The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum honours Sir Alfred Herbert, a local businessman who created Alfred Herbert Limited, formerly the world’s largest maker of machine tools.

In 1938, Sir Alfred donated £100,000 to the city of Coventry to assist fund the construction of an art gallery and museum. Construction was interrupted during World War II, and Sir Alfred was not able to lay the foundation stone for the new structure until 1954. He did not survive to see the opening of Lady Herbert’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in 1960. At the age of 90, he died on June 5, 1957.

A bust of Sir Alfred may be found in the covered court outside the History Gallery, in addition to the museum carrying his name.