A historic former pin factory nestled in Gloucester city centre has been meticulously restored, safeguarding a vital piece of the city’s industrial past for generations to come.
The Pin Factory Annexe, situated in the courtyard of The Folk of Gloucester on Westgate Street, holds significant historical value as part of Gloucester’s renowned pin manufacturing industry. Originally constructed as a barn in the 16th Century, the building was transformed into a pin factory in the early 19th Century by local manufacturers Cowcher, Kirby, Beard, and Tovey.
Over time, the building’s iconic sash windows showed signs of deterioration, threatening both the structure’s stability and its historical authenticity. Recognising its importance, Gloucester Civic Trust successfully advocated for the Annexe to be among seven projects in the Southwest to receive funding from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.
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Restoration work began in January with a focus on returning the façade to its former glory and carefully re-bedding historic glass panes into period-appropriate frames. The project, expertly executed by D A Cook Builders, has now been completed, revealing a stunning transformation.
The Civic Trust praised the collaborative effort, highlighting how dedication and professional expertise combined to revive this cherished heritage asset. The restoration stands as a testament to D A Cook’s skill in preserving historic buildings, employing traditional methods such as lime mortar pointing to maintain authenticity.
Louise Williams, CEO of The Folk of Gloucester, expressed her admiration for the results: “We have eagerly awaited the removal of scaffolding to see the craftsmanship firsthand, and the outcome is truly impressive. This restoration not only preserves the building but ensures its history can be appreciated by future generations.”
Beyond preservation, the restored Pin Factory Annexe now enhances The Folk of Gloucester’s outdoor event space, hosting popular Saturday afternoon beer gardens accompanied by music from various decades. The interior is also set to become a venue for exhibitions, events, and displays, breathing new life into the historic structure.
The community is invited to celebrate the restoration at an opening event on Thursday, May 28, from 1pm onwards. Volunteer guides from The Folk of Gloucester will be on hand to share insights into the building’s rich history and Gloucester’s legacy in pinmaking.