To mark Heritage Open Days (11-20 September), we're shining a spotlight on the Adams Building, one of Nottingham's most iconic historic landmarks, by sharing five fascinating facts about its past.
1. It was once one of the most advanced lace warehouses in the world
Commissioned by Quaker, industrialist and philanthropist Thomas Adams alongside his business partner, James Page, the construction of the Adams Building began in 1854 and was complete by around 1874. During the height of the Industrial Revolution, when Nottingham supplied lace to the entire world, the Adams Building served as a central clearing house. Lace manufactured in outlying regional factories was brought here to be mended, finished, packaged, and displayed in grand showrooms. Its lace was then sold to buyers across the world.
2. It pioneered worker welfare facilities uncommon for the Victorian era
Thomas Adams was known for his progressive approach to worker welfare. Unusually for the Victorian era, he provided facilities such as tea rooms, indoor washrooms for men and women, and even central heating, making the Adams Building one of the most advanced factories of its time. Large windows flooded the five-storey building with natural light, creating ideal conditions for the detailed work of lace production. There are records of a sick fund, savings bank and book club for employees, helping them to look after both their health and finances. Thomas Adams even introduced the 9-hour working day – a huge contrast to the typical 14-15 hour day of the time.
3. The building had its own chapel
The Adams Building chapel reflected Thomas Adams' strong Quaker faith and commitment to the wellbeing of his workforce. Located in the building's north wing overlooking Stoney Street, the chapel hosted daily morning services led by a dedicated chaplain, with employees paid to attend. It is believed that around 400 workers gathered there each day. Today, the chapel's beautiful stained-glass windows remain, providing a link to the building's history. The space is now home to the campus library, where students come to learn and study.
4. It underwent a major restoration project
Like much of Nottingham's lace industry, the Adams Building saw its fortunes decline during the 20th century. As fashions changed, demand for lace fell and production eventually ended in the 1950s. The building was then occupied by a range of smaller businesses, but by the 1980s it had fallen into serious disrepair. In 1996, the Adams Building was acquired by the Lace Market Heritage Trust and underwent a £16.5 million restoration. Reopened in 1999 by King Charles III, then The Prince of Wales, it was given a new lease of life and today serves as one of Nottingham College's most iconic campuses.
5. Today it educates thousands of Nottingham College students each year
More than 30 years after its restoration, the Grade II listed Adams Building continues to inspire a new generation. Today, it is home to thousands of Nottingham College students studying courses including Fashion and Textiles, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), Hair and Beauty, and Access to HE. Spanning seven floors and over 113,000 square feet, the building blends historic character with modern learning spaces. With its grand staircases, striking architecture and maze-like corridors, it's no surprise that many students say studying at Adams feels a little like being in Hogwarts.
As part of Heritage Open Days, the Adams Building will be open to the public on Saturday 12 September from 10am to 3pm, with exhibitions and activities giving visitors the opportunity to explore its rich history. Located in the heart of the Lace Market, the Adams Building remains one of Nottingham's most iconic landmarks and a fascinating place to discover the city's past. The open day will be hosted by Skills and Education Group in collaboration with the Boots Archive.