At 250 Bradford Street, Digbeth, B2

... on the corner of Alcester Street sits the decaying former factory of E. Steiner Ltd. More recently it was home to Scrivens Ltd (Opticians) and the Nersona optical brand.

250 Bradford Street, B2

In the 1960s E. Steiner is listed as a manufacturer of ‘motor vehicle components’, notably 'Brivec' and 'Dingdong' car components, and the Company exhibited at the 1963 Motor Show at London's Earls Court.

The next fact we have is that E. Steiner Ltd dissolved in 1992 and I assume they vacated Bradford Street at that time.

The company was founded in 1908 by Ervin, known as Edwin, Steiner and by 1913 was trading from Corporation Street, Birmingham as a Cycle and Motor Accessories Agent. According to the 1911 Census Edwin Steiner was born in Austria in 1887. He was the son of Ignatz and Clara and had one older brother (Oscar) and two younger sisters (Lily and Ida). His parents originated from Bohemia (Czech Republic area) and the children are each recorded as born in Vienna, Austria; except the youngest, Ida, born in London.

Map of Bohemia 1930s

By 1911 his father had died (1908 aged 58) and the family were living at 11 Petherton Road, Canonbury, London. It appears that the house is extant and now within postcode N5.

The 1911 census suggests that Oscar was working in the, then new, business too. Just two years after the Census, Edwin (then aged 26) had relocated the business, and presumably himself, to Birmingham, Warwickshire. I'm continuing to research this interesting family, including their arrival via Liverpool and earlier residence in Camberwell, South London so do keep in touch for updates!

A recent visit to the building suggests that vandals and graffiti taggers are finding their way inside and only a few of the front window panes are still intact.

Update January 2017

Plans have been submitted to Birmingham City Council for demolition and redevelopment of the site together with the Metal Box premises next door. The planning application Ref: 2016/08443/PA requests the following as per the Statutory Site Notice: 'Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 148 residential units varying from 4-9 storeys and 3 ground floor commercial units (Use Class A1) together with 11 car parking spaces and associated works'.