The building of the warehouse was problematic following the discovery of a medieval tiered sandstone cave system under the site, used for the brewing of ale.
Problematic also was the rooflight, one of the largest in The Lace Market, and designed to allow light to flood the sales rooms below. This was especially important as the rear of the building was almost completed devoid of windows.
While the natural light allowed the ladies on the top floor to complete such intricate work as mending, drawing and jennying the lace, it caused something of a problem in the Second World War when it had to be covered in black out curtains to prevent light seeping out and thus foil the Luftwaffe.
As already established, the curve of the building was designed to allow the ‘cul de sac’ impression. However, another story exists that this curve was created on the order of Richard Birkin so that the perimeter of the building was one foot longer than that of Messrs Adams and Page, whose rival warehouse was being built only a few yards away. Although architecturally inferior to the ‘Adams Building’, Birkin & Co. could now claim their building was bigger, reinforcing the adage that size matters!
Birkin & Co. became one of the world’s leading lace manufacturers, developing several patented innovations and judging at the Great Exhibitions. The Birkin family made significant contributions to Nottingham’s industrial and cultural heritage and you can learn more about them and The Birkin Building by visiting www.thebirkinbuilding.co.uk.
