Last chance to explore Coffin Works before restoration begins on 23rd/24th March
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Birmingham Conservation Trust invites you to explore the atmospheric Grade II listed Newman Brothers Coffin Fitting Works in Fleet Street for the final time before restoration work begins in April.
The hugely successful candle-lit tours held in October and December raised more than £2,000 for the restoration project. Due to a slight delay in work starting, the Trust is able to run two more days of public tours on 23 and 24 March 2013, before the contractors move in.
Visitors can find out about the manufacturing processes that were used to produce the decorations for the coffins of Princess Diana, The Queen Mother, Joseph Chamberlain and Winston Churchill. They can also handle samples of original stock and hear stories about the workers at this family-run business.
The tour guides will paint a picture of factory life as they lead visitors through the semi-derelict building to rooms such as the Shroud Room. Find out where the expression ‘it’s curtains for him’ came from, and why a former worker used to tell people she ‘made clothes you wouldn’t be seen dead in!’
The tour lasts approximately one hour. All tickets are £6.50 (inc. VAT) with the proceeds going towards Birmingham Conservation Trust and the restoration project.
On-street parking is available in surrounding streets (70p per hour) or the nearest NCP is Paradise Circus multi-storey (B1 2NB).
Please be aware this dusty, semi-derelict factory has plenty of uneven surfaces and steep staircases. There are no toilet facilities or heating. Please wear sturdy shoes. In its current state it is unsuitable for wheelchair users. Not suitable for children under 7. Children under 16 to be accompanied by an adult.
For more information or to book tickets, please visit www.eventelephant.com/coffinworksfactorytours or call 0121 303 2664.