Friday Photo: Manton Union Works

Todays Friday photo is of the entrance block to the Union Works (later the Gwenda Works) on Legge Lane, one of many former manufactories in the Jewellery Quarter. It is Grade II listed and was built in 1913 for Henry Manton, silversmith and manufacturer of cut glass, made evident by his name in bold letters on the frieze and his monogram on the parapet. The entrance block is the most decorative and arguably most attractive part of the building; entirely faced in faience tiling with Art Nouveau style detailing, including a floral decorated stringcourse and 2 floral bosses above the ground floor.

In the 1930s through to the 1960s the building was acquired by the Gwenda Company who were renowned for the production of ladies ornamental powder compacts and other small metal products. The building is currently in use as accommodation, having been divided up into flats, what an intersting building to live in!