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Download the JQ Open Studios Map by clicking here!

From now until the 22nd July, Tina Francis will be exploring the various businesses who will open their doors in this year’s Jewellery Quarter Open Studios Trail. You can also follow the official @JQOpenStudios Twitter and join in the conversation with #JQOpenStudios. For further information about the Jewellery Quarter Festival 2016 please visit the webpage by clicking here.

20th July – Passion for Design

We have probably all been to an exhibition at the NEC, whether for trades shows or caravans, crafts or education a trip to the NEC demands a lot of leg work but you ever wondered who built and designed the varied stands? Hub Studios (venue26) is a creative design agency that specialises in exhibitions, events interiors and digital media and so chances are one of those fantastic stands you see will have been designed and built right here. A visit to this this venue will introduce you to the world of design with examples of their work from across the world,

Talking about design the Jewellery Quarter is home to many listed and historic buildings. Around the corner from Hub is Pig and Tail (venue 39) a modern British pub which has undergone a restoration which perfectly marries the modern and the historic.  A beautiful venue The Pig and Tail is supporting local artist Jenny Shufflebotham whose work adorns the walls. Attention to detail is here in abundance so be sure to take a look at the wallpaper as you sip a drink and see how art can be combined into a building really well. There are many buildings that have been modernised and adapted for use and on Frederick Street the Pen Museum is housed in one of these.

The Argent Centre was built in 1863 for WE Wiley (gold pen and pencil manufacturers) but it was also used as a Turkish bath using steam from the factory’s boilers – real recycling! It’s not steam but arm power that is used in the stamp room of the Pen Museum, you can see how nibs were made and even have a go at making your own.  There is a wealth of nibs on display as well as knowledge aplenty from the team.  The Pen Museum is going through its own refurbishment at the moment and so if you enjoy your visit in the Festival be sure to come back later in the year and learn more about this fascinating trade.  Entrance is free for the Festival weekend.

Learning is something you will have done a lot of as you have followed around the Jewellery Quarter Open Studios and a trip to Rhamgarhia Sikh Temple will enable you to learn a little more. The building was originally built in 1844 as a congregational chapel and has been a place for community ever since.  The Temple is open from 2pm until 4pm on Saturday and Sunday only and so if you want to visit be sure to check your watch, it is a fascinating place.

If this blog has peaked your interest in the Heritage buildings of the Jewellery Quarter inside the Jewellery Quarter Festival newspaper you will find a fantastic guide to more.

Don’t forget that our Open Studios map is now available for you to download. You can grab a physical copy on the day as well along with a JQ BID News

To view previous blog entries please visit the official Open Studios Trail 2016 page by clicking here. For more about JQ Festival 16 please click the banner below:

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