The Coffin Works Archive brings together the diverse parts of the Newman Brothers’ Collection, which until now have remained unconnected. Although by no means comprehensive, the archive features a selection of the key objects in the collection and brings them together on one platform for the first time. You can explore the collection in a number of ways;
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Through our Gateway Objects, which introduce you to overarching stories in the Newman Brothers’ Collection.
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By using our Themes, which group objects into six main categories. This is helpful if you have a particular aspect you wish to know more about. The themes are: Commerce, Death, Industry & Manufacturing, People, The Victorians and Women.
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Our Featured Articles offer an in-depth look at objects and stories in our collection and can be found through our Theme pages and News, with certain Stories in our collection featured here: Stories Archive.
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Or, you can simply use the ‘search’ facility, which offers a general search option, found top right in the main navigation or in the Footer of the site (for mobile users, please see the footer for search).
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, run by the Museums Association. A grant of £56,700 was awarded in August 2015 and has allowed us to build this resource and ensure it continues to grow.
Meet the Team
Sarah Hayes
Exhibitions Manager
As a social historian, my interests in the past revolve around ordinary people, their actions, motivations and connections to the bigger issues of the day. Another passion of mine is the changing landscape of Birmingham and identifying this through the use of historical maps and documents.
Anne-Marie Hayes
Photographer
As a historical geographer, I am interested in people, places and the landscape, especially how buildings evolve and the landscape changes around them. Probably not much of a surprise then that I love looking at maps!
Luke Unsworth
Photographer / Filmmaker
I work extensively in the museum and art gallery sector creating films and photographing artwork and artefacts. As a visual creative I am passionate about documentary photography.
Paul Tranter
Creative
I am passionate about good design and love creating websites that are fun to explore and deliver engaging content. With a background in illustration and animation I love getting stuck into creative projects.
Suzanne Carter
Educational Resources
As a community engagement professional working in the heritage sector I enjoy watching people get excited and inspired by their local heritage, and to creatively bring stories of the past to life for schools and community groups.
Rachel Kinning
Educational Resources
As a primary school teacher with a passion for history, I love to use Birmingham's industrial and social heritage to teach subjects across the curriculum. It's been a joy to explore the Coffin Works collection further after first discovering it in 2012.
