History
Woollen Signs, later Woollen & Co Ltd by 1897, was established in Sheffield in 1883 by Edwin James Woollen and Frederick Ibbotson. Woollen was a sign-writer, while his partner, Ibbotson, was a lithographic writer. Records suggest that Woollen & Co Ltd. moved premises a number of times, however, in 2008, after 125 years, the company ceased trading altogether following a takeover. The takeover was prompted by the fast-changing digital age because many other contemporaneous competitors could offer signs and graphic solutions at much quicker and cheaper rates. Nonetheless, Woollen Signs re-emerged in the same year, as Woollen Signs Limited, when a number of former employees endeavoured to continue the business with some of their previous customer base. Woollen Signs Limited continue to pride themselves on their, workmanship, fresh ideas, better quality materials and their use of traditional experience; with staff being trained as qualified sign writers without the use of computers.
Our Version of Events
To start the month off with good intentions we decided to visit Woollens Signs, in Sheffield, having heard that it was once again accessible. Access wasn't a problem and we were fortunate enough to bump into *********** and Meersbrook on their way out. Pleasure to meet you! The place is still full of interesting objects and many signs that reflect Sheffield's extensive past and history. Hopefully, Woollen Signs won't become another trashed site.
Woollen Signs, later Woollen & Co Ltd by 1897, was established in Sheffield in 1883 by Edwin James Woollen and Frederick Ibbotson. Woollen was a sign-writer, while his partner, Ibbotson, was a lithographic writer. Records suggest that Woollen & Co Ltd. moved premises a number of times, however, in 2008, after 125 years, the company ceased trading altogether following a takeover. The takeover was prompted by the fast-changing digital age because many other contemporaneous competitors could offer signs and graphic solutions at much quicker and cheaper rates. Nonetheless, Woollen Signs re-emerged in the same year, as Woollen Signs Limited, when a number of former employees endeavoured to continue the business with some of their previous customer base. Woollen Signs Limited continue to pride themselves on their, workmanship, fresh ideas, better quality materials and their use of traditional experience; with staff being trained as qualified sign writers without the use of computers.
Our Version of Events
To start the month off with good intentions we decided to visit Woollens Signs, in Sheffield, having heard that it was once again accessible. Access wasn't a problem and we were fortunate enough to bump into *********** and Meersbrook on their way out. Pleasure to meet you! The place is still full of interesting objects and many signs that reflect Sheffield's extensive past and history. Hopefully, Woollen Signs won't become another trashed site.
1: Company Name (Front Door)
2: Cooker with Young Children's Service Sign
3: Smiths Dental Surgery Sign
4: Record Player
5: Car Park Notice
6: Paints and Pots Selection
7: Main Workshop
8: The University of Sheffield: Sir Frederick Mappin Building
9: Drying/Storage Racks
10: Sign Display Room (Side Door View)
11: Woollen & Company Limited Cheque
12: Printing Machinery
13: Old Apple Mac Computer and Joystick
14: Log Book
15: Sign Display Room (Rear View)
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16: Rusty Rooftop
17: Co-operative Sign/Leaflet Stand
18: Outside Courtyard
19: Main Workshop: Stones Template Sheet
20: Outside: Main Building Signs
2: Cooker with Young Children's Service Sign
3: Smiths Dental Surgery Sign
4: Record Player
5: Car Park Notice
6: Paints and Pots Selection
7: Main Workshop
8: The University of Sheffield: Sir Frederick Mappin Building
9: Drying/Storage Racks
10: Sign Display Room (Side Door View)
11: Woollen & Company Limited Cheque
12: Printing Machinery
13: Old Apple Mac Computer and Joystick
14: Log Book
15: Sign Display Room (Rear View)
16: Rusty Rooftop
17: Co-operative Sign/Leaflet Stand
18: Outside Courtyard
19: Main Workshop: Stones Template Sheet
20: Outside: Main Building Signs
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Was surprised at how intact the place was, considering its been abandoned for quite a while.
