This information, including a painting of the former factory (1983 - showing the space left by the demolished part, now ASDA) and a dinner menu and programme from its 1886 opening, can be found in the Places Gallery.
Photographs of the factory can be seen in the Bedminster neighbourhood section in the Places Gallery.
portraits of Wills employees William Masters Davies and Miss Ellen Williams are on display in the Life Gallery.
Technological advances and higher demands for tobacco led Wills to build a new factory on Bedminster's East Street. This new type of building for a new way of working was designed by Frank Wills to maximise efficiency and ensure staff well-being. It was the major employer in South Bristol until it closed in 1972.
The new factory was opened on 27 March 1886. It revolutionised production and working conditions and changed the appearance of Bedminster.
Dinner menu and programme, 1886:
Around 900 Wills employees attended the opening festivities of Wills's East Street factory, which included a high tea, speeches, a tour of the new works, an evening concert and a dance.