ABSTRACT
Fascination for the buildings and machinery of industrial production and processing, although of comparatively recent origin, is intense and all-inclusive. Remains of the manufacturing and extracting processes dominated much of the Midlands and north of Britain until a decade or two ago and yet were totally absent from most of the south, east, and west of England. Old railway hotels, dockland warehouses, textile mills, even pumping stations and breweries not only lend themselves to conversion, they also present society with choices between residential, commercial, retail, office or workshop, and studio uses, depending on location. The most important, rare, and beautiful monuments require the most sensitive approach. That is a universal touchstone in conservation and should be safeguarded by official protection, listing and grant-giving policies. The old dock buildings house the Tate Gallery of the North, a maritime museum, various commercial and residential uses, and a large number of shops, bars, and restaurants.
