Ilford Limited, Roden Street: 1970s - 1980s

Ilford Limited, Roden Street: 1970s - 1980s

Ilford Limited sales office, Roden Street, 1930s

Redbridge Heritage Centre p15268

Ilford Limited made high-quality photographic equipment.

The company was founded in Cranbrook Road, Ilford, in 1879 and soon moved to premises in Roden Street, just off the north-western part of Ilford Lane. Over time, Ilford Limited expanded, buying up rival companies, developing new products, and leading the way in scientific research. In 1976, Ilford Limited moved to a modern facility in Basildon, Essex. Its Ilford factory was demolished and replaced by a large Sainsbury’s supermarket which opened in 1985.

Avril Nelson worked in Ilford Limited’s computer department between 1969 and 1983:

“They were a good employer and they did look after people. [There] were families who had always lived and worked there. They were proud of it because Ilford was a prestigious name. It was really well regarded.”

Interview with Redbridge Museum in 2022 (Mp4-071)

Ilford Limited Craftsman camera, 1949

Redbridge Museum 1998.2466

Redbridge Museum and the National Portrait Gallery made this film about Ilford Limited: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKZEFiPORVM