The factory, at 16-18 Great Hampton Street in the city's Jewellery Quarter, in the Hockley district, was designed by local architect Arthur McKewan and completed in 1912.[1]
It was given Grade II* listed status in 1982, protecting it from unauthorised development or deletion.[1][2] The list entry describes it as:[2]
A particularly sensitive formal elevation to a jewellery works, containing Birmingham Arts and Crafts with Edwardian Baroque details all executed to a very high standard.
In June 2016, plans to convert the then-empty building into 64 one-bedroom, 77 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom residential apartments were announced.[1]
Ashford & Sons
John Ashford was a gilt toy maker ("toy" meaning small items like buckles and buttons, not children's playthings) in Birmingham from 1842.[1] In 1905 he sold the business to Joseph Aitken.[1] The firm, which made enamelled objects and men's jewellery, closed in 1980, but its name is still shown, carved in Portland stone on the building's frontage.[1]