ARTISTIC RECREATIONS BUILDING AND LANDSCAPE SURVEY CONSULTANCY AND HERITAGE LOTTERY FUNDING DOCUMENTARY RESEARCH HERITAGE AND GUIDES MUSEUMS AND INTERPRETATION PLANNING
PLANNING
Nowadays the future for Industrial Archaeology looks bright as, ironical, some disused industrial buildings are swept away to release ‘brownfield’ sites for development. Here the industrial archaeologist is enlisted to record and interpret these ‘dark satanic mills’ – an opportunity that would never have existed a few years ago. But not all industrial archaeologists are called in to aid and abet destruction; often they are given the opportunity to advise on the retention or adaptation of industrial monuments. Such is the case with two of the examples below.
For the Royal Worcester Works with Archenfield Archaeology
Throwing pots in the 1870s The works today
As part of the planning process John van Laun Associates, with Archenfield Archaeology, have produced an archaeological and historic assessment of industrial buildings on the Royal Worcester Porcelain Works Severn Street site where redevelopment is planned by Berkeley Homes. The work carried out by John van Laun Associates involved the historic assessment and analysis of manufacturing processes including a Listed Grade II* bone and flint grinding mill. Some buildings are being demolished but others retained to provide 357 dwellings, retail outlets and a hotel.
For Worcester City Council with Archenfield Archaeology - Albion Mill
Albion Mill 1889 Albion Mill today
Albion Mill lies in the centre of Worcester close to the canal. This makes an idea setting for a conversion into flats. The work, carried out in conjunction with Archenfield Archaeology, highlighted a number of features which were retained by the developer.
For Brintons Carpet Factory, Kidderminster
Brintons 1870 Brintons 1911
Brintons are probably the oldest surviving carpet manufactory in Kidderminster having been established by Samuel Brinton in 1770. By 1783 the carpet manufacture lay conveniently close to the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal. Eventually it had a 500000 sq fit tapestry weaving shed with power loams. At the turn of the century a new spinning plant, was installed driven by a 1200HP steam engine — Hercules. Employees now numbered about 1,200