19 industrial photos show Blackpool at work in the 80s and 90s including factory staff and Glasform

By Claire Lark

Digital Journalist

Published 14th Jul 2025, 09:54 GMT

Updated 14th Jul 2025, 10:04 GMT

From Glasdons to Burton Biscuits these great workplace pictures capture the staff who kept Blackpool’s factories in production during a 20 year span.

The factories you might remember are featured as well as colleagues and bosses who kept the wheels turning. Different trades and businesses are included – you might recognise some faces.

1. The Factories

Glassblower David Fleetwood with Glasform director John Ditchfield Photo: National World

Photo Sales

2. The Factories

The picket line at The Arvin Exhaust Factory, 2000 Photo: Dave Nelson

Photo Sales

3. Blackpool, 1973

A sunny day for the Flat Roof Company workers Photo: National World

Photo Sales

4. The Factories

Staff from Gledhill Water Storage at Squires Gate had picked up a highly commended award in the 1989 Housing Today competition Photo: National World

Photo Sales

5. The Factories

Joanne Ashton tests the effects of sunlight on coloured plastics at Glasdons in March 1990 Photo: National World

Photo Sales

6. The Factories

Fleetwood net-braider Molly Carter is pictured at Gourock Rope Company, 1981 Photo: National World

Photo Sales

Previous

1 / 4

Next Page

Related topics:BlackpoolSchools