Wilson and Stafford Hat Factory, Atherstone - April 2011

[UKUrbEx]

An excellent explore right next to the canal in the small town of Atherstone. The building itself was like a labyrinth of corridors and stairs, adding to the fun :)

Atherstone has been a centre for hatmaking since Tudor times. In the 17th century when the wearing of felt hats instead of caps became increasingly common, Atherstone became the West Midlands centre for the manufacture low cost hats. Hats from Atherstone were sent all over Britain and further afield, around the world to British colonies. In the aftermath of the Second World War. Despite booms and troughs caused by fashion, the market remained on a downward trend. In the 1970s only three hat factories remained in Atherstone – Denham & Hargrave, Vero & Everitt and Wilson & Stafford. In the 1980s as the market contracted further, Wilson & Stafford bought out the other two firms, but could not continue much longer. The Wilson & Stafford factory survived for another decade and was the last to close in 1999.

The building was due for demolition in 2008 in order to build flats, but for one reason or another this work has not yet been carried out.


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The full set of photos is, as usual, available here (http://www.ukurbex.co.uk/archives/4926)

[BA]

Great stuff :)
Looks like a nice mission to be had here :thumb

[Only2Eyes]

Nice work mate, looks good.

[wolfism]

Aye, that looks well worthwhile – liking the haphazardness of the buildings. :)

[joybee]

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That's a lovely shot :thumb

[sj9966]

Great stuff, I have driven by this place a few times as it's not far from me. I have never been for a proper look but it looks well worth a visit.