Pen Museum

Business Details

Discover Birmingham's Pen Trade Legacy

The Pen Museum stands as a custodian of Birmingham's rich industrial heritage, dedicated to preserving the story of the city's 19th-century steel pen trade. Nestled in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, our institution offers immersive experiences through interactive exhibits, historical demonstrations, and educational programs. With over 129 pen manufacturing companies once operating in the area, we showcase how this industry transformed literacy and employment, particularly for women. Our team of knowledgeable volunteers and heritage demonstrators bring this history to life, ensuring visitors gain profound insights into the craftsmanship and social impact of the pen trade. We provide tailored school visits, hands-on workshops, and bespoke talks that delve into the technical and human aspects of this pivotal era.

Our Grade II listed venue, built in 1863, hosts events in a unique setting that blends historical authenticity with modern amenities. Through membership and volunteering opportunities, we engage the community in safeguarding this legacy for future generations. Our commitment to accessibility and education ensures that the museum remains a dynamic resource for researchers, educators, and enthusiasts alike. Recognised for excellence through visitor testimonials, we strive to deliver unparalleled experiences rooted in historical accuracy and educational value. This legacy of innovation and community engagement continues to inspire both local and international audiences.

Services

Museum Exhibits School Programs Event Hire Guided Tours Historical Talks

Highlights and features

We offer interactive school programs with hands-on pen-making activities.
Our event space is located in a Grade II listed building in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.
Our team includes expert heritage demonstrators with deep knowledge of the pen trade.
We provide bespoke talks by a museum trustee with specialist insights into 19th-century manufacturing.
Our volunteer program actively preserves Birmingham's industrial heritage through community engagement.

What people say

Knowledgeable team Interactive experience Great for schools Historical value Friendly volunteers

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Services

Museum Exhibits

Our museum exhibits showcase the evolution of steel pen nib manufacturing in Victorian Birmingham through authentic objects and interactive displays. Visitors explore the social and industrial impact of this pivotal trade, with artefacts illustrating the roles of entrepreneurs like Josiah Mason and the workers who shaped literacy globally. The exhibits provide educational value for all ages, highlighting technical innovations and historical context.

School Programs

Tailored school programs offer immersive history lessons with hands-on experiences in pen-making, calligraphy, and Victorian factory simulations. Designed for ages 10+, these sessions align with curriculum goals while fostering engagement through interactive trails and historical analysis. Group rates start from 4.25 per student, with free teacher admissions and customisable activities for special needs groups.

Event Hire

Our Grade II listed event space accommodates meetings, workshops, and historical team-building activities in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. With seating for 15-25 people and modern amenities, the venue combines historical character with accessibility. Half-day hire costs 60 and full-day 110, including refreshments at 5 per person, with bookings requiring advance arrangements through our team.

Guided Tours

Expert-led tours delve into the pen trade's manufacturing processes, key entrepreneurs, and worker lifestyles during the 19th century. Available in-person or virtually, these sessions start from 65, with bespoke options for community groups and historical societies. Our trustee and heritage demonstrators provide specialist insights while incorporating elements of local history like the Jewellery Quarter's development.

Volunteer Program

Volunteer opportunities at the Pen Museum include front-of-house roles, heritage demonstrations, and event coordination in a friendly, collaborative environment. Participants contribute to preserving industrial heritage while gaining experience in museum operations and public engagement. Training is provided, with roles designed to accommodate various skills and interests in maintaining this historical institution.

Questions

What are the Pen Museum's opening hours?

The museum is open Thursday to Saturday 11:00-16:00 and Sunday 12:00-16:00.

Can we bring school groups to the museum?

Yes, we offer tailored school visits with interactive activities and group rates starting at £4.25 per student.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, we have level entry access, accessible toilets, and facilities designed to accommodate all visitors.

Can I hire the museum's event space?

We offer event hire in our Grade II listed building for meetings and workshops, available by prior booking.

Are there volunteering opportunities available?

Yes, we welcome volunteers for roles including heritage demonstrations, event support, and visitor engagement.

How do I arrange a guided tour?

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Manoranjan Muthusamy

Jan 24, 2022 Report

Definitely worth it! You get to make your own pen nib from raw steel plate and can also try a bit of calligraphy. Staffs are really nice and welcoming. I am really surprised that the museum isn't really famous.

Reuben Carrdus

Jan 03, 2022 Report

This was a real surprise. It said we needed to book, but we stuck our head through the door and got onto a tour. The museum part was really interesting. I wasn't expecting a tour, but we got one and made our own nib too. Thoroughly interesting place, knowledgeable staff, so nice to visit something original in this world of vanilla commercial plastic. Hugely recommended

Diana

Dec 19, 2021 Report

We visited the Pen Museum today and we loved it! It's a small museum but it has something for everyone. It is especially good if you have an interest in history. There are 3 rooms. The first one has a large collection of pens, pen nibs and other related objects. There are also lots and lots of interesting facts related to the history of pen making. They have a little quiz to complete if you are interested. In the second room you have the opportunity to watch a short video about the history of pens and then you can even have a go at making a pen nib yourself using a variety of machines!
The

Andrew Tunley Aj

Dec 17, 2021 Report

My partner & I visited with our two young children (the museum is pushchair friendly). This is such a friendly museum. The staff are only too willing to share their time and experience with you. The museum is divided into three rooms. The first tells you about the history of pen making in Birmingham. There is a quiz for children and you will be amazed at some of the facts and figures. The second room contains some of the equipment used to make nibs for the pens and you can have a go at making your own which you can take away. There is also a 10 minute video about this local industry. The final

Keith Bracey

Dec 15, 2021 Report

A brilliant Birmingham small museum celebrating the #Birmingham Pen trade. In the 19th century at one time 70% of all things that were written down were written down with a Birmingham made pen and at this highest point of the Birmingham pen trade there were 129 Birmingham pen makers operating in the City of Birmingham @PenMuseum celebrates the Birmingham pen trade and the export of #Birmingham made pens around the #British #Empire and the consequent export of literacy, literature and writing from Birmingham Warwickshire the home of the Bard of Avon: the home of the greatest