A short wander around the former factories of Bermondsey

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.

An urban and rural wander around Oxford

I don't seem to have found time to blog over the past few months. My spare time has been taken up with bike rides, and over the wonderful summer it seemed criminal to lock myself away with the laptop instead of being outside enjoying the great outdoors. However, now that we seem to be firmly in the grip of late autumn, with dark evenings and drizzle, I can justify sitting at home over a hot keyboard and catch up with posting some of my psychogeographical outings from the past few months, as I drifted through town and country, sometimes with a plan in mind, other times just happy to wander. But where shall we go first? How about Oxford … and let's begin with a wonderful doorway mosaic.

Doorway mosaic, Turl Street, Oxford

I must confess I've never been punting, but it is on the "to do" list. It does however always bring up a slightly sinister image that I remember from either Inspector Morse or Lewis.

Punts on the River Cherwell, Oxford

Wandering along the Cowley Road in Oxford is almost always a pleasure. Whether it's to rummage through the charity shops or crate dig in Truck Records, to have lunch in an independent café or to go to a gig at the O2 academy, there is always something new to catch the eye regardless of how many time I walk along it. This next photo is a perfect example of something I must have walked past tens of times but only noticed it on this visit. This old sign for R.A.NEVILLE, Dispensing Chemist is thankfully still preserved above what is now, I think, a restaurant.

Old sign for R.A.Neville, Dispensing Chemist, Cowley Road, Oxford

As with most towns and cities these days, street art is everywhere. Some grabs the eye, others just looks like the scrawling of a madman. This one however did catch my eye, with its elephant on wheels and what looks like a jazz band.

Street art, just off the Cowley Road, Oxford

This next one was a real find. I had definitely noticed this before and really cannot remember why I had never stopped to look at it or photograph it before. It would seem that this cinema has a rich history and is still in use today. It originally opened in 1911 but closed towards the end of World War I, only re-opening in 1976 as the Penultimate Picture Palace after being used as a furniture depository in the intervening period. It closed again in 1994 when squatters moved in, renaming it to the Section 6 Cinema. In 1997 it re-opened as The Ultimate Picture Palace. For more information and pictures, have a look at The Ultimate Survivor about the history of the cinema

The Ultimate Picture Palace, Jeune Street, just off the Cowley Road, Oxford

I've blogged about Oxford signage a few years ago now, but there are always more great finds. This is also a great little street with shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.

North Parade Avenue, Oxford

I thought that when I photographed this ghost sign a few years back, it was not quite so weathered as it is today, but on checking my previous blog post, it actually seems to be in better condition, with the drain pipe that used to run diagonally across the sign now diverted to run next to it. Good to see it's still there and not painted over or covered with a billboard as so many seem to be these days.

Ghost sign for Hovis Bread, Jericho, Oxford

Having aching feet from wandering the hard streets, we finished our day in a more serene setting, walking along part of the Oxford Canal, which reminded me of the Philip Pullman novels and Lyra's Oxford.

Oxford Canal, Oxford

Oxford Canal, Oxford

Hopefully this post will be the catalyst I need to return to blogging, but we'll have to see. Thanks for reading. Until next time ...