One of Hull’s oldest companies is to shut its gates for the last time after nearly 125 years. Holliday Pigments (formerly known as Reckitt’s Colours) is closing its Morley Street factory, ending an illustrious history of manufacturing ultramarine blue pigment. The pigment was known the world over as “Reckitt’s Blue”. The company is transferring production to its factory at Comines in northern France.
From its early days in 1884, when manufacturing commenced as part of Reckitt & Co., the factory grew to become the world-leader in the manufacture of “Blue”. At first, it was a vital laundry ingredient and produced a “whiter than white” wash. The company’s most famous slogan was “Out of the Blue came the Whitest Wash”. More recently, the pigment has become an important colorant for plastics. Made in Hull, the product has reached the farthest corners of the world.
To mark the passing of the Morley Street factory, the company is planning to write a comprehensive history of the site. In order to create a fitting epitaph to this world-famous company, it is seeking stories, anecdotes and memories of any residents of Hull who have had connections with the factory during its long history.
If you would like to contribute towards this project please contact: Frank Davies at Holliday Pigments Limited, Morley Street, Hull, HU8 8DN, England. Tel: +44 (0)1482 329875 |