The Archaeology of 20th-Century Factory Management: Four Factories on the Team Valley Trading Estate

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article seeks to determine whether changes in factory management during the mid-20th century can be archaeologically recognised. 1 The 20th century witnessed significant changes in management practice which are understood historically. In order to examine the archaeological record of these changes, archaeological and historical research was carried out on four factories on the Team Valley Trading Estate (TVTE) built between 1938 and 1939. It was possible to detect elements of planning for efficiency of movement and process both in the offices and the factory floor. Similarly, division of labour between workers of different status and gender were also evident. Such differences in status were not only part of practical organisation but were marked symbolically. In addition, it was possible to show that though aesthetic considerations were important in factory design during the period 1930–1970; they became less significant subsequently as factories themselves ceased to be marketing tools.