Birmingham’s Coffin Works resurrected as a visitor attraction

    Coffin Works, Birmingham

    Working machinery, live demonstrations and guided tours are now all part of the newly opened Newman Brothers experience at the Coffin Works in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

    Coffin Works, Birmingham
    Coffin Works, Birmingham

    Following a major year-long restoration project, the Coffin Works now allows visitors to step back in time to the 1960s when the Newman Brothers coffin furniture company had its heyday. Having supplied coffin fittings for the funerals of Winston Churchill, Princess Diana and the Queen Mother, among others, the company has a fascinating place in history, which visitors to the attraction can now discover for themselves. Coffin fittings in solid brass, stamped electro-brass, silver and nickel plate were produced here during the company’s operation between 1894 and 1999.

    The only complete historic building on Fleet Street in Birmingham, the factory was sold in 2003 with all its content still in situ, including large quantities of stock, sales ledgers, photographs and catalogues. Even personal items such as handbags, tea towels and tins of soup were left at the site by staff members, providing a huge insight into what life at the company was like for those who worked there.

    www.coffinworks.org

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