Victorian Chimney

The historic landmark of Edgbaston Waterworks, a memorial to Victorian innovation in Birmingham, is under threat. Redundant industrial eyesore or work of art?

The chimney at Edgbaston waterworks was designed by noted architect J.R. Chamberlain. However by the late 1960s it was considered redundant and under threat. In January 1974 the city's Victorian Society were celebrating as the city council had finally decided, after six years, that the tower should stay. Not mentioned in this news report is that the chimney is rumoured to have been one of the towers that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien who lived nearby as a boy.

Another building in Birmingham designed by J.R. Chamberlain was less fortunate in 1974 - the original Birmingham Library in the city centre was demolished during the summer of that year.