pen museum

A real eye opener, a great couple of hours. 18000 pen nibs stamped in a 9hr shift every day, tough life for the women in the 1800's. Old Fanny spent 70 yrs of her life stamping nibs...... Enough said, go and visit, it's well worth it.

A fascinating little museum, lots to see and do, for adults and children alike. They have an amazing selection of writing materials from quills to modern day pens. Great selection of typewriters too, which you can have a go on. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Admission is free, so if you visit the jewellery quarter, and have an hour to spare, pop in, you won't be disappointed.

What a fabulous little museum. We were there for a lot longer than expected. Thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially our 14 year old son. Lots of well presented exhibits, hands-on activities and helpful staff. Thank you.

Brilliant museum factual and interesting, an amazing look into the past and a chance to use nib and quill pens. Very informative not only about pens but about industrial working conditions in the 18th/19 centuries. I will certainly be going back again.As an added bonus you may well be able to make your own nib from a sheet of metalGreat place to visit in the heart of Birmingham's jewelry districtEasy to find and easy to park if you go by car.

We thought this visit might be a 'filler' for an hour between other things - how wrong were we!It's an absolute gem. We never realised there was so much to know about the history of pens and nibs.The displays were fascinating and being able to try the nib making machines - great experience. It's a bit like the Tardis - just keeps going on and on. The staff there are welcoming and exceptionally knowledgeable.If you're visiting the Jewelry Quarter, put this on your list to visit, there's nothing else quite like it!

There is so much to see in here the rooms are crammed with all things pen related . its a real eye opener to see and hear the story of the pen and the industry with its relationship to Birmingham,The staff are volunteers and are very keen to portray the story of the history etc.Well worth the donation to get in .I would Recommend ………….

A wonderful museum we came across by accident. The volunteers were fab and obviously have a passion about pens. A great deal of social history uncovered by focus on an everyday object. Loved it.

what a wonderfull free museum this is tucked away next to the jewellery area of Birmingham,there is every type of pen and pen nibs to see from all the pen companies that was in the area many years ago when you could only write with pen and ink,2 rooms full to the ceilings with everything to do with pens,as others have said take your children they can have a go punching out pen nibs on small hand presses excactly the same as they was produced in the factories ,there is also a display of badges that was produced in local badge companies and I think some of them are very rare,the staff who are all volunteirs and don't get paid any money are wonderfull and friendly and knowledgeable,please visit this museum and drop a contribution in the box to help retain our great british past.

Thank you for a wonderful Sunday. I came in with my girlfriend, who wanted to move in and did not want to leave. I kid you not!! and our 6 year old little girl Lydia. We totally Enjoyed the whole experience. Your staff were charming and very knowledgeable and very keen to share their passion.. You made my daughter feel very welcome and the 2 lovely kind Gentleman never rushed her when she was chatting away to them. They let her try the pens and the typewriters and gave her a Brief lesson and chance to see and help make her very own nibs while demonstrating.. Thank you very much!! We all can't wait to come back ★ღ ˚ 。✰ ·* ˚ "♫ .★★!♪♫·*¨*·.¸¸ ¸¸.·.¸ ★★!♪♫ Perfect family day Out!!!!

Just 2 rooms but full of objects, information, pictures, videos and explanations. Plus the great chance to give a go at manufacturing a pen nib, calligraphy, typewriting, Braille. Volunteers on site are ready to explain everything about the history of pens and writing and even to open cabinets to show you collectors objects! and to answer all the questions you might want to ask! I knew almost nothing about pen manufacturing in Birmingham and in general, but I was amazed at all that lies behind such a "simple" object that we just take for granted. Definitely worth a visit and take your time to browse around and talk to the volunteers.

Within a minute of arrival my two boys (8 and 10yrs) we're thoroughly engaged cutting a pen nib with a steel sheet press, shaping the nib and stamping it. When you continue upstairs you can sit and use a wide variety of quills and pens with various nibs and just be creative for as long as you please.Please be sure to make a donation as you arrive - Not everyone seemed to understand that this place needs a few pounds from visitors to keep going! Engaging volunteers run the place and add to the intimate feel - would recommend.

Very interesting place for anyone who likes art, history, workshop. We went there expecting nothing and felt so welcome. Amazing staff and volunteers!.

We were given a warm welcome and excellent demonstration of how to make pen nibs. We had hands on experience and produced our own nibs which we kept as souvenirs. Museum more than just pens. It included badge making, Braille machines, and had a fine collection of old typewriters. There was also opportunity to write with pen and ink, and to have a calligraphy lesson. No entry fee but recommended donation of £2. Worth every penny.

What a wonderful find. So informative and informed allied to a wonderful intimate atmosphere. And so interactive: nib making, calligraphy, a chance to play with exhibits. My children wanted to spend the whole day there - so we did! I just cannot recommend highly enough.

This was our first stop on a walk around the jewellery quarter. What a delightful find. The museum is staffed by charming and knowledgeable volunteers who previously worked in the industry. You can make your own pen nib - in fact the guide insists you do it - to better understand the work involved and the number of nibs produced. Later in the tour there are old typewriters and calligraphy lessons. Please donate more than the asked for minimum £2 per person. Your time with the guides will be well worth it.