Photograph showing production of barrage balloons

YA1987.52/MS0079

1939 - 1945

The photograph shows the production of barrage balloons during the Second World War, c 1940. Included in the image is a group of four women kneeling on the ground. The woman third from the left, marked with a cross, is Emma Pollitts. The inscription on the reverse of the print suggests that the photograph was taken in City Market Hall, the building otherwise known as City Exhibition Hall and Lower Campfield Market, and the former site of the Science and Industry Museum's Air and Space Hall. Close examination of the image, along with an additional annotation, indicates that it is unlikely to be Lower Campfield Market. Comparison with an image on the Imperial War Museum website suggests that the location is more likely to be the Dunlop Balloon Factory in Middleton, Manchester, also known as Barrage Balloon Centre No 10.

Donated by the niece of one of the subjects in the photograph, Emma Pollitts, who is pictured third from the left front group of people.

Science and Industry Museum

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