Off to a good start this year! Swang by the old Frosts works that has been closed for a year or so after the company relocated and what do you know. Nice easy way in had opened up!
This place was on the radar a long time before it closed, mainly because of an epic enamel sign that was still in situe high up on the outside wall just behind the Church pub. While boozing in said pub we used to try and devise ways of getting up there and getting it off thinking the company must be long defunct but when Dweeb actually asked someone if he could have it we found out the company was still in business as Frosts and they wanted to keep it. They took the sign with them when they left and i cant for the life of me find a photo so you will have to use your imagination!
The works is actually really a combination of two or three old buildings that have been rolled into one on the ground floor. The main works in the center has an epic office block that fronts onto Great Hampton street and bares the name J Ashford and Sons. This part of the building is listed and has been preserved very well. The interior staircase is stunning and at the top there are 4 'cashier' type booths with amazing woodwork and stained glass windows numbered 1-4. John Ashford was a jewelry firm so i would assume the booths have something to do with a valuable products and raw materials they traded there? There was also about 10 safes in the building! Now i cant really find much solid history about either company but it would appear either J Ashford turned into Frosts or Frosts took over Ashfords building. If anyone has any more information it would be good to hear! Along With Ashfords offices there is also a second 1930s office block fronting the adjacent road that is a bit more dilapidated but still very nice architecturally. Its good to see these places with the brass fixtures and fittings still there for once!
The rest of the potos speak for themselves really. Quite sparse but a nice mooch. As always after we came out i could see parts of the building we didn't appear to have seen despite looking for all the various stairs and loft hatches! Might be cause for another look if it stays open.
This place was on the radar a long time before it closed, mainly because of an epic enamel sign that was still in situe high up on the outside wall just behind the Church pub. While boozing in said pub we used to try and devise ways of getting up there and getting it off thinking the company must be long defunct but when Dweeb actually asked someone if he could have it we found out the company was still in business as Frosts and they wanted to keep it. They took the sign with them when they left and i cant for the life of me find a photo so you will have to use your imagination!
The works is actually really a combination of two or three old buildings that have been rolled into one on the ground floor. The main works in the center has an epic office block that fronts onto Great Hampton street and bares the name J Ashford and Sons. This part of the building is listed and has been preserved very well. The interior staircase is stunning and at the top there are 4 'cashier' type booths with amazing woodwork and stained glass windows numbered 1-4. John Ashford was a jewelry firm so i would assume the booths have something to do with a valuable products and raw materials they traded there? There was also about 10 safes in the building! Now i cant really find much solid history about either company but it would appear either J Ashford turned into Frosts or Frosts took over Ashfords building. If anyone has any more information it would be good to hear! Along With Ashfords offices there is also a second 1930s office block fronting the adjacent road that is a bit more dilapidated but still very nice architecturally. Its good to see these places with the brass fixtures and fittings still there for once!
JOHN ASHFORD & SON Ltd.
John Ashford & Son Ltd. - Birmingham - 1958
Established in 1850.
Users of the trade names, 'REGNUM' (cuff-links) and 'FALCON' (tie-clips).
Noted as exhibitors at the 1929 British Industries Fair, as Manufacturers of Rolled Gold, Hall-Marked Silver, Gilt, Sterling Silver, and Gilt Enamel Links, Studs and Collar Pins. Best quality Mother-of-Pearl Links, Studs, Buttons, for Gentlemen's dress wear.
The rest of the potos speak for themselves really. Quite sparse but a nice mooch. As always after we came out i could see parts of the building we didn't appear to have seen despite looking for all the various stairs and loft hatches! Might be cause for another look if it stays open.
