Evening Guys,
My girlfriend and I explored this place today; she leant me her camera for a few shots, as mine is officially shite! So thanks again for that. Initially I had very low expectations and the first few rooms weren’t much cop. We then however found the foundry which had many original features used for the manufacturing of metal components in pianos.
History
The pianoforte factory was founded as ‘Pianoforte supplies LTD’ in 1923 by C. Cripps, and specialized in producing castors and other metal fixtures for pianos. The firm also was used a small foundry for other industries including the automotive.
During WW2 the factory was used to manufacture many small fixtures and components for the war-effort.
Shortly after the war the factory reached its staffing peak, but like most British industries failed to modernize, and production of piano supplies ceased in the 1980s.
Today
The site is still partial in use and is now owned by Simplex, who I believe make components for Vauxhall. The fate of the derlict buildings has been uncertain for years, as 3 sets of planning applications for 100 new houses have been rejected. However in October 2009 plans for 39 new houses were finally approved:
Anyway, on with the explore:
Conveyor for pressing piano castors:
The furnace for melting the steel/iron
Crucibles, used to pour molten steel into molds:
Molds for holding sand-casts of handles and castors:
‘Safety Notice Board’ “There’s a TREE in here!”
Impressive lead-lag meter, evidence of significant AC power generation:
Regards,
My girlfriend and I explored this place today; she leant me her camera for a few shots, as mine is officially shite! So thanks again for that. Initially I had very low expectations and the first few rooms weren’t much cop. We then however found the foundry which had many original features used for the manufacturing of metal components in pianos.
History
The pianoforte factory was founded as ‘Pianoforte supplies LTD’ in 1923 by C. Cripps, and specialized in producing castors and other metal fixtures for pianos. The firm also was used a small foundry for other industries including the automotive.
During WW2 the factory was used to manufacture many small fixtures and components for the war-effort.
Shortly after the war the factory reached its staffing peak, but like most British industries failed to modernize, and production of piano supplies ceased in the 1980s.
Today
The site is still partial in use and is now owned by Simplex, who I believe make components for Vauxhall. The fate of the derlict buildings has been uncertain for years, as 3 sets of planning applications for 100 new houses have been rejected. However in October 2009 plans for 39 new houses were finally approved:
Anyway, on with the explore:
Conveyor for pressing piano castors:
The furnace for melting the steel/iron
Crucibles, used to pour molten steel into molds:
Molds for holding sand-casts of handles and castors:
‘Safety Notice Board’ “There’s a TREE in here!”
On site power generator:
Impressive lead-lag meter, evidence of significant AC power generation:
Last edited:
