Things are now moving forward on the Coffin Works project. Built in 1894 in Fleet Street Newman Brothers factory is a time capsule of industrial and social heritage with a reputation for producing the highest quality goods, including coffin handles, breastplates, linings and shrouds.
The factory offers a fascinating picture of life in a late Victorian factory and a unique insight into the changing pattern of death and burial throughout the 20th century.
When manufacturing ceased in 1998 after over 100 years of operation, all the contents were left, the machinery, tools, dies, stamps, as well as shrouds, coffin fittings, workers’ personal effects and company records.
The buildings are grade II* listed and have been owned by Advantage West Midlands since 2003, Birmingham Conservation Trust is managing the conservation and conversion of this complex project, on behalf of AWM.
This exciting project will involve volunteers as guides and demonstrators and in many other roles, so if you would like to keep up to date with progress, train as a guide, or have any personal stories to tell about the Coffin Works, please look at the Birmingham Conservation Trust website www.birminghamconservationtrust.org.
