We were given a warm welcome and excellent demonstration of how to make pen nibs. We had hands on experience and produced our own nibs which we kept as souvenirs. Museum more than just pens. It included badge making, Braille machines, and had a fine collection of old typewriters. There was also opportunity to write with pen and ink, and to have a calligraphy lesson. No entry fee but recommended donation of £2. Worth every penny.
This was our first stop on a walk around the jewellery quarter. What a delightful find. The museum is staffed by charming and knowledgeable volunteers who previously worked in the industry. You can make your own pen nib - in fact the guide insists you do it - to better understand the work involved and the number of nibs produced. Later in the tour there are old typewriters and calligraphy lessons. Please donate more than the asked for minimum £2 per person. Your time with the guides will be well worth it.
There is so much to see in here the rooms are crammed with all things pen related . its a real eye opener to see and hear the story of the pen and the industry with its relationship to Birmingham,The staff are volunteers and are very keen to portray the story of the history etc.Well worth the donation to get in .I would Recommend ………….
Very interesting place for anyone who likes art, history, workshop. We went there expecting nothing and felt so welcome. Amazing staff and volunteers!.
Brilliant museum factual and interesting, an amazing look into the past and a chance to use nib and quill pens. Very informative not only about pens but about industrial working conditions in the 18th/19 centuries. I will certainly be going back again.As an added bonus you may well be able to make your own nib from a sheet of metalGreat place to visit in the heart of Birmingham's jewelry districtEasy to find and easy to park if you go by car.
We thought this visit might be a 'filler' for an hour between other things - how wrong were we!It's an absolute gem. We never realised there was so much to know about the history of pens and nibs.The displays were fascinating and being able to try the nib making machines - great experience. It's a bit like the Tardis - just keeps going on and on. The staff there are welcoming and exceptionally knowledgeable.If you're visiting the Jewelry Quarter, put this on your list to visit, there's nothing else quite like it!
Just 2 rooms but full of objects, information, pictures, videos and explanations. Plus the great chance to give a go at manufacturing a pen nib, calligraphy, typewriting, Braille. Volunteers on site are ready to explain everything about the history of pens and writing and even to open cabinets to show you collectors objects! and to answer all the questions you might want to ask! I knew almost nothing about pen manufacturing in Birmingham and in general, but I was amazed at all that lies behind such a "simple" object that we just take for granted. Definitely worth a visit and take your time to browse around and talk to the volunteers.
A real eye opener, a great couple of hours. 18000 pen nibs stamped in a 9hr shift every day, tough life for the women in the 1800's. Old Fanny spent 70 yrs of her life stamping nibs...... Enough said, go and visit, it's well worth it.
What a fabulous little museum. We were there for a lot longer than expected. Thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially our 14 year old son. Lots of well presented exhibits, hands-on activities and helpful staff. Thank you.
Thank you for a wonderful Sunday. I came in with my girlfriend, who wanted to move in and did not want to leave. I kid you not!! and our 6 year old little girl Lydia. We totally Enjoyed the whole experience. Your staff were charming and very knowledgeable and very keen to share their passion.. You made my daughter feel very welcome and the 2 lovely kind Gentleman never rushed her when she was chatting away to them. They let her try the pens and the typewriters and gave her a Brief lesson and chance to see and help make her very own nibs while demonstrating.. Thank you very much!! We all can't wait to come back ★ღ ˚ 。✰ ·* ˚ "♫ .★★!♪♫·*¨*·.¸¸ ¸¸.·.¸ ★★!♪♫ Perfect family day Out!!!!