Derbyshire Silicia Firebricks's products, despite the changes resulting from nationalisation in 1947. The company subsequently became DSF Refractories Ltd. -- These records were deposited in the Record Office in August 1986 when many volumes were found to be damaged by damp and mould. |
| Custodial History | Acquired by Derbyshire Record Office in 1986. Added to the catalogue as part of the FindersKeepers project by volunteer Vicky Kerrigan. |