Below I am guessing history but I would be interested to hear from anyone who might have further information.
I have no idea of the date this was taken but I would guess circa late 1920s.
Interestingly,
the sign on the cross beam says "Smoking strictly prohibited in these works
at any time". Obviously extremely important with the possibility of
fuel escaping.
As my father is in this picture I can date it as circa 1935. He looks about
20 and he would have moved to the drawing office not long after. It would
be of great interest if anyone can provide names/information regarding others in
this photograph. If so I shall include details below:
The following is kindly advised by Andy Barnes:
I can put a couple of names to the faces as I remember seeing the photograph when I worked at PRV.
Sixth from the left of your father is Ted Cook who was the foreman of the body shop and who always had a Woodbine in his mouth. Third from the left of him (Ted Cook) is Fred Cootes (who also had a brother working there but I don't recognise him in the photo) and next to him is Mick Lydon. On the row above your father and fifth from the left is Jack Bailey who was the chargehand of the body shop.
Detail from the picture above. My father is third row up wearing an apron
with his colleague behind resting his right hand on my father's shoulder.
I believe this colleague was Freddy Biggs of Hayward,
Biggs & Hill.
This picture looks to be in the
Carpentry shop with sections ready for installation, I
would guess circa late 1920s? (photographer J. & M. Brooks, "Mandalay"
Carthagena Estate, Broxbourne, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire).
This is the Aircraft Factory - Inspection Department - November 1944 (Full
picture 300k).