We love…The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham

Walking into the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is like taking a step back in time. It feels like a fully-functional factory with gold dust still lingering in the air, and I was having a nose around on a behind the scenes tour just as the workers headed to their local for a well-earned bevvy.

In fact, the polishing machines grinded to a halt and the electric blue flames of the blow torches were extinguished for the last time in 1981 after Smith & Pepper decided to cease trading after 82 years, leaving the factory exactly as it was except for a hefty safe choc-full of gold treasure! Everyone that visits insists on taking a peek inside – just in case they spot a forlorn cameo – but all they find is a pile of brass Scotty dogs.

These brass dogs are created by the guide during the tour as curious minds are transfixed watching something that resembles a magic show as the tour guide-turned jeweller transforms sheets of scrap metal into adorable mementoes using old-fashioned tools.

As you walk around you’ll spot heaps of order books piled-up high on the shelves, tools strewn over worn work benches and even jars of old Marmite and strawberry jam perched like statues on the shelves of the mailing office.

The number of order books gives you an idea of how busy this factory used to be. And when the guide switches the machines on and they spew out a vicious roar, you can imagine the intense hustle and bustle that once filled the factory.  

As the harsh hums slowly fizzled out I began to fiddle with my gold necklace, thinking about the arduous work that goes into creating such dainty pieces of jewellery. I'll never look into a jeweller’s window the same way again!

To find out more about the Museum and the historic Jewellery Quarter visit: jewelleryquarter.net and for more ideas on what to see and do in the area, check out our guide to Birmingham.

Blogger: Katie Rowe, Copywriter

London born. Hooked on grand architecture, the Kent coast, music festivals, flea markets, macaroons, roaming the V&A and cats.

Disclosure: Katie visited the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter as part of a hosted trip by Marketing Birmingham in January 2012.

Comments

[Graciela Mondello]

I also visited this Museum in January, and my guide, a very kind lady, explained to us all the work done there with such a passion that I thought I was living at the time of its prime.
Thank you very much for reminding me of such beautiful experience.