Birmingham Assay Office Celebrates 250 years with Heritage Exhibition
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As part of their 250th anniversary celebrations, Birmingham Assay Office held an exhibition during Birmingham Heritage Week showcasing the last 250 years of Birmingham and telling the story of the fantastic city. The Assay Office collaborated with like-minded brands who share their values and commitment to promoting the heritage of Birmingham, from Lloyds Bank to Acme Whistles, to display unique pieces from many eras.
The exhibition was launched on 13th September with an afternoon of talks, tours and demonstrations, allowing visitors to explore the assay office, learn about the processes, get hands on and have a go at hallmarking with the Gemmology and Hallmarking team and be inspired by the stories of local companies such as Deakin and Francis and Firmin House. Birmingham Museums Trust were also on hand with handling objects from bygone jewellers and silversmiths including Smith and Pepper and J. W. Evans.
The centrepiece of the exhibition was a new 250th anniversary candelabra which was unveiled by Henry Deakin, alongside objects from Thomas Fattorini, The Pen Museum, Cadbury, Vaughtons, Weston Beamor and the Assay Office own collections.