Record pressing plant in Digbeth

[grahamdunning]

Hello, I'm new to the forum so apologies if this is in the wrong thread.

I'm an artist based in Manchester but over summer I'll be artist in residence at The Rea Garden, a plot of land on Floodgate Street next to the River Rea. (info here: https://behindcloseddoors.org.uk/?page_id=149)

Much of my work deals with sound. As it happens, the site was formerly a record pressing plant and there are shards of shellac from old records scattered all over the site. I'm planning on using these to make sounds with. More info here: https://grahamdunningreagarden.wordpress.com/proposal/

Anyway, to get to my point, I wondered if anyone had any more info on the pressing plant. Does anyone know of anybody who worked there I could talk to? I understand that it was owned by Philips but not sure if that's correct.

Basically I want to find out all the info I can about that part of the site's history but, to be honest I've no idea where to start! Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I'll be at the site which will be open to the public every Friday from 25th June. Feel free to pop in for a chat.

Many thanks, Graham Dunning
https://grahamdunning.com

 

[grahamdunning]

Furthermore, I've recently discovered it was actually a record storage warehouse for Philips Records.
Any further info please let me know.

Thanks,
Graham.

 

[Shortie]

I did some temping in the 1960's for several agencies, and was once at a record place off Digbeth. It might have been Floodgate Street, but cannot be sure. I had completely forgotten all about it until I read your posting. Sorry I cannot tell you any more, but I am fairly sure it was Phillips Records.

Shortie

 

[mikejee]

Phillips records are listed in Kellys on floodgate st for 1962 till 1959. They are not there 1956, and have gone 1971. no number is given, so it is not possible to say who might have occupied the building (or site) before them. It does not state the use of the building
Mike