Minerva Needle Works

Minerva Needle Works is a needlemaking factory built around 1880-1885 for Alfred Allwood, a needlemaker, with a 20th-century extension at the rear. The building is constructed of red brick with terracotta dressings and features a hipped Welsh slate roof with lead roll hips and crested ridge tiles, along with two small brick axial stacks. The factory has a long and shallow 20-bay range with two short rear wings at either end; the southeast return of the right-hand wing has a 5-bay front, and the space between the rear wings has been filled in by a 20th-century extension.

In the Italianate style, the exterior is three storeys high, with a 20-bay southwest front showcasing round-headed windows set in recessed panels, enriched with moulded terracotta imposts and heads, and ramped cills. There is also a moulded terracotta eaves course and multi-pane cast-iron windows. The central doorway features a segmental arch, while the right-hand southeast return mirrors this design but consists of 5 bays and includes a round-headed doorway. At the rear, there are two-bay wings on the left and right, with the 20th-century extension situated between them and three bays to the right.

Inside, part of the rear wall of the main range has been demolished, creating a partly open plan on the ground and first floors. Historically, William Allwood and his son Joseph operated as needlemakers at Henley Street, Alcester, employing outworkers for various stages of the manufacturing process. Due to the firm's success, Alfred Allwood, Joseph's son, relocated to this purpose-built factory, where it is believed all needlemaking processes were conducted. The brand name for their needles was Minerva, and they also produced hat-pins featuring glass birds. In 1912, the premises were acquired by Terry's Springs, known for making the Anglepoise lamp.