One hundred and thirty one years of history came to a close in June 1982, when Phillips and Piper closed its Ipswich clothing works, writes David Kindred.

Ipswich Star: Can you name any of these girls busy at Phillips and PiperÕs works in September 1963?Can you name any of these girls busy at Phillips and PiperÕs works in September 1963? (Image: Archant)

The company made high quality clothes, including riding wear for men, women and children. Thousands worked for the company during its history, many of them young women who started directly from school.

Ipswich Star: A staff outing from Phillips and PiperÕs Ipswich works in June 1970. (Photo by Ivan Smith/Archant)A staff outing from Phillips and PiperÕs Ipswich works in June 1970. (Photo by Ivan Smith/Archant) (Image: Archant)

Employees enjoyed annual summer staff outings to seaside resorts and at Christmas the works was decorated with paper chains and a Christmas tree.

Ipswich Star: The mainly female staff from Phillips and Piper as they were about to set off on an outing in 1960.The mainly female staff from Phillips and Piper as they were about to set off on an outing in 1960. (Image: Dave Kindred)

Around 500 staff worked there at any one time and would sing along to the radio as they worked.

Ipswich Star: Can you name any of these girls busy at Phillips and PiperÕs works in September 1963?Can you name any of these girls busy at Phillips and PiperÕs works in September 1963? (Image: Archant)

After closure, the Christchurch Works, on a site between Old Foundry Road and Crown Street, was converted to residential use.

Ipswich Star: The Phillips and Piper building in Old Foundry Road, Ipswich, as it looks now, converted into flats.The Phillips and Piper building in Old Foundry Road, Ipswich, as it looks now, converted into flats. (Image: Dave Kindred)

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