STAMP is thrilled to announce a collaboration with Dr. Christine Achinger from the University of Warwick, supported by a grant from the Warwick Institute of Engagement. This partnership will shine a spotlight on the extraordinary life of Siegfried Bettmann—an industrialist, philanthropist, and, briefly, Mayor of Coventry.
Bringing History to Life
As part of this project, STAMP will produce an engaging audio story about Bettmann’s life. This audio content will be accessible via QR codes placed at key locations around Coventry and on relevant websites, providing the public with an immersive way to explore Bettmann’s legacy.
To ensure a comprehensive and dynamic portrayal of his story, STAMP will work with local historian Mark Johnson and Theatre Manager Benita Belgrove from Bluecoat School. Teachers and students will also contribute, helping to illustrate Bettmann’s remarkable journey, which traversed two world wars, economic turmoil in Germany, and the rise of Nazism.
The Life of Siegfried Bettmann
Born in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1863, Siegfried Bettmann emigrated to the UK in 1885. Settling in Coventry, he became deeply involved in civic life and, in 1913, achieved the historic milestone of becoming the city’s first non-UK-born mayor. However, his tenure was abruptly cut short when, on the eve of World War I, rising anti-German sentiment led to his expulsion from the city council and forced resignation from his position as Director of Triumph Cars and Motorcycles.
Despite these challenges, Bettmann’s contributions to Coventry were profound. His company, Triumph, not only pioneered bicycle and motorcycle production but also supported the British war effort by manufacturing vehicles and working tirelessly to meet military demands.
A Migrant’s Journey: Local and Global Significance
Bettmann’s life encapsulates the complexities of the migrant experience, both in the 20th century and today. Locally, his story highlights Coventry’s evolution as a hub for bicycle and car manufacturing and celebrates the contributions of a secular Jewish philanthropist who helped shape the city’s identity. Globally, his experiences reflect broader themes of nationalism, xenophobia, and the resilience of migrants striving to build new lives in the face of adversity.
For Bettmann, this tension between creativity and discrimination culminated in his despair at the rise of nationalism, even as his company, Triumph, became one of Coventry’s most iconic manufacturers. His journey exemplifies the energy and ingenuity that migrants bring to their adopted communities, even amidst societal challenges.
See more from STAMP: Hear my Voice and our previous collaboration with the Herbert Art Gallery on the Watchmakers.
STAMP’s Commitment to Coventry’s Stories
This project builds on STAMP’s ongoing work exploring the impact of Coventry’s industries and migration. From Bettmann’s experiences as a German Jewish migrant facing anti-Semitic restrictions to the later waves of migration from South Asia and the West Indies, Coventry’s history is rich with stories of resilience and civic engagement.
Siegfried Bettmann was a trailblazer, becoming the first of many notable migrants who have risen to prominence in the city’s public and civic life. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions of first- and second-generation migrants who have shaped Coventry into the vibrant, diverse city it is today.
Through this collaboration with Dr. Achinger, STAMP is proud to celebrate Siegfried Bettmann’s legacy, offering new ways to engage with Coventry’s history and inspiring future generations to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of migration.
(Portrait of Siegfried Bettmann courtesy of Culture Coventry/Herbert Art Gallery & Museum)