From hidden gems to the buildings you pass by daily, the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham is a historic treasure, renowned for its rich heritage and architectural marvels.
Each month, the Jewellery Quarter BID spotlights one of the oldest and most iconic buildings in Jewellery Quarter on their official Instagram page, @JQ_BID.
The Instagram page regularly features these and other historic buildings, celebrating the area’s unique heritage and ongoing efforts to preserve its architectural treasures.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Birmingham’s past, the JQ offers a fascinating journey through time.
So, we decided to add our spotlight on these iconic buildings shared on their socials:
1. J. W. Evans Silver Factory - August's Spotlight
Established in 1881, the J. W. Evans Silver Factory is one of the most complete surviving historic factories in the Jewellery Quarter. Behind the façade of four terraced houses, the factory retains its original drop stamps and fly presses, along with thousands of dies for silverware production. A visit to this factory is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into Birmingham’s industrial past. | Image and info credit: Instagram - @jq_bid
2. Harper’s Hill Work - July's Spotlight
Harper’s Hill Work, established in 1880, is a four-storey historic site in the Jewellery Quarter. Originally a sub-contract manufacturing work, it evolved over the years to produce costume jewellery, munitions components, and various metal products. The site is named after the rising ground at the top of James Street, where the famous inventor James Watt once resided. Today, Harper’s Hill continues to be a hub of creativity and craftsmanship, producing high-quality metal gifts and products. | Image and info credit: Instagram - @jq_bid
3. Plantagenet Buildings - June's Spotlight
Erected around 1871, the Plantagenet Buildings are an ornate Italian-style development located on the corner of Spencer Street and Hockley Street. Built on an arrow-shaped plot of land, this speculative development originally included houses and workshops. Today, jewellers still occupy these units, continuing the tradition of jewellery production in the area. | Image and info credit: Instagram - @jq_bid
4. Aquinas House - May's Buildings
Built in 1882, Aquinas House is located on the corner of Warstone Lane. This Italianate-style building was originally a state-of-the-art jewellery factory for Manton and Mole. The three-storey corner block contained offices and warehouses, while the adjoining two-storey workshop fronted the street and was designed to impress. The building replaced slum housing, including courtyard back-to-backs, demolished during the slum clearance of the late nineteenth century. | Image and info credit: Instagram - @jq_bid