Coffin Works West Midlands
Client: Birmingham Conservation Trust
One of the best preserved buildings in Birmingham’s celebrated Jewellery Quarter, Newman Brothers Coffin Fittings Works is Grade II* listed. The Victorian desire to celebrate death in the use of fine metalwork on coffins contributed to the prosperity of the business which moved into purpose designed premises in 1897. Coffin fittings from here were exported around the world and adorned some of the most elaborate funerals, up to recent times.
Following the closure of the business, Birmingham Conservation Trust has been working for many years to protect and find a sustainable use for this building. Rodney Melville and Partners were appointed to lead a team of consultants for the repair and refurbishment of the building, which now operates as a museum with office studios in the rear ranges.
One of the best preserved buildings in Birmingham’s celebrated Jewellery Quarter, Newman Brothers Coffin Fittings Works is Grade II* listed. The Victorian desire to celebrate death in the use of fine metalwork on coffins contributed to the prosperity of the business which moved into purpose designed premises in 1897. Coffin fittings from here were exported around the world and adorned some of the most elaborate funerals, up to recent times.
Following the closure of the business, Birmingham Conservation Trust has been working for many years to protect and find a sustainable use for this building. Rodney Melville and Partners were appointed to lead a team of consultants for the repair and refurbishment of the building, which now operates as a museum with office studios in the rear ranges.