He was the young Birmingham architect who designed some of Bournville’s most recognisable buildings when he was just 21 years old.

Now William Alexander Harvey is to be celebrated with the unveiling of a special commemorative Blue Plaque on 14^th November.

Birmingham Civic Society and Bournville Village Trust will unveil the plaque at Selly Manor Museum before it goes on permanent display at the architect’s former Bournville home.

It’s hoped it will raise awareness of the important role William Alexander Harvey played in designing Bournville, which is frequently named one of the ‘best places to live’.

Daniel Callicott, Heritage Manager at Bournville Village Trust, said: “George Cadbury appointed William Alexander Harvey to work on the design of houses and community buildings in Bournville when he was just 21 years old, which must have felt like an amazing opportunity for such a young and relatively inexperienced architect.

“The trust and confidence that George Cadbury put in William Alexander Harvey was well deserved and he went on to design some of Bournville’s most iconic and recognisable buildings. These include the Rest House that sits in the middle of the Village Green, the Friends Meeting House, which is a focal point for Christmas celebrations, and Bournville Junior School.

“He also rebuilt Selly Manor Museum and Minworth Greaves, which are now both Grade II* listed and further afield, he designed Dudley Council House and many other municipal buildings. It’s fantastic to see William Alexander Harvey recognised with a Blue Plaque.”

Dr Chris Adamson, Trustee and Chair of the Birmingham Civic Society’s Heritage Committee, said: “The Birmingham Civic Society is delighted to commemorate the life and works of William Alexander Harvey through the commissioning of this Blue Plaque.

“Through their contribution to the objectives of George Cadbury’s model village and their embodiment of the Arts and Crafts movement, Harvey’s designs in Bournville reflect a time of fascinating social change in the city as well as representing architectural achievements of national significance.

“The Civic Society is pleased to partner with Bournville Village Trust in recognising W A Harvey, and we hope this Blue Plaque will encourage visitors to learn more about his buildings in Bournville, elsewhere in Birmingham, and beyond.”

Born in Birmingham in 1874, William Alexander Harvey studied architecture at the Municipal School of Art in Birmingham. He worked for Bournville Village Trust until 1904 when he left to set up his own practice, Harvey and Wicks.

William Alexander Harvey continued to design buildings in Bournville as well as houses, estates, municipal buildings and churches in other areas of Birmingham and the country.  He was established as an expert on low-cost housing thanks to his 1906 book on model villages and his ideas were used by several local authorities.

Birmingham Civic Society celebrates the heritage of Birmingham by honouring the people and places that have made it what it is today.

The Society has prime responsibility in the city for the erection of Blue Plaques, each recognising an individual connected with Birmingham who has achieved greatness.

People can explore over 110 locations using the Blue Plaque Map (https://www.birminghamcivicsociety.org.uk/map/) or by downloading a Heritage Trail (https://www.birminghamcivicsociety.org.uk/heritage-trails/).

Bournville Village Trust was founded by George Cadbury in 1900 and is one of the Midlands’ longest-serving independent charitable trusts. It manages estates, provides homes, delivers community-support services and commercial activities.