Behind the scenes of JW Evans
Established in 1881, J W Evans is one of the most complete surviving historic factories in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Bethan Stanley, senior collections conservator, gives us a close look at some of the photographs, sketches and documents from JW Evan’s storied past.
Birmingham’s rapid expansion from the mid 18th century into a major centre for the metalworking industry earned it the title of ‘the workshop of the world’. Just outside the heart of the city, the Jewellery Quarter became a close-knit neighbourhood, where a great variety of specialist trades concentrated on the production of jewellery, silverware and small metalware.
In its heyday in 1913, Birmingham had 70,000 people employed in the sector. Many of the factories were small family businesses, like JW Evans.
Jenkin William (JW) Evans was photographed in 1912, at the height of the silverware business. This photograph was taken by a professional studio unlike the majority of images which were taken by his son Harold Evans using a glass plate negative camera.
The Evans family photographed in the garden of their house in Kings Norton. Harold William Evans and wife Louisa Jenkins (both seated) with children behind (from left to right) Elfredia, Austen and Harold. All the children were involved within the business. Elfredia was employed as a company secretary, while both Harold and Austen were directors of JW Evans and Sons Ltd by 1920.
The Evans family photographed in the garden of their house in Kings Norton. Harold William Evans and wife Louisa Jenkins (both seated) with children behind (from left to right) Elfredia, Austen and Harold. All the children were involved within the business. Elfredia was employed as a company secretary, while both Harold and Austen were directors of JW Evans and Sons Ltd by 1920.
Private
Dear Sir
I reply to your enquiry. The conduct of the boy J Cohen during the 4 months he has been here and especially during the last few weeks, has been such that I cannot in any way recommend him ---
He has been employed in the stamping department and is of a very reckless and careless disposition as to his work and impudent to those about him and inclined to idle about.
Copy letter book from May 1895 giving a poor reference for a ‘boy’ who worked in the stamping department.
Copy letter book from May 1895 giving a poor reference for a ‘boy’ who worked in the stamping department.
Copy letter book from June 1895 giving a reference for a stamper who worked at the business for 3 years.
Copy letter book from June 1895 giving a reference for a stamper who worked at the business for 3 years.
Dear Sir
I have much pleasure in giving a reference for Evan Williams who was in my employ for some 3 years odd. During the whole time he was in my employ he gave me complete satisfaction, he was most punctual in his habits and attentive to his duties, truthful and honest and most respectful in fact he was a firm favourite here, and with the whole of the work people also.
He left here amid fervent regret and expressions of best wishes, and I have no doubt of his ardent endeavour to do that which he believes to be right.
Faithfully J W Evans
Health and Safety book 1899 to 1938 with details of all employees aged under 18 years of age.
Health and Safety book 1899 to 1938 with details of all employees aged under 18 years of age.
Harold Evans, Jenkin’s older son. Photographed c. 1940 with some of their products.
Emily Smith a fly press operator photographed c. 1940 piercing a design on a sugar dredger.
Anthony (Tony) Evans, grandson of Jenkin Evans photographed during his training at the Birmingham School of Art.
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