Kidderminster buildings' role in carpet history marked (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Kidderminster buildings' role in carpet history marked

TWO new plaques at Weavers Wharf have been officially unveiled by Kidderminster Civic Society to mark the importance of two buildings in the history of the town’s carpet industry.

Proud heritage: From left, Charles Talbot, secretary, Kidderminster Civic Society, Nick Hughes, Civic Society chairman, Wyre Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor and historian, Melvyn Thompson, Carpet Museum Trust.

President of the society, Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor, presided over the ceremony last Friday.

The plaques are on Slingfield Mill, now the new premises for Debenhams, and on the nearby Piano Building.

They are both Listed buildings and were erected in the 18th century. Each was part of the Brintons carpet manufacturing complex, although Slingfield Mill was originally built by the spinner, Thomas Lea.

Kidderminster author and expert on the history of the town’s carpet industry, Melvyn Thompson, gave a speech on the importance of the two buildings at both plaques.

Visitor attraction: The Slingfield Mill plaque.

Nigel Gilbert, chairman of the Historic Kidderminster Committee, said: “It went very well despite the weather. My colleagues were very pleased with the crowd that turned up.”

He added: “The importance of the buildings is twofold. Firstly, there is their importance architecturally and historically and the fact that they are Listed buildings.

“But, secondly, there is the issue of local pride and the recognition that Kidderminster has been, for more than 200 years, a town of national renown, due to its carpet industry.”

He explained: “The plaques serve as a reminder of this importance, act as a focal point of interest and provide an attraction for visitors.”

The plaques are the latest in a series erected by the Historic Kidderminster Project and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Focal point: The Piano Building plaque.