Nestled in the creative hub of Digbeth, Birmingham, AE Williams stands as a remarkable testament to craftsmanship and tradition. This family-run pewter manufacturer, operating continuously since 1779, is currently managed by the seventh and eighth generations of the Williams family. Despite its longevity and global reach, AE Williams remains a hidden gem to many, yet its creations have graced notable films and royal settings alike.
While Digbeth has recently gained acclaim for its vibrant hospitality scene, including clubs, bars and eateries, AE Williams continues to hum with the sound of machinery inside its factory on Well Street, just a short distance from the Bullring shopping centre. Here, generations of the Williams family uphold their centuries-old craft.
AE Williams’ legacy includes producing iconic pewter pieces seen on screen in productions such as the Harry Potter films-where its goblets and plates adorned Hogwarts’ Great Hall-and Game of Thrones, holding the goblet of the cunning Petyr Baelish. Its creations have also featured in films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Sweeney Todd, Gladiator, Robin Hood and Les Misérables, showcasing the company’s craftsmanship to audiences worldwide.
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The company’s connection to history is equally impressive. They still possess original moulds used to produce Henry VIII’s goblet, as well as the pewter tea sets that served the first teas at London’s Ritz Hotel in 1926. Beyond these celebrated highlights, AE Williams offers exquisite items directly to customers, from unique scarf rings priced under £20 to luxury cologne bottles available at Harrods.
Four members of the Williams family currently run the company in Digbeth: sixth-generation David Williams, his son Sam, cousin Stephen, and Stephen’s daughter Rebecca, who represents the eighth generation. Since relocating from Balsall Heath to Digbeth in 1972, the factory has been a place of enduring craftsmanship and meticulous quality control. For instance, any pewter pieces with minor imperfections are remelted rather than stamped with the family seal, maintaining standards that have been upheld for centuries.
Stephen Williams emphasises that their success lies not in aggressive sales tactics but in sharing the family’s story and heritage. The company boasts the world’s largest collection of pewter moulds, some dating back to the 1700s. These precious artefacts are carefully preserved and occasionally supplemented by moulds acquired from other historical pewter manufacturers to prevent their loss.
The firm retains traditional manufacturing methods, consulting retired experts to maintain ageing equipment and pass on skills honed over generations. This dedication ensures the finished products endure both in quality and style.
The workforce is a vital part of AE Williams’ enduring operation, with staff often committing their entire careers to the company. Stephen began as a young boy sweeping floors and has since raised his daughter within the same walls, exemplifying the close-knit, family atmosphere. Despite modern challenges such as difficult logistics within evolving Digbeth roadways, the company remains committed to long-term employment stability and steady growth.
While honouring their heritage, AE Williams embraces modern technology and marketing, making their products available online through platforms like Etsy and sharing insights through TikTok videos. However, the core manufacturing process remains timeless: pewter is hand-poured, polished by age-old machinery, and refined by skilled artisans whose craftsmanship spans a lifetime.
Reflecting on its longstanding history, the company recalls moving to Birmingham centuries ago to be close to industry and commerce. Though Birmingham and Digbeth are no longer industrial powerhouses, AE Williams continues to operate from its own building in Digbeth, committed to preserving its legacy and supporting its employees amidst ongoing urban transformation.
AE Williams stands as a living bridge between history and modernity, crafting pewter treasures that have not only adorned royal tables and cinematic legends but also continue to be cherished by contemporary customers worldwide.