Workers Leaving Gossage's Soap Works, Widnes (1901)

Widnes workers take a well-earned dinner break.

These mesmerising scenes were captured outside soap and chemical manufacturers William M. Gossage and Sons. Located on the west Bank of the St Helen's Canal in Widnes, the company was responsible for around half of all of the UK's international soap trade at this time. Unlike most 'factory gates' films, which show only building exteriors, this one gives us a glimpse of the glass-roofed interior.