Friday photo – The Gwenda Works
Okay, so I haven’t moved on from Legge Lane since my last Friday Photo…but there are just so many beautiful old buildings to discover on this stretch of road. A small stretch of road mind you! This week, we are transported to 17 Legge Lane in the Jewellery Quarter, otherwise known as the Gwenda Works. Constructed in 1913, the Grade II listed building was built for Sir Henry Manton who was a local silversmith and cut-glass manufacturer, most likely to designs by Birmingham architect, William Doubleday. Today it stands as one of the most significant examples of Arts and Crafts factory architecture in the Jewellery Quarter, which produced pressed-metal goods until 2000.
I could go on and on about this building as there’s so much more to say about its history, its significance, and that wonderful Art-Nouveau three-story entrance. But I’ll save that for a blog some time very soon.
Hi,
My name is Gwenda so I’m naturally curious and excited! Why was the name changed from “Union works” to the “Gwenda Works”?
Thanks
Hi Gwenda,you can find some more about the works on our other post here: http://www.birminghamconservationtrust.org/2015/03/27/11532/
and an example of their work here: https://www.1stdibs.co.uk/furniture/more-furniture-collectables/collectables-curiosities/collectable-jewellery/art-deco-gwenda-1930s-art-deco-ladies-powder-compact/id-f_12380883/