Being fairly new to wandering around Bermondsey in South London, some of the finds on my wanders which inspired me most were the former factories. Although the area was bombed heavily during the second world war, there are a number of factories still standing, although no longer used for their original purpose but instead converted to mostly high-end, residential dwellings.
First up we have the former Hartley's Jam Factory in Green Walk, London SE1. This was built in 1890 and at the height of its use employed over 2,000 workers. Sugar would be delivered to Hartley's own wharf on the Thames from the sugar factory in Silvertown, and fruit was brought in by train from Kent.
The buildings and chimney are still intact, and much of the original signage exists, although I suspect it may have been treated to a fresh coat of paint.
Former Hartley's Jam Factory, Bermondsey, South London SE1
Former Hartley's Jam Factory, Bermondsey, South London SE1
Former Hartley's Jam Factory, Bermondsey, South London SE1
Former Hartley's Jam Factory, Bermondsey, South London SE1
Being unsure whether I should try and negotiate entry with the security staff, I decided to restrict my picture taking to the outside of the complex, which meant unfortunately I could not get any decent pictures of the chimney. The nearest I managed to get were these two, where the chimney is just about visible through the railings, and the vertical lettering can just about be seen.
Former Hartley's Jam Factory, Bermondsey, South London SE1
Former Hartley's Jam Factory, Bermondsey, South London SE1
Next up we have the Pickle Factory, on the site of the former Crosse and Blackwell's factory in Crimscott Street, Bermondsey, SE1, where in its pickling heyday some 2,000 onions were peeled by hand, contributing to both Branston Pickle and Worcestershire Sauce. The factory eventually closed in 1969.
Former Pickle Factory, Crimscott Street, Bermondsey, South London SE1
Former Pickle Factory, Crimscott Street, Bermondsey, South London SE1
And finally in this short post, we have what is probably my favourite of the three, not for the trade it used to deal in, but for the art deco architecture and lettering. The Alaska Factory, on Grange Road, was a fur processing factory that took sealskin deliveries from Canada and Alaska. In world ward two, the factory used sheepskin to make RAF flying suits and linings for flying jackets. The factory was eventually closed in 1960 and converted into apartments.
The white art deco tower below was built in the 1930's and was not part of the original 1869 factory.
Former Alaska Factory, Grange Road, Bermondsey, South London
The original arch with the more recent art deco tower in the background.
Former Alaska Factory, Grange Road, Bermondsey, South London
A slightly more close-up picture of the original 1869 arch, where you can just about make out the seal above the year.
Former Alaska Factory, Grange Road, Bermondsey, South London
Unfortunately I ran out of time to explore the roads around this wonderful piece of architecture as I'm sure they would have revealed even more ... maybe that will have to wait until next time.
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