The factory was built as a blacking factory. Historic maps show that St Michael's Road had been laid out by 1899 but had not been developed. Historic trade directories show that Caswell and Co boot polish manufacturers moved to the St Michael's Road site between 1910 and 1914. Historic maps show the factory in its final form by 1924. Caswell's brand product was 'Chelsea' boot polish or dubbin which was packaged in tins with a picture of a Chelsea pensioner on the lid. Later use of the building had left little evidence for the former use as a blacking or polish factory. The main part of the factory consisted of workshops covered by sawtooth roofs supported on cast iron pillars creating open, general purpose work areas. A three storied section had openings for a lift or hoist extending from the basement to the second floor. This area was lit with large windows and is likely to have been used for part of the production or packaging process. A detached workshop at the rear of the factory yard contained brackets for a line shaft indicating that it once contained belt powered machinery.