The School of Jewellery is offering building tours to see the spaces and courses on offer and hear about the history of this institution which has been teaching silversmithing, goldsmithing, horology and related crafts here in the Jewellery Quarter since 1890. There will also be a chance to look at the exhibitions in the Atrium including work from BCU staff and students.

An exhibition celebrating hand rendering in craft and the allied trades, showcasing a large selection of hand-rendered archives, spanning 100 years of the former Birmingham jewellery manufactory Alabaster & Wilson. The exhibition opens on Saturday the 7th of September as part of Birmingham Heritage Week.

Learn how this disjointed building was given a new sense of place and flow by creating a new central heart where the old garage doors used to be. Visit secret rooms like the vault and wine store, marvel at period features including staircases and fireplaces, and peek inside some of the original spaces like The Library, now getting a new lease of life. This event is free and includes refreshments on arrival. Booking is essential as places are strictly limited. Please be aware that to fully explore some areas of this historic building, we will need to use the stairs and so this tour is not wheelchair accessible.

St Paul’s is the iconic church of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, set in a beautiful square that includes a number of restaurants and cafes on the edge of the city centre. Built between 1777 and 1779 as a chapel of ease of St Martin in the Bullring, it is the only survivor of the town’s 18th century churches and stands in the city’s only surviving Georgian square. It is a neo classical building with a rectangular nave with aisles and galleries. The design is clearly influenced by St Martin in the Fields, though without the portico. It is an excellent example of a Georgian church with round arched windows, galleries and apsidal chancel. It is the only 18th century survival in the city centre and one of the few in Birmingham to retain box pews with enamel plaques. In 1785 Francis Eginton was commissioned to make a window depicting the conversion of St Paul, from a painting by Benjamin West. It is considered to be his best work.

After your tour of the museum, take a break in our calligraphy space to write a postcard to a friend or loved one. The pen trade increased literacy, education, and the availability of writing materials, meaning it would have also allowed people to stay in touch with friends and family through letter writing and correspondence. Choose a postcard, and with someone in mind, write them a special note. All postcards and writing materials are free to use with the option of purchasing a stamp from the museum shop to send your special postcard in the post! This event is included with museum admission. We recommended to booking tickets online for admission, as spaces are limited.

You’ll dine in the Silver Room and enjoy an Afternoon tea that includes a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and scones with a choice of tea or coffee. You will also learn about the long history of hallmarking and the success of the Birmingham Assay Office since it was founded as a result of Matthew Boulton’s efforts in 1773. Whilst in the silver room you’ll be able to view their Silver Collection which is a historic collection of spectacular objects created by some of Birmingham’s most celebrated Silversmiths including Matthew Boulton, Nathaniel Mills and Elkington & Co. You will also be given behind the scenes access to see how our incredible team hallmark today using both traditional and modern practices and have the opportunity to try hallmarking for yourself.

Come and get a unique glimpse into the lost industrial world of J. W. Evans Silver Factory, one of the most complete surviving historic factories in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter! Behind the doors of four seemingly normal terraced houses is a time capsule full of thousands of dies, original equipment, stock and records of a family business with over 120 years of history. J.W. Evans will be free flow entry and during busier times this may result in a short wait outside of the property before allowing entry. Booking not required, ground floor only. Minimum age is 16yrs. We advise that unfortunately the site is not suitable for those with poor mobility, due to the uneven floors and narrow walkways throughout the building. As an enclosed site with compact spaces, visitors will be asked to place bags in our bag store for the duration of their visit. They are welcome to keep valuables on their person.

To celebrate Ten years of Birmingham Heritage Week join us to hear about Ten Troublesome Tales held within Key Hill Cemetery. The cemetery is the last resting place of villains, murderers, and mysteries still to be solved. Opened in 1836 as a nondenominational cemetery, Key Hill is the oldest cemetery, not being in a churchyard, in Birmingham. Enjoy a visit to the atmospheric Victorian catacombs as part of the tour at dusk. Tours must be booked in advance. Please dress for the weather and wear sensible shoes. We ask everyone to keep to the paths unless otherwise instructed by the tour guide. There is no toilet on site. In accordance with the rules of Birmingham City Council the only dogs permitted in the cemetery are assistance dogs.