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:
5. Former Assay Office on Newhall Street - April's Spotlight
The former Assay Office on Newhall Street played a crucial role in the development of Birmingham’s silver industry. Established in 1773, the Assay Office was initially located in various parts of the city before settling in Newhall Street in 1877. Designed by architect Andrew Phipson, the Victorian building was extended over the years to accommodate the growing demand for silver assaying. The Assay Office moved to new premises in 2015, and the Grade II building was beautifully restored on Newhall Street, and is now known as Assay Studios, housing workspaces for businesses. | Image and info credit: Instagram - @jq_bid
6. 33 Vittoria Street Hidden Gem Building - March's Spotlight
Grade II listed 33 Vittoria Street was originally a mid-19th century house converted in the late 19th century to a manufactury with workshops and a shop to the rear. Thomas Winkles founded the Winkles jewellery company here, specialising in buckles, chains, and mourning brooches. The factory operated at this location from 1886 until it closed in 1958, also producing key chains for HM ships during the Second World War and supplying jewellery to Woolworths. | Image and info credit: Instagram - @jq_bid
7. 51-53 Vittoria Street Buildings - February's Spotlight
Nos 51-52 Vittoria Street were built around 1830 as a pair of three-storey townhouses, with No.51 being Grade II listed. The alterations to Nos 51-53 chart the development of the Jewellery Quarter. Initially residential, the buildings began to be altered in the 1870s to make them more suitable for business and industrial uses. Shop fronts were inserted at ground-floor level with multicoloured brick arches, and a central entrance was added on the corner. By the early 20th century, the buildings had been further modified to accommodate workshops, with wider timber casement windows replacing the original sash windows. Over the years, the buildings have housed a mix of jewellery and industrial manufacturers, reflecting the evolving nature of the Jewellery Quarter. | Image and info credit: Instagram - @jq_bid
8. 60-64 Vittoria Street Building - January's Spotlight
Built between 1820 and 1830, 60-64 Vittoria Street is an early Jewellery Quarter works with five bays fronting Vittoria Street and three bays on Regent Street. The building was extended by eight bays in 1881, designed by architect Douglas J. Williams. Over time, it has been occupied by various tradespeople, including John Smith, a travelling linen draper, and George Lowe, an engraver. In the late 19th century, Potter & Carter, lapidaries who polished and engraved gems, moved in. The building has also housed hardware merchants and other businesses. Most recently, it was home to the Vittoria Chinese Restaurant from 2013 to 2017, but it is currently vacant. | Image and info credit: Instagram - @jq_bid