No nothing to do with films of a certain genre….
Dr Lovelace was a soap brand back in Victorian times.
Dr Lovelace’s soap
It was manufactured in Clayton le Moors, just up the road from Accrington. The firm, led by James Hacking, supposedly patented floating soap. It went on to become famous all over the world. I have read elsewhere that Proctor & Gamble claim to be the first with their Ivory Soap.
The factory was on the canal side. Later the building that presumably housed the offices became a Masonic Lodge. Now available for functions and events.
Masonic lodge
Apparently it was the amount of air whipped into it that made it float, so maybe that’s why you don’t seem to find it nowadays. You don’t get enough soap for your money!
There is a lot of ephemera to be found on E bay and similar sites. things like button hooks and thimbles. below, middle is an enamel sign (or part of one) from the era.
I’m trying to find more information about this company. Will post it here if I find it.
Dr Lovelace
Dr Lovelace sign
Local Advertising Sign on shop wall to the left of picture. Circa 1905? (Via Facebook, original source unknown).
I love this. History is always so fascinating.
Maybe you could do a ‘first record’ post. Would it be as off-beat as mine?
No it would be quite average for it’s time! Will do that actually.
Love your blog by the way.
I love history, Carol… there’s always something still to learn! Floating soap would come in very handy for me!
Reblogged this on Old Hyndburn.
My great aunt worked ‘in service’ for Hacking family based in barrow in furness as a young teenager around the turn of the century. I have been researching the family and not found much out so far, my mum remembered the family may have invented floating soap.