The Coffin Works
About This Museum
Tucked away just off the Jewellery Quarter's main drag, on Fleet Street, you'll find a real piece of Birmingham's industrial soul. This isn't your typical museum; it's the former Newman Brothers coffin furniture works, a place that once supplied ornate brass handles and fittings for funerals across the globe, including Winston Churchill's. Stepping inside feels like the workers have just clocked out for lunch, with the original machinery and countless tiny components still in place. The guides, full of character, don't just show you the presses; they share incredible stories about the Victorian way of death and the city's hidden trades.
Collection Highlights
You can't miss the giant fly press used to stamp out brass shapes or see the rows of 'casket furniture' – from simple crosses to elaborate angel designs. The real draw is hearing about the specific funerals they supplied, like that of Churchill or Princess Diana, which makes this global trade feel incredibly personal.
Visitor Information
You do need to book a tour in advance as they run at specific times to keep the experience intimate – you can't just wander in. It's a wonderfully quirky and surprisingly moving hour or so that gives you a completely different perspective on the city.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a classic red brick Victorian factory, it’s all creaking floorboards, cast-iron pillars, and big north-facing windows designed to flood the workshop with light.
Contact & Location
Address: Birmingham, West Midlands, England, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 121 233 4790
Website: Visit Website
