Craftsmanship and Community: Celebrating Fielding & Platt
Apprentice intake 7 February 1949
Fielding & Platt Ltd was a Gloucester based engineering firm established in 1866. It closed in 2003 but is still remembered as an iconic Gloucester organisation that, at one time, employed over 700 people. The company was based at The Atlas Works in Southgate Street and produced hydraulic machinery. Fielding & Platt played a significant role in the development of the docks and contributed substantially to the industrial landscape of Gloucester.
John Davis stands as a testament to the enduring dedication and craftsmanship emblematic of Fielding & Platt's workforce. Joining the company as an apprentice in 1949, John's remarkable tenure spanned nearly five decades, a testament to both his loyalty and the company's ethos.
John standing beside the Fielding & Platt Ltd exhibition case.
During his formative years at Fielding & Platt, John underwent a rigorous apprenticeship lasting five years. Notably, his commitment to his craft shone through as he meticulously fashioned his own tools, a tangible symbol of his dedication and skill development within the company.
Preserving his journey within Fielding & Platt, John retained invaluable artifacts that paint a vivid picture of his time and experiences. Among these cherished possessions are his apprenticeship training booklets, offering a glimpse into the structured learning and expertise cultivated during his apprenticeship years.
Furthermore, John's collection includes a Fielding & Platt catalogue, a testament to the machinery and innovations that defined the company's industrial footprint. Alongside this catalogue are two heavy metal nameplates, likely emblematic of his association and pride in being part of the company's workforce.
Adding a touch of warmth and nostalgia to his collection is a preserved company Christmas card, serving as a reminder of the spirited celebrations and the sense of camaraderie that permeated throughout Fielding & Platt during the festive season.
A Christmas card from Fielding & Platt Ltd.
John’s dedication, craftsmanship, and commitment to preserving the legacy of Fielding & Platt through his cherished possessions serve as a poignant tribute to the company's ethos and the profound impact it had on its employees. His artefacts stand as a living testament to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and camaraderie that defined the company for generations.
John is a proud member of the Fielding & Platt Heritage Group who continue to collect and preserve the memories of those who worked at the company. To see photographs, films and to listen to interviews please visit their website here
You can see John’s exhibition case at the Museum of Gloucester now!