Dean Clough, Halifax
Britain's Industrial Heritage: Dean Clough Mills, Halifax
Dean Clough Mills in Halifax, West Yorkshire, is a former industrial complex of carpet mills, built in the 1840s-60s, once one of the world's largest carpet factories, now transformed into a center for businesses, art galleries, and restaurants. Altogether around 150 businesses call Dean Clough home including a Travelodge hotel, two gyms, bars, restaurants and beauty salons.
History
Dean Clough began as a textile mill complex in the mid-19th century. John Crossley, together with his brother Thomas and partner James Travis, first leased the Dean Clough Mills in 1802. When the twenty-year lease expired, John renewed it under his sole name. By the time of his death in 1837, the mills employed around three hundred workers. His three sons - John, Joseph, and Francis - carried on the enterprise as John Crossley and Sons. In 1864 they established a joint stock company, becoming one of the earliest limited liability firms in Britain. It was this company that constructed the extensive mill buildings on the site between 1841 and 1869.
During both World Wars, the mills shifted from carpet manufacture to producing military supplies, including webbing, blankets, and khaki yarn for uniforms. After Chairman Patrick Crossley retired in 1970, the company relocated its headquarters to Kidderminster, and in 1982 the decision was made to close the Dean Clough site.
Following the closure of the mills in 1983 the site was bought by a consortium led by chairman Sir Ernest Hall. As managing director, his son Jeremy, has gradually refurbished the buildings for office and cultural uses by a large number of companies
Architecture
The mill buildings are named alphabetically. The first mill constructed on the site by the Crossley family was A Mill, built in 1841, followed by the six-storey B Mill in 1844. These early mills likely housed spinning and some weaving equipment. The first dedicated weaving shed, known as Old Shed, was added in 1849. This was followed by the construction of C Mill in 1850, New Shed in 1853, E Mill in 1857, F Mill in 1858, G Mill in 1867, and H Mill in 1869. In addition to these larger buildings, several smaller structures were also erected on the site.
Present Uses
Today, Dean Clough is a lively cultural and retail space that attracts both locals and visitors. The 16 mill buildings cover 22 acres and house office spaces for around 150 companies, as well as art galleries, restaurants, and The Viaduct Theatre.
The Viaduct Theatre is a 300-seat underground performance venue and has served as the home base for the Northern Broadsides theatre company for over 30 years.
Art Galleries
The Permanent Collection at Dean Clough covers the entire site and consists of around 1,000 works including art by David Hockney, Derek Hyatt and Judith Shackleton.
The other galleries are the Crossley, Mosaic, Upstairs and The Photography Gallery. The Lego Room displays a 1:40 scale Lego model of Dean Clough.
The Arts Charity at Dean Clough (ACDC) is the charity which manages the studios and galleries on site.
Other Facilities
The Travelodge hotel at the site is in F Mill Annexe and has 52 rooms. There is also a post office at Dean Clough.
Halifax's other attractions include The Piece Hall, Calderdale Industrial Museum and Halifax Minster.
Eureka! The National Children's Museum is adjacent to Halifax railway station.
Hotels
Close to Halifax Station is The Imperial Crown Hotel. Other accommodation options include The White Swan Hotel and The Old Post Office.
See here for a complete listing of hotel accommodation in Halifax.
Access - Getting There
From Halifax railway station, Dean Clough is a 15-minute walk; from the bus station allow about 5 minutes.
There is on-site parking for up to 1,300 vehicles. Parking is free all weekend, on bank holidays and also on weekdays after 5 pm.
Address: Office Suite D255, Dean Clough, Halifax HX3 5AX
www: deanclough.com
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