Minimax Factory – Faggs Rd, Feltham – Architect unknown – date unknown.
I love this doorway, which is all that remains of a factory on the corner of Faggs Road and Staines Road in Feltham, very close to Heathrow Airport and Hatton Cross. I just don’t know anything about it. If anyone has any info I’d love to hear it. In the meantime I have to get on with some more research. (tbc…)
Thanks to P Casling (see comments) I now know its the Minimax factory!
This used to be the factory of Minimax, makers of fire extinguishers. I think the company took over Pyrene, then was taken over by Chubb’s before it closed sometime in the 1980’s. The junction was (maybe still is) called ‘Minimax Corner’.
This used to be the factory of Minimax, makers of fire extinguishers. I think the company took over Pyrene, then was taken over by Chubb’s before it closed sometime in the 1980’s. The junction was (maybe still is) called ‘Minimax Corner’. This was the only architectural bit worth saving, as the rest was just plain brick.
Fantastic – thank you for this – I’ve been wondering about it for ages. I’m also relieved to hear that it wasn’t an architectural masterpiece that they ripped down!
Mr.P.
As P. Casling says the road junction is still known locally as ‘Minimax Corner”. Minimax was one of a number of factories (mostly related to the aeronautical industry) that sprung up around the birth of Heathrow Airport.
We are trying to identify the architect and supplier of the ceramic material of the MiniMax building portico. If you obtain any further information, please patch us in.
Will do Alan. Similarly, please do pass on any info you find out. Great Society by the way!
Thanks.
Mr.P
Minimax Limited
Minimax started in England in 1903 when they opened their first office in Leadenhall Street London and soon became world renowned for their conical extinguisher known as ‘The Minimax’.
Until they joined The Pyrene Company in 1955 their unique shaped extinguishers were a familiar sight in most public buildings and offices.
In 1911 a new factory was built at Feltham Middlesex at ‘Minimax Corner’ which became a famous landmark; the factory was demolished sometime in the 1980’s.
Chubb & Sons acquired the Pyrene Company in 1967.
Minimax and Pyrene continued to trade under their own names until 1971 when Chubb Fire Security Limited was formed.
Chubb Fire still operates today and their head office is at Chubb House in Sunbury.
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz336/patwintab/Minimax/2010_0603Image0001.jpg
http://i841.photobucket.com/albums/zz336/patwintab/Minimax/2010_0603Image0003.jpg
A couple of old photos of the factory and doorway in its original situ.
A few more pics can be seen at my photobucket under Minimax.
James – Thank you so much for sharing your photos with us. I’ve always wondered how the factory looked and now that’s the mystery cleared up!
Mr.P
Please can you tell me what type of terrier he is? My Mother has just got a rescue one and he is the spitting image of yours. Love the site! Regards, Nick
Hi Nick,
My mum was a long haired Jack Russell Terrier – a pretty and petite lady. Unfortunately I never got to know my father – he was a fly-by-night my mother met in dark alley. I definitely have a longer body than my brothers and sisters, though I haven’t been in contact with them for years as they ostracized me as a puppy. My hair could be said to resemble a that of a Westie, so could be that? I do have the irate temper of Westie. But I’m not committing to anything! Sorry I can’t be much more help than that.
Mr. P
Re Minimax, I have a first aid box passed on to me by my father, think its from the 40’s, It has Minimax on the front and inside the address of Feltham Middlesex. Passing it on to my local history centre.