The Adams Building in the historic Lace Market area of Nottingham opened its doors to the public on Saturday 12th September as part of the annual National Heritage Open Days event.  Visitors were welcomed by ‘Victorian’ ladies and gentlemen and toured the building with a costumed guide.  A campus of New College Nottingham (ncn), this Grade II* listed building is possibly the largest and finest surviving Victorian lace warehouse in the country. Among the guests was Brenda White, 74, who worked in the Adams Building embroidering wedding veils from the 1950’s to the 1980’s. She said: “I very much enjoyed the tour: it was interesting to see a side of the building I’d never seen before, as women used to use different staircases and work in different areas to the men.” Guests enjoyed music from a saxophone quartet and a traditional organ, and a stilt-walking ‘Victorian’ lord and lady joined in the fun. Other highlights included traditional lace-making and handmade brooches featuring Nottingham Lace.

– ENDS –

Notes to Editors: Photographs attached:1)      Standing proud: Eddie Wright and Helen Lucas, ncn  Adams Building

Named after its original owner, Thomas Adams, the building was designed by eminent Victorian architect Thomas Chambers Hine as a lace warehouse and salesroom, and was completed in 1874.

 Heritage Open Days Thousands of buildings and places across England opened their doors free of charge for Heritage Open Days 2009 in September.Heritage Open Days is England’s largest free cultural event, promising fascinating insights and fresh inspirations to everyone, whatever their age or background, interest or taste.

Information from:  www.heritageopendays.org.uk

For more information:

Contact: Lucy Mulloy, ncn, 1 Broadway, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PRDay Tel: 0115 911 3691 / Mobile 07967 792 044 /Email: [email protected]