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Norfolk Place, BRISTOL, BS3 4AX

The Robinson's building has been raised over the years - originally it was two storeys shorter but more floors were added later.

An old fire alarm, presumably, on the old Robinson's building. Now converted into residential use, there is a more modern protection system in place.

E.S. & A. Robinson founded a paper bag company and went on to add a printing works in later times. The factory in Bedminster was opened in the late 1800s, before being subjected to many mergers and takeovers in the late twentieth century. It closed, lay empty for many years but has now been converted into prime residential addresses. The dominating outline has been kept, along with much of the exterior features; the windows now are testament to the modern and environmentally friendly heating systems that are installed.

Or should that be 'tyred'?

Once the highly-visible E. S. and A. Robinsons paper products factory, the building has recently been converted to residential use. It still casts a large shadow over the older and smaller shops along East Street. See Image], Image] (Chris Heaton) and Image], Image] (Jo Dickson) for other views of the factory as it was redeveloped.

The former E. S. & A. Robinson paper and packaging factory. It was founded in 1844 by Elisha Smith and Alfred Robinson, with its factory at Redcliffe Street. In 1887 they opened a new factory at Bedminster. By 1930 the company specialized in paper bags and was producing 25 million bags a week. In 1966 Robinsons merged with John Dickinson Stationery to form the Dickinson Robinson Group.

Looking directly up from the middle of the old E.S.& A. Robinson's building in Bedminster reveals a lot of the original ironwork. Originally a paper bag maker, the demand for personalised printing of the bags brought the opportunity to expand into other areas; soon, calendars and general stationery became a major part of the company's range. Built in the late 1800s to provide premises for a large amount of industrial machinery and printing presses, the factory served for many decades; however, as much of the products were made for medical needs, a new factory was built elsewhere to allow more modern standards of hygiene in production. After laying derelict for some time, the building was redeveloped into residential use in 2008. The conversion was a demanding project: thick flooring and heavy ironwork made for some testing planning but the central atrium was cleared to aid heating and ventilation. This is the view upwards, showing the circular balconies and much of the original steel girders. As part of that 'exposure' of the extant construction, a 'naked' lift system allows a fine view of the flats and apartments. At the top of the atrium is the canopy; it was hoped a glass frame would have sufficed but the option to use a canopy (similar to that in the Eden Project) was favoured due to the weight element.

E.S. & A. Robinson was an important employer in Bristol. Hailing from Gloucestershire, the firm came to Bristol due to the trade and supplies links. Part of the expansion included their offices at Redcliffe Street, which opened in 1875. A magnificent five storey structure, it included a round entrance tower with a frieze depicting many aspects of their processes. The frieze was some fifty feet long and weighed several tons. However, when the offices were completely rebuilt into a massive concrete block in 1961 the stonework was held in council storage and largely forgotten. Having taken the chance to convert the redundant Malago works into homes in 2008, the frieze was returned to the fore and now forms a highlight of the atrium area. Looking at the carvings, it is quite remarkable how much important and accurate details can be appreciated. The roughly equal numbers of make and female workers in everyday Victorian clothes and the various types of labour engaged in give an insight into the company. Note the sorts of paper packaging and printing, the various machinery and the occasional child worker! Some of the details of the carving are astonishing - especially considering the years spent in the city centre.

The E.S.& A. Robinson building in Bedminster is a large and imposing factory, built in the late 1800s and a massive structure in the area. There are lots of windows in it, but the lighting was originally quite limited; hence, the window interiors are lined with white glazed brickwork in order to reflect some more light in. These days the building is home to many residents. Much of the extant structures are retained, enhanced even with a little greenery.

The former E. S. & A. Robinson paper and packaging factory. It was founded in 1844 by Elisha Smith and Alfred Robinson, with its factory at Redcliffe Street. In 1887 they opened a new factory at Bedminster. By 1930 the company specialized in paper bags and was producing 25 million bags a week. In 1966 Robinsons merged with John Dickinson Stationery to form the Dickinson Robinson Group.