J W EVANS | ENGLISH HERITAGE

TAKING A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
J.W.Evans | English Heritage

Ever wanted to step back in time, and see what things were like in the good old days? Well, just the other week a couple of our very own Broadway Team – Christian and Tony – made their way to the J.W.Evans Silver Factory in Birmingham, England. Where they got to see firsthand one of the most complete surviving historic factories in the UK. Crammed with dies, presses and history, the J.W.Evans Silversmiths was founded in 1881 and then rescued by the English Heritage in 2008.

Jenkin William Evans set up business in the Jewellery Quarter, converting four terrace houses into his factory floor. He was a talented artist; and he used this skill to design – and often make – some of his own stamps and patterns. It was great to discover that, from 1881 to 2008, the Evans Factory retained and archived every single pattern, die and tool that they ever used to make their Silverware – tools and techniques we use ourselves at Broadway Silversmiths. And when you visit the Evans Factory and take a tour around the very factory floor, you get to see the detail of these items – and imagine the amount of time it must have taken to design and craft such timeless pieces.

From 1881, J.W.Evans produced an array of beautiful silverware: tableware, drinksware – and the odd gift. Keeping their designs contemporary to each turn of a new decade, whilst still fashioning their more classic designs too. It was an end of an era, in 2008, when they decided to shut their doors for the final time. The variety of objects uncovered at J. W. Evans spanned the history of the business, with drawers, shelves and whole rooms packed to bursting point. And so, the English Heritage then became responsible for its care. Their challenge was to catalogue and conserve everything, keeping all the tools and equipment exactly as they were found.

With collections in every available gap, a comprehensive programme of repairs and documentation began. The charm of J. W. Evans is its character, the feeling of an untouched space. The very essence of the place has seeped into these rooms. Each room is preserved as if the last worker has downed tools, tidied their bench and clocked out. The English Heritage certainly have got it right! Honouring the silversmithing trade whilst allowing the public to experience such a historical place. We would certainly recommend you to visit!

Thank you, English Heritage, for showing us around. All the volunteers and staff could not have been more helpful.

English Heritage – J.W.Evans Silver Factory | Website

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