Watch: unravel the history and unusual stories of the Coffin Works museum

Welcome to the Coffin Works museum, a place marked by unusual features that also contribute to its rare charm.

The museum, hosted in a factory that shut down in 1998, aims to echo the lives of its workers and the history they left behind.

Walking through this historical time capsule, visitors have the unique opportunity to admire authentic relics of the past. From a pair of neatly kept shoes to an expensive coat casually left hanging in the cupboard, the factory’s office manifests an intriguing sense of abandonment.

Adding to this sharp realism is a fully-stocked drinks cabinet, filled to the brim with pale ale, sherry, and a selection of cigars.

Among the noteworthy artefacts of this space is a first-aid box from 1943. Still completely intact, it often sparks vivid recollections from their guests. Similarly, the sight of antiquated equipment like the Gestetner copier and typewriters evoke waves of nostalgia among the visitors, reminding them of a life once lived in bustling offices.

Indeed, the special appeal of the Coffin Works Museum extends beyond its quirky collection to encompass the captivating stories of its erstwhile workers. It takes pride in reflecting the narratives unique to the factory and its people, some of them hinted at through the inscription on the Gestetner that vaguely hints at the last Christmas holidays spent in the factory back in ‘96, an early form of photocopier bearing the stamp “Wednesday 1st January 1997 closed for Christmas.”

As you tread further into the heart of the museum, the unusual aspects bordering on the morbid are hard to miss. Specialising in nothing short of the world’s finest in coffin furniture and fittings, Newman Brothers were a class apart. Their exceptional hand-craftsmanship was widely recognized, taking them straight to the royal undertakers for the better part of the 20th century. A plethora of royals and Prime Ministers graced their last journey outfitted with Newman Brothers’ exquisitely designed coffin fittings.

Their enriching tour further introduces you to the shroud room, where time seems to have frozen. One of the most interesting highlights here are the football shrouds, primarily crafted for the deceased football fans. Newman Brothers, being avid Aston Villa fans, initially began with Aston Villa shrouds. However, in a democratic move, they also added a Birmingham City shroud to their unusual repertoire.

The Coffin Works Museum is so much more than its name suggests. Beyond the realm of death and coffin fittings, it tells the vivid tale of its past workers and the fascinating work that was produced within their walls. The factory’s well-preserved artefacts provide a tangible link to the industrial history of Birmingham.

The Coffin Works welcomes visitors from Thursday to Sunday between 11 am to 3 pm. The last tour each day begins at 3 pm. You can either book tickets online or simply drop in at your convenience.