The
'Time Capsule' Workshop
Built
around
the
preserved
workshops
and
offices
of
the
Birmingham,
Smith & Pepper
jewellery
firm,
the
award-winning
Museum
of
the
Jewellery
Quarter
offers
a
fascinating
insight
into
the
city's
historic
jewellery
trade.
When
the
Smith & Pepper
company
closed
in
1981,
the
building's
entire
contents
were
left
where
they
lay
on
the
last
day
of
production
creating
an
extrodinary
'time
capsule'
factory
-
little
changed
since
the
beginning
of
the
century.
In
addition
to
the
factory
tour
and
a
chance to see a skilled jeweller at work,
the Museum's exhibition
galleries tell
the story of the
Quarter and the
jeweller's craft
which has been
practised in this
distinctive
part
of Birmingham
for
over
200
years.
The
museum
even
brings
the
story
right
up to
date
by showcasing
jewellery
made
by some
of the
city's
most
exciting
contemporary
designers.
The
Museum
is
divided
into
two
parts
-
the
new
extension
containing
exhibition
galleries,
reception
area
and
shop,
and
the
old
Smith & Pepper
factory,
(A
third
building
contains
the
museum
café,
temporary
exhibiton
space,
offices
and
a
meeting/education
room).
History
Smith & Pepper
was
founded
by
Charles
Smith
(1867-1933)
and
his
uncle
Edwin
Pepper
(1858-1935).
The
company
registered
their
'S&P'
mark
with
the
Birmingham
Assay
Office
on
the
5
September
1899.
From
the
beginning,
Smith & Pepper
made
gold
bangles,
brooches,
cufflinks,
lockets
and
crosses,
and
continued
to
make
many
of
the
same
designs
throughout
their
history,
specialising
in
bracelets.
When
Smith & Pepper
closed
down
in
1981
the
premises
remained
virtually
undisturbed
for
a
decade.
The
factory
was
'rediscovered'
in
the
late
1980s
and
Birmingham
City
Council
took
the
decision
to
convert
the
site
into
a
museum
to
tell
the
story
of
the
Jewellery
Quarter
and
promote
the
area
as
a
tourist
destination. Museum of
the Jewellery Quarter,
75-80 Vyse Street,
Hockley, Birmingham,
B18
6HA.
0121 554 3598
Any queries regarding content of sessions please call 0121 554 3598 or email louise.thomas@birminghammuseums.org.uk
Book a visit
Please contact the Learning Team on 0121 303 3890 or email lorna.harris@birminghammuseums.org.uk. Our taught sessions incur a charge, visit our charges page for more details. |
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