 The Museum 
A New Way to Look at the Jewellery Trade
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Recommendation added: 06/02/2007 12:41
By: dewberry (YSUK rating +700)dewberry has been thanked 2 times for this contribution
"I have a real passion for jewellery, so when my daughters class was looking for adult helpers for a school trip to the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter I was first to put my name down.
This museum came about after, in 1981, the owner of a small jewellery factory decided to retire. On the last day of production the factory was simply locked up and left exactly as it stood, creating a kind of time capsule back to the jewellery trade of the 80's and for many years earlier. The factory was opened in 1899 and has remained pretty much true to its early roots, with a harsh brick interior and large windows to allow the light in for the early workers before the strong electric lights we use today.
Now, this place isn't usually open to the public on a Monday but the school had arranged a special opening time to show the kids' around. One coach journey with thirty of the little darlings later (never again…) we arrived on the doorstep of the Museum and waited outside the huge door to be let in.
The Museum is split up into two sections; the jewellery factory/workshop and the newer exhibition area which houses both permanent and temporary displays. We had a guided tour around both the exhibition and the factory, followed by a short time just roaming around the displays. If you visit as an individual or family you will get the guided tour, although I'm not sure whether you're allowed to wander around on your own as some of the displays are quite valuable and not particularly securely housed.
The tour guide was brilliant; it felt like he wasn't giving the standard spiel, but was genuinely interested in the history of both the Jewellery Quarter and the factory itself. He seemed pleased to answer questions and managed admirably with some of the more awkward seven year olds questions! Each section of the Museum was reminisced about with several quirky anecdotes and tales thrown in for good measure; I found his tour informative and interesting, without being patronising in any way.
The exhibition area of the building is a lovely insight into the Jewellery Quarter as a whole, telling the story of the area as the years passed and the workers lives got slowly easier. Through the excellent use of video and audio presentations the old style Birmingham was brought to life, as well as an interesting piece of archive footage which showed an old time craftsman at work. The conditions in the early 1900's is like nothing I've ever seen before; these men were making tiny intricate pieces of jewellery in lighting conditions that simply would not be allowed these days, the building *is* well lit but only when the sun is at a good angle to the windows – on a grey day or in the evenings they'd be working by unreliable electric lighting which flickered and wasn't conductive to good eyesight!
The exhibits include some beautiful pieces of both modern and very old jewellery which have been made in the various factories within the Jewellery Quarter. These are coupled with generalised descriptions of the manner in which the pieces were made, and if known the factory and year in which they were made. Replicas of various workstations are also shown, along with models of the craftsmen in various poses as they demonstrate stages of the art of jewellery making.
Wandering around the exhibition was really interesting. I've always known the history of the Jewellery Quarter and have visited the area many times, but I didn't quite appreciate the impact this amazing place had on the growth and economy of Birmingham and its people. At one time practically any piece of expensive UK made jewellery came from the Jewellery Quarter, and still now much of what can be bought in high street jewellers apparently comes in part from this district of Brum. This history is condensed into nice bite sized chunks in the exhibition, suitable for both adults and kids to study and enjoy.
The factory area is great fun. Everything has been left as it stood when the owners locked up that day; work tools are strewn on uncleared tables, overalls hang dirty on an old fashioned coat rack and even tea cups left half drunk on the edge of work benches. This helped make what could easily have been a stuffy old workshop an interesting and enlightening environment, for children it's a fabulous way to learn about something as it's a really hands on Museum. The kids' absolutely loved it, especially when we got to watch a real craftsman at work. He was making a classy looking pendant while we watched and was more than happy to stop what he was doing and speak to the group of children. When you visit the Museum on normal opening days there will be more than one craftsman working and you're welcome to stand and watch them create their miniature masterpieces – the pieces they make are then sold in the Museum shop at very good prices.
All in all the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is a fascinating place, and one I hadn't even known existed until this school trip came up. What a brilliant place! I went as a helper just for something to do more than anything, but I actually learned something during my visit and I'm sure the kids' did too. I found the entire building charming and downright interesting, particularly as I'm a Brummie but also because I love anything to do with the making of good quality jewellery. For this reason I'd recommend this place not just to those of you who live locally, but also for visitors from further afield. The Jewellery Quarter still houses loads of jewellery shops where you can shop for a bargain, or why not buy a special someone's birthday bling from here and be certain they won't then see the same thing in the Argos book?
The Museum also had a well stocked and very smart restaurant, Café Jouel, which serves a fantastic selection of hot meals as well as sandwiches, cakes, snacks and drinks. Everything looked to be reasonably priced and you eat in a stylish modern environment where comfort was definitely a main consideration in the design of the area. An excellent range of good quality coffee and tea is available, I had a delicious cup of fresh coffee and it was just called for after wandering around the Museum for a couple of hours.
The shop in the Museum was unfortunately not open during my visit, although when the Museum is open to the public the shop will also be open. I poked my head around the door and saw a very open plan shopping area which was large and uncluttered, stocking a huge range of jewellery and general items concerning the history of this area and the Museum. I noticed a large selection of books to be purchased which included both hardback mainstream books and also smaller booklet style books which are probably written by local historians and ex-factory workers.
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is fully accessible to wheelchair users with lifts and ramps in place of stairs, a well laid out disabled toilet and specially devised tours for blind and deaf visitors which must be booked in advance. In all, everyone is well catered for.
The Museum opens from 11.30am – 4pm on Tuesday – Saturday with occasional open days and extended opening hours/days in the summer. Parking is somewhat of a premium in this area but there are a few blue badge spots available, alternatively there is a large council run Pay & Display car park located roughly a five minute walk away from the Museum. I'd recommend allowing at least a couple of hours for your visit, and longer if you're planning to stop off at the café for a bite to eat.
One thing which really surprised me about the Museum is the fact that admission is completely free during normal opening hours. To accompany my daughter's class I paid £3.50 which I thought was excellent value, and it was only after reading some leaflets inside the Museum that it dawned on me that a return visit with my fella and other daughter would cost nowt! Excellent news.
To find the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter by car you simply need to get onto the A41 which runs through Birmingham and head towards the City Centre. Keeping on the A41 make a left turn into Vyse Street as soon as you spot the sign for Hockley. The Museum is signposted from certain parts of the City, so do look out for these brown tourist signs.
A variety of buses run from the City Centre, although I'd suggest you catch the 101 which will drop you practically outside the Museum. Otherwise grab a train from Snow Hill Station and get off at the 'Jewellery Quarter' station, the Museum is just yards away.
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
75 – 79 Vyse Street
Hockley
Birmingham
B18 6HA
Tel – 0121 5543598"
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