Washington Irving and The Argent Centre bronze plaque

This bronze commemorative plaque records: The Argent Centre The Argent Centre is built on the site where Washington Irving conceived the Rip Van Winkle story. Designed by J.G. Bland for a gold pen manufacturer in 1863 employing 250 people. Florentine window tracing and multi coloured brick fascias make this Grade II listed building and excellent example of Italianate and polychromatic architecture popular in the 19th century. Directors had steam removed from the boilers for a Turkish bath and could also fence, play billiards, chess or recline on luxurious couches which lined their rooms. The premises were converted into small business units by Midland Industrial Assocation in 1988. Recorded plaque organisation: Birmingham City Action Team.

Washington Irving was an American author and diplomat, best known for his short stories "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," which are foundational works in the development of American literature. The Argent Centre marks the site where Irving conceived the story of Rip Van Winkle, linking it to a significant moment in American literary history.