Christopher Wray Lighting works, Grade II listed Georgian building in Birmingham, England
Christopher Wray Lighting Works is a converted Georgian residence comprising three terraced townhouses joined with workshop spaces, marked by balanced facade design. The complex features multiple work areas deliberately arranged to allow daylight to reach all sections, with an entry passage leading into a central yard.
These buildings date to around 1720 as affluent residences and rank among Birmingham's oldest surviving Georgian-era dwellings. They were later repurposed into manufacturing facilities, reflecting the city's shift toward industrial production.
The site reflects how Birmingham transformed from a residential quarter into a working industrial neighborhood, where craft production took over spaces once occupied by families.
Located in the city center, the site is easily reachable by local bus routes and walking paths, though the historic structure has narrow corridors and low ceilings in some sections. Visitors should note this remains an active working space where not all areas may always be open for viewing.
A former actor established his lighting business here and focused on creating lamps modeled after historical designs, turning a personal passion into a craft enterprise. This unusual career path demonstrates how personal interest can build a thriving workshop operation.
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