Klinger Factory, Sidcup (May 2014)

[upright_ninja]

I saw a report about this place recently and decided to put it on the list. Then a friend of mine expressed an interest in urban exploring and I thought what better way to help him start his journey, than to head over here. We parked a bit out of the way (early doors I hasten to add) and scouted for a way in. This was easy enough without any effort at all... even this middle aged loser managed to squeeze through the gap left behind by previous explorers! The way out, however, was a different story...!

Now, squeezing over 18 stone of bulk through a gap in a fence was challenging to say the least... gone are the days of cat-like prowess where I could negotiate a gap without touching the sides, so I was preparing myself for a bit of a workout but, on this occasion I surprised myself and I was inside. Unbeknownst to me, these fences are chamfered on the way in... on the way out however, I now have a rather apt name for these devices... "The Fat-Guy Trap"... there is no chamfer on the return journey much to my dismay, and I felt like an overweight vole trying to escape the clutches of a bottle, carelessly left by a picnicker! Eventually I broke free... minus my dignity but nonetheless, a huge source of entertainment for my new urbex buddy (member: greenthum).

It was a great morning. Plenty to see and some great photogenic stuff. We also bumped into two more explorers, bamboo backbone and her friend... and I'm just glad they weren't around to witness me attempting to squeeze my size 18 arse through a size 6 gap!

Now for some history:

Completed in 1937 to the designs of Wallis Gilbert and partners for Richard Klinger Ltd, founded in Austria in 1893, manufacturers of gaskets for engines and hydraulic pipelines and also water level gauges, valves and cocks.

Klinger Co. have had some great global success which began in the mid 1880's when the founder, Richard Klinger, was a spritely 25 years old. They were responsible for a number of engineering breakthroughs for inventing equipment and in 1891 Richard patented 'Privilegium' reflex level gauges. I assume that this was a pioneering move back then and lead the way to advances in engineering. The building has been derelict for many years now and a planning application for an IKEA store has been withdrawn so it currently sits in limbo with palisade fencing around the perimeter. The majority of the building is in a serious state of decay and hasn't been helped by 2 fires from earlier in the year.

Here are a few of the pics from our trip... I might even throw a few colour ones in, much against my protestations.

The place is pretty trashed and plastered in graff (some of it worth capturing, but some of it's just a mess). Still, a very interesting place to visit and we spent an entire morning there.

Thanks for looking... keep safe y'all...!

u>.<n

 

[Lara]

Nice shots there, such a shame it's been bashed up. I do hope your mate got shots of you squeezing through the gap thanks for sharing

 

[skeleton key]

The place has for sure seen hard times from vandals and arsonist etc over time but as with all location its working right that wins the day.

Cool result as worked it well

 

[shaddam]

cool stuff, shame about it being wreaked =/

 

[Bamboo Backbone]

It is a shame about it being wreaked but it's also apart of that place now and very telling if the community that surrounds it. Brilliant photos that really capture the essence!

 

[upright_ninja]

Thanks guys... appreciate the feedback as always!

 

[Stussy]

Excellent set of pics of a nice derpy derp! Thanks for sharing

 

[greenthum]

It was a good morning out, great shots, especially like the first one. getting ready for the next adventure