An urbex tour around an abandoned tool factory

Probably one to tick off the bucket list, I finally managed to get in to George Barnsley's & Sons in Sheffield. I'd seen photos of this old tool factory over the years and I've circled the place looking for a way in to no avail. So yesterday I managed to squeeze my enormous bulk through a tiny hole in the wall and shoot the place!

George Barnsley's & Sons were founded 1836 by George Barnsley, who began making and selling files. The business bought in blank steels already cut to shape and converted them into metal files and selling them on. The business evolved over the years and began making leather working tools.

After WW2, George Barnsleys started to decline as did the rest of the Sheffield cutlery and steel industries. The firm managed to survive until around 2003 and the buildings left behind are in a seriuously delapidated state, dangerous in fact!

Tool Stores

I took a tripod in to the factory to do this place some justice and on the assumption this might be the only chance I get to shoot before someone realises there's a way in! This is one of many rooms full of storage shelves with ancient graffiti on the cupboard doors with various notes of sizes in imperial measurements. Someone had a "system" who is long gone.

Grand

Around the site were various buildings some of which were grander than others. This looks like it might have been a reception area....

Delipidated

I'm never going to win awards for composition with this one but if this room could tell a story....

The Sketchiest Floors around

I'm built for comfort and not for speed so walking across this platform was a big NO from me!!

And here there was no floor at all!!

Climbing to the top inside George Barnsley's is not for the feint of heart! Notice my foot for context....

Stairs that lead to another explore....

I only got a limited time to explore this place. On processing the shots I realised I will need to visit again to explore some more. I'm curious to know where these stairs lead....

Upstairs looking out

Despite the sketchy floors, I still managed to get this PoV looking out of a window.

Curious Architecture

Outside in the courtyard between the buildings is this curious triangle. There are two doors leading to stairs and cellars below on either side. Another excuse, if I ever needed one, to go back with a headtorch!

I love a good corridor....

Vanishing point perspective, peeling paint and a spiral staircase; what more could I ask for?!

Corridor of Filth

I'm loving the Sony 20mm f1.8 FE lens I used for this shoot. I haven't seen any distortion at all; for a wide angle, it's amazing!

Private

Never mind private, it was pigeon shit city in these offices. It's not helped by the fact I recently did a health and safety course involving Parrot's Disease. Not good for one's health!!

About me:
I usually specialise in shooting lightpainting images but occasionally dabble in urbex and artistic model photography. I'm always on the lookout for someone to collaborate with; please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to create art.

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