The Pen Museum: Unearthing Birmingham's rich industrial legacy

National World - LocalTV

I'm here at the Pen Museum in Birmingham, a hidden treasure dedicated to the history of the city's steel pen trade. We'll unveil the stories behind the pens that changed how the world writes and offer a glimpse into the vibrant history of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

Transcript

00:00Yeah, well a lot of people don't know that we're actually located here so it's

00:03kind of a fun thing for them to stumble upon and I think a lot of people are

00:07surprised at just the quantity of pen items that we do have. So you're not just

00:12coming in and seeing a couple dip pens, you're seeing a whole room of

00:15collections, you're seeing the machines that help make those steel pen nibs, as

00:19well as other hands-on activities.

00:21Here at the Pen Museum, located in the

00:24Historic Argent Centre, you get a unique opportunity to step back in time and

00:29explore the intricate process of pen manufacturing. From original factory

00:34presses to hands-on activities, the museum offers a deep dive into a once

00:40thriving industry that played a huge role in Birmingham's industrial history.

00:45So the Pen Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the history of

00:50the steel pen trade. So at the height of the pen trade, Birmingham was supplying

00:5575% of the world's steel pen nibs. Due to the proximity to the canals,

01:00jewellery quarter really became a hub for industries.

01:04Among the museum's many exhibits are iconic pens such as the type Alan

01:09Turing used during his groundbreaking work, and a pen designed to work in

01:14outer space. These items capture pivotal moments in history and innovation, making

01:20the museum a treasure trove for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

01:25When visitors arrive they get an introduction of the museum and they're

01:29told about the three different rooms that we have. So in the first room we

01:32have an exhibition space, you can also listen to some pen workers history,

01:36there's a calligraphy station where you can try your hand at writing with a dip

01:40pen and ink, then they move on to our workshop room where a volunteer is on

01:44hand to show them how to use the pen press machines, there's a short video on

01:47the pen workers trade, and then the third room we have type writing and

01:51graphology. The museum's hands-on activities allow visitors to experience

01:56the craft of pen making firsthand. For instance you can write with a steel nib

02:01or operate the historic pen making machinery under the guidance of

02:05knowledgeable volunteers. It's these interactive elements that truly bring

02:10the story of Birmingham's pen industry to life. So as a museum we're open

02:15Thursday through Sunday for general admission but we also run calligraphy

02:18courses on certain Sundays and then we do offer group hires and school hires so

02:24whether you're a group or a school looking to do a tour of the museum we

02:27can help facilitate that. So if you're ever wondering around the jewelry

02:31quarter, interested in exploring unique artifacts and engaging exhibits, remember

02:37that the Pen Museum offers a fascinating look into an essential part of

02:41Birmingham's industrial past and who knows you might just find yourself

02:45inspired by the incredible history contained within these walls. Whether

02:51you're a pen enthusiast, interested in the pen industry, calligraphy, or just

02:55looking for a fun day out, the Pen Museum has a lot to offer.

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