Arbroath, Ernest Street, Abbey Leather Works
Works (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Arbroath, Ernest Street, Abbey Leather Works
Classification Works (Period Unassigned)
Alternative Name(s) Palmer Street
Canmore ID 82302
Site Number NO64SW 106
NGR NO 6455 4138
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/82302
- Council Angus
- Parish Arbroath And St Vigeans
- Former Region Tayside
- Former District Angus
- Former County Angus
NO64SW 106 6455 4138
Arbroath, Palmer Street, Abbey Leather works
This former leather works was in use as a light industrial unit (fancy goods) on the date of visit.
Visited and photographed by RCAHMS 6 March 1996
This building was photographed by RCAHMS in advance of demolition scheduled for July 2008.
Information from owner, Mr F Esposito May 2008.
Abbey Leather Works dates from post-1894 as it does not appear on the Ordnance Survey 1st edition map (NO6441, 1894) and indeed was the first building on the site. It is depicted on the 1903 Ordnance Survey 2nd-edition map (NO6441, 1903) and the site has been added to on the Ernest Road side (W side) since the early 20th century. The north-lit shed behind the rather attractive sandstone office block had a ridge and furrow roof design, typical for such buildings post-1870. The roof is supported on slender cast iron columns with a composite iron and wooden beam construction.
The interior of the 5 bay sandstone office block with Vential windows in the first, third and fifth bays which fronts onto Palmer Street was obscured by modern office fittings on the date of visit.
Information from RCAHM S(MMD), 7 July 2008.
Photographic Survey (8 June 2008)
RCAHMS photography of Abbey Works prior to demolition.
Information from RCAHMS (MMD) 8 June 2008
Publication Account (12 February 2021)
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)
