Rehearsal day at Newman Brothers!
Tuesday this week was all about practising and getting things right at the Coffin Fitting Works.
Glazier Nick Baylis, a specialist in the restoration of period timber and iron framework from Hockley, was there doing sample trials for repairing the cast iron windows so we can get cost certainty on the repairs and also get a good idea about how long they are likely to take; and the best methods to do it! (quick calculation… that is 3276 panes of glass – definitely worth a rehearsal!)
At the same time our friends at Tin Box theatre company were there rehearsing their new show in the sunny courtyard – some of which you’ll be able to see at their second “Box of Treats” event being hosted at the Coffin Fitting Works in collaboration with BCT on Saturday 8th September!
more details to follow….
This is so pleasing to see Newman Brothers being save for posterity, showing the talents of Birminghams manufacturing ability. My dad worked at Newman Brothers for many years retiring in1974 due to ill health. Newman Brothers were not known for it’s health and safety procedures my dad retired due to a bronchial condition, but he never complained but as for many at that time they were grateful for a job, which he enjoyed and the friendship of the colleages he worked with. He was a polisher usually on the second or third floor in the building on the left up the steep stairs. We got to go occasionally and watched dad work, to see the polishing mops spinning at 50,000 RPM anf dads fingers so close bit scary but he would touch the mop occationally by accident just lick the burn and carry on. He taught us you work for every thing you want, be grateful for the job and be loyal, he was to his family and the company he worked for. Thank You for saving Newman Brothers dad would be so proud he worked on many famous peoples Brasses.
Hi Peter
Lovely to hear your memories about your father. It always amazes us about the lack of Health & Safety at the factory from the stories we have heard! But it was the same all over. It is really hard to imagine the speed of the mop heads and the noise – but you paint a great picture. Polishing was such a skilled job and it seems Newmans was known for its unique polishes. Thanks so much for getting in touch. We are excited that finally we are at a position when we can restore the building, bring back many of the contents and keep stories and memories like your alive! You must come and visit when we are open – July 2914! Best wishes, Suzanne