Warehouse in Little Germany, Bradford

Gelatine silver print entitled 'Warehouse in Little Germany, Bradford' by Ian Beesley. Produced for the commission `Through the Mill:, The Story of Yorkshire Wool in Photographs'. 1985-1987'.

Until 1830 Cloth and Piece Halls had been the market place for finished goods, but as the domestic system and its small independent clothiers became a thing of the past so did the merchanting system which had supported them. After 1830 numerous German merchants moved form Leeds to Bradford to establish a unique warehousing precinct, still known as 'Little Germany'. To the right of the photograph is the entrance to De Vere House (1871). The large eagle over the doorway denoted the importance of the American market for the original owners, Thornton, Homan & Co. Opposite is the extravagant designed warehouse of Law, Russel & Co designed by the architects of Saltaire, Lockwood & Mawson, in 1874.