J.W. Evans Silver Factory

We were appointed by English Heritage to undertake a feasibility study of the Grade II* listed J.W. Evans Silver Factory in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. The Jewellery Quarter is a unique conservation area recognised both nationally and internationally as a place of high significance for containing the best and most extensive surviving group of Victorian and 20th century buildings devoted the manufacture of jewellery, silverware and similar goods.

Established in 1881, J. W. Evans is one of the most complete surviving historic factories in the Jewellery Quarter. Behind the frontage of four terraced houses, the workshops retain their original drop stamps and fly presses. The rooms are packed with thousands of dies for the manufacture of silverware, as well as the whole of the working equipment, stock and records of the business.
J.W. Evans Silver Factory provides a rich and unique visitor experience. To walk the factory is to step into a lost industrial world however visitor access is currently restricted to pre-booked guided tours. The principle objective of the feasibility study was to identify viable and sustainable options which would allow greater access to the site and collection whilst providing mechanisms to remove the restrictions which limited this. Buttress lead, and were supported by, a team of specialist sub-consultants to ensure that all aspects of the options were fully considered. This included support from our Heritage Consultancy team, who produced an updated Statement of Significance, together with input from Cushman and Wakefield, DP Waterfall and PMP Consultants.

Key to our approach was an understanding of the material, social and cultural significance of the site and collection. To achieve this we undertook extensive research of archival material and our Heritage Consultancy team collaborated with Historic England to review and update the existing Statement of Significance.
Extensive stakeholder consultation was undertaken throughout the appraisal process. This included engagement with English Heritage and Historic England staff working across a range of specialisms from curatorial to catering, interpretation, retail and education. External stakeholder engagement was held with local organisations including Birmingham Conservation Trust, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham City University and Birmingham School of Jewellery.

A series of options which conserve the historical and cultural significance of the J.W. Evans Silver Factory, while supporting its long-term future are currently being considered by English Heritage and we are continuing to support them to ensure a viable and sustainable future is secured for this rich, significant and fascinating site.