THE BROMSGROVE GUILD
An Illustrated History
Edited by Quintin Watt

This is the latest publication of the Bromsgrove Society following 5 years of research by our Local History group. It has 160 pages and contains over 100 illustrations, 25 of which are in colour. In addition to the fascinating story of a business which brought Bromsgrove to world wide prominence, it includes:-

Interviews with four former Guild employees

A useful gazeteer of Bromsgrove Guild work in the West Midlands

Appendices which include lists of all known Bromsgrove Guild personnel as well as Guild commissions carried out in London and abroad

The Bromsgrove Guild of Applied Arts was founded in 1898 by the sculptor Walter Gilbert. During the next seventy years the firm developed into a thriving commercial enterprise, acquiring an international reputation for the high quality of its craftsmanship in metalwork, woodcarving, plasterwork, stained glass and other media. Celebrated Guild contracts included Liverpool's famous Liver Birds, ornate metalwork on the great Cunarders Lucitania and Queen Mary and the statue of Hygiea which stand in the garden of the Prime Minister's country residence, Chequers. However, the Bromsgrove Guild's most memorable commission was to create the wrought iron gates of Buckingham Palace. As a result of completing this particular task the Guild received a Royal Warrant in 1908. When not working on such high profile projects, the firm produced large quantities of lead rainwater goods, garden statuary, fountains, sundials, wrought iron work and bronze light fittings.

"The authors have provided us with a well-researched, high quality book which is a fitting testimony to the high quality work produced by an organisation which, more than any other, helped to put Bromsgrove on the map".
Dr Simon Penn, Avoncroft Museum of Buildings

"Well-crafted masterpiece ... beautifully illustrated and splendidly researched ... a visual delight which would make a fine Christmas present".
Ralph Richardson, Redditch Advertiser.

"I have now had a chance to read the book from cover to cover and I would like to offer my congratulations to all involved in its preparation and production. I think it is really excellent."
John Powell. Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.

"What a splendid book you have all produced, magnificently presented and full of interest with excellent illustrations. It is a treasure!"
Mary Banks, daughter of George Whewell who was the last chairman of the Bromsgrove Guild.