From L. C. DIPPER
I have just come across the interesting article on the history and
development of the Fax machine (‘Just give me the fax’, 13 February). This
awakened memories for me. In the autumn of 1937 I joined the drawing office
staff of what was then John Thompson Watertube Boilers Ltd of Ettingshall,
Wolverhampton (now, through many changes and takeovers, a part of
Rolls-Royce).
Among the many contracts then in hand was one for an Australian power
station ‘Newport B’ and John Thompson’s Melbourne office was responsible for
the erection and commissioning.
One of our design directors at Ettingshall occasionally clarified design
points with Melbourne office by sending them what he called ‘picturegrams’.
This was done via the Post Office and it involved the making of a sketch
of the item to be clarified, with the important lines accentuated, and of a
specified size for transmission. Confirmation to Melbourne would always
follow by airmail, taking longer, of course.
Perhaps other readers may have had experience of this ‘picturegram’ process.
Advertisement
L. C. Dipper
Wolverhampton
