Leather strewn over the workstations and boxes of heavy-duty sewing machine needles dotted about – this photograph show how Walsall’s Jabez Cliff & Co was left frozen in time before it burned down.

The picture provide a rare look at the interior of the historic former leather works after its staff upped and left in 2009. They were taken by an amateur photographer at the derelict building in April last year. Jabez Cliff & Co is one of the most famous names in Walsall’s heritage.

It had operated from the site in Lower Forster Street since 1876 before moving to a new base in Aldridge two years ago.

However, the firm’s former building was gutted last week after being engulfed by flames.

Parts of the building, including its famous pointed roof, have already been demolished on safety grounds and the rest is soon to follow.

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