The Bell Foundry
The Bell Foundry
The Bell Foundry at Whitechapel was founded in 1570 and had cast bells on the same site since the 1740s, making it one of the oldest manufacturing companies in the UK. The site is comprised of a collection of Grade II* buildings of varying ages and types, from a Georgian terrace to 19th century warehouses.
Following the Foundry’s closure in 2017, we were asked to provide structural and civil engineering, conservation and transport advice for the comprehensive refurbishment and restoration of the existing buildings and the design of a new extension to the rear.
Led by architects 31/44, the mixed-use scheme – including a working foundry – was developed in consultation with the Hughes family who had previously run the foundry. The scheme returns founding activities to the historic building while opening the building to the general public. The foundry will cast Whitechapel Bell Foundry bells (in partnership with the Westley Group as part of their ongoing agreement with the Hughes family) and artworks (in partnership with AB Fine Art Foundry, based in nearby Poplar). The scheme as a whole ensures that these buildings will continue to support and house makers and craftspeople into the future.
The scheme was approved at appeal and was commended by the Planning Inspector for its ‘substantial heritage benefits’ and for the ‘highest quality of design.’
Client: Raycliff
Architect: 31/44 Architects with Malcolm Fryer Architects
Photos courtesy of 31/44 Architects