English Heritage opens J W Evans Silver Factory, offering visitors a brief glimpse inside the historic factory during Birmingham’s Heritage Week 2026. Step into a treasure trove of Birmingham’s industrial history, preserved and seemingly frozen in time within the J W Evans Silver Factory. Through guided interpretation, visitors will learn about the historical context of Jenkin Evans, Factory Founder, the development of the business, and its place within the Victorian age and wider Industrial Revolution. The stories of three generations of the Evans family and their roles in shaping the firm will also be explored. 

Evans will be free flow entry and during busier times this may result in a wait outside of the property before allowing entry. Booking not required, ground floor only. We do not have a café, but there are lots of great coffee shops, restaurants and pubs nearby. 

Access to JW Evans: There is a permanent exhibition located in the meeting area, accessed by four steep steps or via a ramp at the side of the property.  Wheelchair access is available to the entrance room only; unfortunately, the rest of the factory is not wheelchair accessible. Motorised mobility scooters are not permitted onsite. There is low lighting in some of hallways and rooms. All pathways are of a similar colour. Due to on-road parking, it may not be possible to drop off disabled visitors directly outside the property’s entrance. Some seating is available in the entrance room. The factory floor is uneven, so sensible flat footwear is recommended for a safe and comfortable visit. Please note that, due to the nature of the site, we are unable to accommodate assistance dogs. Minimum age is 16yrs. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted at J W Evans, under our risk assessment policy. For more information on access click here

How to get there: We are located at the heart of Jewellery Quarter, just down the road from the Jewellery Quarter Train Station and the multi-story car park. Visitors can park on the road outside the factory or use a nearby NCP car park located approximately five minutes’ walk away. Please note that parking is charged and no refunds are available. Birmingham New Street station is approximately ½ mile from the J W Evans Silver Factory. For Sat Nav directions, use postcode B1 3EA. The site is also accessible by bus from surrounding areas. Visitors can also plan a cycling route using the National Cycle Network via sustrans.org.uk. For precise location navigation, use what3words: welfare.submits.lillipop

Organised by English Heritage