Publication Account

Date 12 February 2021

Event ID 1114601

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Publication Account

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1114601

Arbroath Guide

Abbey Works extension:

Messrs Samuel Fairweather & Sons, boot and shoe manufacturers, Abbey Works expanded in the early 19th century. The works were drawn up by Mr A E Anderson, architect of Northampton who had experience of building shoe factories. The Guide refers to it as 'not so much a remodelling of the existing works as a complete rebuilding’. The frontage of the factory was to be Ernest Street, and 'the effect of the new erection will be to the enrichment of the amenities of the district'. It was noted that 'facing the street will be three large blocks of buildings, each measuring from 40 to 50 feet in length. In the central building will be situated the new offices of the firm with a general office behind and on the first floor will be what is technically known as the clicking and closing department. On the west side of the main of the main building will be a commodious store for sole leather, and the east block will give adequate accommodation for packing and dispatch purposes. The plans also make provision for a stockroom measuring 160 feet by 30 feet, and with a capacity for 50,000 pairs of boots.' Fairweather was said to be utilising as far as possible the existing factory but 'the present features of the old building when the undertaking is completed will be quite indistinguishable. In fact, the Abbey Works will constitute a new factory on a old site...'. It goes onto say that 'Each department has been so arranged that the raw material will pass as it were automatically through the various stages till it becomes the finished product when it will reach the packing room and the employees of the several departments will have their own entrance and cloak rooms. Some idea of the nature of the extension will be gathered from the fact that that the future making room will have a capacity of 10,000 square feet; the present making room measures 3200 square feet. It will thus be seen that it is proposed to more than double the dimensions of the existing factory, and when in full swing it is hoped that the works will give employment to twice as many hands as are at present engaged. The premises will be constructed of brick and terra-cotta. The plans have been approved by the firm, and they will be placed before the Dean of Guild Court on an early date.’

Arbroath Guide (1929)