Creating Legacies in Brass: Latham’s Role in Iconic Memorials

As a third-generation family business specialising in flooring and architectural products, Latham has been integral to creating and preserving some of Australia’s most cherished monuments. Adam Latham shares how the company’s custom work in brass has helped craft lasting legacies in projects that hold deep national significance. 

A Tradition of Excellence 

Latham’s history is steeped in craftsmanship. What began as a small engineering business has evolved into a trusted partner for some of the most prestigious construction projects across Australia and abroad. However, it’s the company’s specialised work in brass that truly showcases their expertise. 

 “While brass is a popular choice for many projects, we’ve done quite a lot of work with patinated brass,” says Adam, “this is the process of ageing or oxidising the surface of the metal to enhance its visual appeal and creating a distinct aesthetic. It’s a popular choice in high quality and heritage environments.” 

This expertise in working with patinated brass has led Latham to contribute to several high-profile projects, including the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and the Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park, London. These projects not only required technical skill but also an understanding of the aesthetic value brass brings to such monumental structures.

Meeting the Demands of National Projects 

One of Latham’s standout projects involved the Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park, London. What could have been a logistical challenge turned into a story of precision and speed. "We were contacted by a frantic government representative just two or three weeks before the memorial opened, as they’d been let down by an alternate grate supplier,” Adam recalls. “While some parts of the project were standard brass grates, other parts needed to be factory curved. It all had to be custom fabricated to specification, patinated and air-freighted to London. The government organised the freight and I think those grates may have flown first class on Qantas, but they got there in time!”  

"We even had a letter personally signed by the Australian Prime Minister of the day, on display in our office, thanking Lathams for going above and beyond to rescue the situation".

This attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines speaks volumes about Latham’s capability. In such projects, precision is non-negotiable, and Latham has consistently delivered when the stakes are highest. 

Crafting Brass with Care 

The allure of brass goes beyond its structural properties—it’s a material that can tell a story, especially when aged or treated to give it a historical feel. Latham’s recent work on the Australian War Memorial in Canberra continues this tradition of excellence. “This type of work is more than just technical—it's about capturing the essence of the project. The goal here was to create an aged, venerable look.” 

“We have supplied products for prominent national landmarks such as the The Sydney Opera House & Treasury House, plus The High Court of Australia, The Australian National Library & Parliament House in Canberra.” says Adam, “These are really prestigious projects, and the designers didn’t simply want products that met their functional needs, they wanted products that enhance the aesthetic and historical impact of these remarkable buildings, ensuring they stand the test of time.” 

The Legacy Continues 

Latham’s work in brass for these memorials and prestigious buildings goes beyond fulfilling a contract. It’s about crafting legacies—structures and finishes that will endure for generations, much like the Latham brand itself. Through their work, Adam and his team continue to make their mark on history, ensuring that these monuments remain as resilient and revered as the stories they commemorate. 

As Adam sums it up, “It’s all part of the legacy we’re creating. We’re providing the materials that hold these places together, both structurally and symbolically.” And in doing so, Latham ensures that their craftsmanship is woven into the very fabric of Australia’s most important landmarks.

Latham has been manufacturing premium quality flooring products in Sydney, Australia for 70 years. End-to-end control and oversight of procurement, manufacturing, and quality control results in the industry’s most reliable and high-performing products.

The name Latham is synonymous with quality, and products can be found in many prestigious buildings around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Meredeka 118, Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminals including the recently opened Jewel Terminal and the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. 

To find out more about Latham products, please visit www.latham-australia.com. To talk to a Latham product expert, call 1300 LATHAM (528 426) or email sales@latham-australia.com.