Where Architecture Becomes Legacy

Webb Gray boasts a rich and storied history that spans over a century. We invite you to take a deeper look at our timeline and experience the milestones, achievements, and transformative moments that have shaped our legacy. From our founding to present day, explore how we’ve evolved, contributed to the architectural landscape, and consistently pushed the boundaries of design over the past 100 years.

1919

Webb Gray Architects, founded in 1919 by George Frederick 'Fritz' Webb and David Reginald Gray, initially focused on ecclesiastical and residential architecture. The early years of the firm saw the design of numerous churches and houses, which showcased their craftsmanship and attention to detail. They were known for blending traditional design principles with emerging architectural trends of the time.



Through their dedication to high-quality design, Webb Gray Architects became a respected name in their field, leaving a lasting influence on the midlands architectural landscape.

1920's

Webb Gray's early work was predominantly concentrated in the Black Country area of England, where they became well-known for designing a wide range of churches. Not only did Webb Gray work on buildings, but they also designed and contributed to a variety of other significant structures, one of the most notable being the Pensnett War Memorial. This war memorial stands as a powerful symbol of the firm’s versatility and commitment to creating meaningful public landmarks.

1930's

During the 1930s, Webb Gray expanded their portfolio beyond churches, taking on a diverse range of projects that included schools, cinemas, and other public buildings.



Just before the outbreak of World War II, Webb Gray designed two of Dudley's most iconic and historically important buildings. Despite the passage of time, they continue to stand proudly, offering a glimpse into the past while remaining integral to the town's character and landscape.

1940's

Webb Gray also designed several notable buildings, including some of the most famous pubs in the Black Country. These iconic establishments, known for their distinctive architecture, became an integral part of the local heritage and cultural landscape.

1950's

After World War II, Webb Gray Architects continued to build upon their established reputation by designing a wide range of projects across various sectors, including churches, cinemas, schools, and much needed residential / social developments. The post-war period brought about significant social and economic changes, and Webb Gray responded to these shifts by designing buildings that reflected the needs and aspirations of the community during this time.

1960's

Webb Gray's focus on church architecture began to diminish as the demand for new ecclesiastical buildings decreased. During this period, the firm started to explore other types of projects, such as commercial, educational, and residential developments.



In this period, Webb Gray underwent a significant transition, marking the end of an era. George Frederick 'Fritz' Webb, one of the founding partners, retired from the practice.

1970's

Over the course of the 1970's Webb Gray began an important and long-lasting relationship with J Sainsbury, one of the leading supermarket chains in the UK. This partnership would span over a decade, with the firm delivering multiple projects for Sainsbury’s

1980's

As the supermarket giant sought to grow its presence across the UK, Webb Gray was at the forefront of this expansion, designing not just new stores but also handling numerous extensions and refurbishments of existing branches.



Alongside their work with Sainsbury's, Webb Gray took on a range of other notable architectural projects. One such long-term endeavor was the design of a series of buildings for Oldswinford Hospital School.

1990's

The 1990s marked a continued period of growth and prominence for Webb Gray in which we played a key role in shaping the look and feel of the modern supermarket environment, designing stores that were not only functional but also customer-friendly and in tune with the changing needs of the retail sector.

2000's

Webb Gray entered the millennium, forging new partnerships with influential developers like Coltham and Stoford. This combination of steady long-term relationships and fresh new ventures allowed the firm to grow, diversify, and thrive.

2010's

By 2010, Webb Gray had firmly established itself as a leading force in industrial and logistics architecture, while also pioneering new trends in office design.



The end of the decade saw the retirement of Tony Shenton, the longest-serving member of the Webb Gray staff, who retired after an outstanding 47 years of dedicated service. Tony's contributions played a pivotal role in the company's growth and success over the years.

2020's

The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge not just for Webb Gray, but for the entire architecture, construction, and design industry.



Despite the global disruption, Webb Gray continued to maintain the high standards of service they were known for.

Impressive Past, Exciting Future

The evolution of Webb Gray from its early days in the 1920s through to the late 20th century illustrates as a practice we have consistently adapted and grew to meet the changing demands of architecture. From our roots in designing churches and houses, to becoming a significant player in retail, commercial, and industrial architecture,  highlights our ability to diversify and evolve in response to shifts in societal, technological, and economic trends.  As we move forward, Webb Gray  remains committed to growth and innovation with an enduring focus on sustainability, design excellence, and client satisfaction, with many of our current staff having served over 10 years, the core beliefs and values that Webb Gray was founded on in 1919 continue to serve as the guiding principles of our practice. These enduring values have not only shaped our rich history but also position us to face any challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.