A landmark former pin factory nestled in Gloucester’s city centre has been meticulously restored, securing its legacy for generations to come.
The Pin Factory Annexe, situated in the courtyard of The Folk of Gloucester on Westgate Street, holds a vital place in Gloucester’s storied pin manufacturing past. Originally constructed as a barn in the 16th century, it was transformed into a pin manufacturing site in the early 1800s by prominent local firms Cowcher, Kirby, Beard, and Tovey.
In recent years, the building’s historic sash windows had deteriorated significantly, threatening its structural stability. Recognizing its cultural importance, Gloucester Civic Trust championed the conservation effort. This advocacy helped the Pin Factory Annexe become one of only seven projects in the Southwest region selected to receive funding from Historic England’s prestigious Heritage at Risk Capital Fund.
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Restoration work commenced in January, focusing on returning the façade to its original grandeur and carefully re-setting historic glass panes within period-appropriate frames. D A Cook Builders, a team renowned for their skill in heritage projects, carried out the work to great acclaim.
The Civic Trust praised the collaborative effort, noting the project exemplifies how dedicated people can unite to restore and preserve local heritage. The completed restoration stands as a remarkable testament to D A Cook’s expertise in historic building conservation.
Louise Williams, CEO of The Folk of Gloucester, expressed excitement at the unveiling: “We eagerly awaited the removal of scaffolding to witness the incredible craftsmanship that has taken place. The restoration is truly impressive and represents a benchmark in professional heritage conservation. Most importantly, we have preserved a significant building that will continue to tell its story to future generations.”
The restoration involved traditional craftsmanship, including the use of lime mortar for brick pointing—techniques in keeping with the building’s historic character. D A Cook Builders bring extensive experience to Gloucester’s conservation scene, having recently renovated the Tudor Gloucester Antiques Centre, whose origins date back to 1470.
The rejuvenated Pin Factory Annexe now offers a safe and inspiring environment for The Folk of Gloucester’s outdoor events, including Saturday afternoon beer gardens complemented by music spanning multiple decades. Plans are in place to utilize the building’s interior for an expanded array of exhibitions and community displays.
The public is invited to celebrate the restoration at an opening event on Thursday, May 28, starting from 1 pm. Folk of Gloucester volunteer guides will be on hand to share stories about the building’s history and Gloucester’s pinmaking heritage.