In this blog post we ask JQBID Ambassador Matthew Crawley-Alexander to describe his typical working day – a tough task as no two days are the same! Does this sound like an interesting role? We are currently recruiting for a second Ambassador. Meet JQBID Ambassador Matthew Crawley-Alexander As a JQBID Ambassador what are your main responsibilities? The role is really … Read More
JQ Festival welcomes record number of visitors
With a brand new programme of events, the Jewellery Quarter Festival 2019 saw a record number of visitors take part in activities across the JQ and experience both the energy & heritage of Birmingham’s historic Quarter. See the Festival video below for a flavour of the jam-packed weekend. To see all the photos from the weekend, head over to the … Read More
St Paul’s Church Welcomes Rev Conan Chitham
In this blog we sat down with Reverand Conan Chitham, the newly appointed Assistant Priest at St Paul’s Church, to understand more about his background and what his new role will entail. To find out more about the ongoing programme of events and services at St Paul’s Church please visit their website. Meet Reverend Conan Chitham: Assistant Priest at St … Read More
Narce Media Shortlisted for Entrepreneur Awards
Local Jewellery Quarter company Narce Media has been shortlisted for “Start-up Entrepreneur of the Year” in the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards! Connor and Joe said: “When we found out about the shortlisting we couldn’t stop smiling. The trials and tribulations over the last year have been a massive learning curve for us and to be shortlisted for such a … Read More
Job Vacancy: Cemeteries Activities Programme Manager
Subject to National Lottery Heritage Funding, the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (in partnership with Birmingham City Council) is seeking to appoint a new post, based in the JQ, to lead the implementation of the second stage of the exciting JQ Cemeteries Project. BCC received National Lottery Heritage Funding to develop the project around the key historic cemeteries in this unique … Read More
Top 10 Jewellery Quarter Family Activities – Summer 2019
School is out and Summer 2019 is well and truly underway! If you’re looking for family-friendly activities closer to home then there’s plenty to keep you busy in the Jewellery Quarter throughout the holidays. We have compiled our favourite list of Top 10 Jewellery Quarter Family Activities for 2019 below. As always, you can browse the full list of JQ … Read More
JQ Festival 2019: The Jam House Celebrates 20 Years
Birmingham’s premier live music venue, The Jam House, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! As part of this year’s Jewellery Quarter Festival, on Saturday 29th June, The Jam House will be celebrating their 20th Birthday in style with a host of bands and live music on the main stage in St Paul’s Square! There will be a full line up of … Read More
Guest Blog: Three years in the making – the release of the Coffin Works’ Guidebook
This month’s Guest Blog Post celebrates the recent launch of the Coffin Works’ Guidebook. This beautiful publication documents the history of the Newman Brother’s Factory, its workers and the story of its recovery. Sarah Hayes, Museum Manager on site, has been part of the process since the beginning and tells the story of how this unique book was made. The … Read More
Jewellery Quarter becomes the first BID in the UK to adopt a station
A new community group led by the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) aims to bring a new lease of life to the Jewellery Quarter Station. Through a range of projects and activities and with support from West Midlands Railway, the group has set out to improve the attractiveness of the station, making it a more welcoming and friendly place … Read More
The Jewellery Quarter Festival 2019!
The Jewellery Quarter Festival is back. Join us on Saturday 29th June and Sunday 30th June. This year’s JQ Festival aims to celebrate the Quarter’s energy, heritage and diversity through a two-day extravaganza. On Saturday 29th June the Golden Square will be transformed into a Festival hub with free entertainment for all the family. For the younger ones, expect a … Read More
FLUX Exhibition Opens at Vittoria Street Gallery 29 April
Flux, an exhibition showcasing jewellery and artefacts created by the current cohort of Artists in Residence at the School of Jewellery, will be showing at The Vittoria Street Gallery from Monday 29 April to Friday 10 May. Flux, in jewellery terms, is commonly understood as the substance used in soldering and brazing processes. It is also an appropriate term defining … Read More
Local JQ company IE Brand bring home the gold!
A local digital agency IE Brand has won two awards for their recent client work at the Transform Awards Europe 2019! IE is a brand and digital agency for the Charity, Health & Education sector and are based in the Jewellery Quarter. This year they were awarded a Gold in “Best Visual Identity for Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals” for their campaign … Read More
Guest Blog: St Paul’s Church
In this month’s Guest Blog the Revd Canon Andrew Gorham, Interim Priest in Charge of St Paul, writes about his experience and plans for the Grade I listed church. For more information visit their website or download the Easter Events Leaflet for April. St Paul’s Church in the Jewellery Quarter Birmingham I arrived at St Paul’s Church 14 months … Read More
The Chocolate Quarter is Fundraising for New Schools Programme
The Chocolate Quarter needs your help to educate local school children about the history and science of chocolate making! With many children unaware of what a real cacao pod looks like, or how chocolate is made, local schools have been approaching The Chocolate Quarter in the hope of organising educational workshops. To accommodate this growing demand, the family-owned business has … Read More
Easter Holiday Events in the JQ
There’s something for everyone in the Jewellery Quarter this Easter Holiday! Whether you’re looking for fun-filled family days out, want to get crafty, see a show, or learn more about the history and heritage of the JQ there’s sure to be an event for you. We’ve collected some of our favourite Easter events in April below. For the full list … Read More
School of Jewellery Expands to St Paul’s Square
Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery is set to expand to a new building on St Paul’s Square! The premises at 10 St Paul’s Square was previously occupied by Abbey College but as of September 2019 will be home to a new research and postgraduate facility in jewellery-design. The School of Jewellery’s library and computer suite will also move to … Read More
Watch Containing World’s Oldest Whisky to be Sold at Fellows
Fellows and Hard To Find Whisky have teamed up to promote an extraordinary item in the upcoming Watch Sale on Tuesday 2nd April. The Louis Moinet stainless steel watch includes a tiny capsule of Glenlivet 1862 Whisky, reputed to be the oldest whisky in the world, only forty watches were ever made. Swiss watchmaking brand Louis Moinet and Wealth Solutions … Read More
Memory of Touch Opens at Argentea Gallery on 21st March
An exhibition featuring new work by contemporary British photographer Colin Wilson opens at Argentea Gallery in Birmingham 21st March 2019. Memory of Touch is a body of work that focuses on still life through black and white film. Taken in a studio setting the light can be controlled but to strip the images of even more possible background noise, the … Read More
Restored Grave of Harry Gem, Local Lawn Tennis Pioneer
The Harry Gem Project has successfully restored the grave of local lawn tennis pioneer, Harry Gem, located in Warstone Lane Cemetery. The project has been a work of passion for lawn tennis historian Robert Holland. During his research, Robert managed to establish that the Edgbaston Archery & Lawn Tennis Society is, in fact, the oldest lawn tennis club in the world. … Read More
Free Earrings for Mother’s Day at Cucina Rustica!
Treat someone this Mother’s Day with free earrings! Cucina Rustica is gifting the first 100 Mother’s Day bookings a complimentary pair of elegant 9-carat Italian gold stud earrings. Cucina Rustica offers modern Italian dining and is particularly popular for its fresh seafood specials. Located in the Jewellery Quarter by the picturesque St Pauls Church, the view from Cucina Rustica combined with … Read More
JQ Makers Win Prestigious National Needlework Awards!
Congratulations to local Jewellery Quarter needle artists Helen McCook and Tina Francis who took home two trophies at the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show in London on 28th February 2019! Helen McCook won Designer of the Year for Embroidery. Helen is an artisan embroider who also runs The Traditional Textiles School based in the Quarter and many of her works … Read More
40 St Paul’s Crowned Best Gin Bar in The World!
The Jewellery Quarter favourite 40 St Paul’s, known for its impeccable gin menu and quaint location, recently won Best Gin Bar in The World at the Icons of Gin Awards. In 2018 they won Imbibe’s Best Gin List in the UK and Best Gin Bar in the UK at the same event. This year they went one step further and finally … Read More
The Great British Spring Clean Returns!
Roll up your sleeves and step out into the fresh air over your lunch-break! The JQBID are inviting all Jewellery Quarter residents and businesses to join us for the Great British Spring Clean, a national campaign that encourages communities to clean up their neighbourhoods. This year the event will take place on Friday 22nd March between 1 – 2 pm. … Read More
JQ Businesses host Secret Supper in support of Parkinson’s UK
What could be better than a night out at some of the Jewellery Quarter’s best award-winning restaurants in St Paul’s Square? The upcoming Secret Supper in aid of Parkinson’s UK will not only be raising much-needed funds to support the charity’s work, but the diners will also be in a for a big surprise on the night as they had to … Read More
STEAMhouse Meet & Greet in the JQ
UPDATE 06/03/2019 Please note that the session planned for Wednesday 13 March has been cancelled. All attendees interested in attending this exciting event are now asked to sign-up to the same session on Tuesday 12th March from 6- 7 pm at The Rose Villa Tavern. The JQBID in partnership with STEAMhouse is inviting all budding entrepreneurs, SME’s, start-up’s and … Read More
Black Sabbath Bench Produced in the Jewellery Quarter
The heavily anticipated Black Sabbath Bench commemorating the band’s achievements and links to Birmingham was partly produced in the Jewellery Quarter by Stewart Francis of Etch Components. The uniquely designed steel bench – incorporating images of the band’s original four members – will be placed on the renamed Black Sabbath Bridge across the canal on Birmingham’s Broad Street. Etch Components – … Read More
Valentine’s Day in the Jewellery Quarter
It’s time to get together with your partner or friends to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day! The Jewellery Quarter is brimming with cosy restaurants and quirky bars. To help you celebrate Valentine’s Day local venues are hosting a range of events including themed evenings, tasting menus and creative workshops to enjoy together. Find out more in … Read More
Guest Blog: SMR Fitness – Get To Know The JQ’s Latest Gym
In this Guest Blog find out more about the team behind the Jewellery Quarter’s latest gym which recently opened at 5 Northampton Street, B18 6DU. With their friendly atmosphere and variety of training options, there’s bound to be something for everyone. SMR Fitness is offering 10% off personal training packages in January. Find out more on their website www.smrfitness.com. Owners of … Read More
House of Solus Launch Brand New Website
It’s been an exciting few months for bespoke jewellery House of Solus. Their new design studio on Warstone Lane has recently been given a new lease of life offering personal and one to one appointments. The company has also invested in the latest CAD technology – so each client can really see their design come to life. In addition, the … Read More
Saturday Sessions at The Hive
Starting in January 2019 The Hive at New Standard Works will be running themed monthly Saturday Sessions! Tickets are pre-bookable and give you access to adult creative workshops, evening entertainment as well as dining provided by the wonderful Hive Café & Bakery. The Saturday Sessions will kick-off on 12 January centred around the theme of TASTE. Sample honey from Bee9 … Read More
New Exhibition “Fertile Grounds” Opens at Argentea Gallery 10 January
An exhibition featuring new work by renowned local artists Barbara Gibson and Mark Murphy opens at Argentea Gallery in Birmingham 10 January 2019. Fertile Ground is always the first exhibition to start the New Year at the gallery and is dedicated to promoting the best artistic talent in the region. This year it presents the work of Barbara Gibson and Mark Murphy … Read More
New Year’s Eve in the JQ!
It’s time for the biggest party of the year! Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with a host of Jewellery Quarter festivities to choose from ranging from Bottomless Bingo to live music performances! Browse our roundup of parties and events below or browse our What’s On. 40 St Paul’s: 2018, A Celebration 1000 Trades: NewHam – A Night of … Read More
Vanguard Bar Create Mead Cocktails With English Heritage
Mead, the world’s oldest alcoholic drink, is making a comeback and English Heritage has teamed up with The Vanguard Bar in the Jewellery Quarter, the UK’s first Cocktail Bar & Meadery, to create three new mead cocktails, Honeyed Gin Old Fashioned, Monks’ Fizz and Ye Olde Hot Tod. English Heritage, the UK’s largest retailer of mead, announced it sells a bottle of the ancient tipple … Read More
Guest Blog: Acapella – NOW OPEN!
A brand new live-music venue has recently opened in the Jewellery Quarter at 50 Frederick Street, B1 3BD. Read more about Acapella’s unique entertainment offering below. Don’t miss their upcoming Launch Party on Saturday 1 December from 7 pm onwards! Find out more on their website. Acapella is a newly opened live music venue in Birmingham’s bustling Jewellery Quarter. Hosting … Read More
Spotlight on Legge Lane: Part Two
The Jewellery Quarter was home to some 30,000 workers by 1914. In the late 1800s, as family firm Alabaster & Wilson was getting established, space was at a premium as businesses and independent artisans made use of every piece of land… Prosperous merchants and professionals initially moved to the St Paul’s district to escape industrialisation. The site on a hill … Read More
Spotlight on Legge Lane
The Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage project aims to promote the heritage of the area through events, activities and research. Writer Louise Palfreyman has been in the archives finding out what the neighbouring businesses of this unique district reveal about working life in the late 1800s. For nearly 130 years, Alabaster & Wilson produced fine jewellery from 9 – 11 Legge … Read More
Henry’s Cantonese In St Paul’s Square Re-Opens!
The well-known Henrys Cantonese in St Paul’s Square has re-opened its doors under new management, after a brief closure. A favourite amongst Jewellery Quarter locals, some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes are the Crispy Roast Duck with Plum Sauce, Sizzling Beef Fillet with Black Pepper Sauce, and Sweet & Sour Chicken. “We’re delighted to have opened Henrys Cantonese again, which we know … Read More
Guest Blog: Celebrate Vegan Month this November
Throughout the month of November the Vegan Society are celebrating Vegan Month starting with World Vegan Day. Get involved with local activities in your area throughout the month, or download the VeGuide app for inspiration. The National Vegan Society headquarters are located in the Jewellery Quarter. How to start your vegan journey this World Vegan Day People from all walks of … Read More
Fellows Holds Birmingham’s Largest Jewellery Auction Of 2018
Birmingham’s biggest jewellery auction of the year took place on Thursday at Fellows Auctioneers in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. Fellows held their highest value jewellery auction of the year on November 8th, offering for sale important diamond pieces as well as items by well-known designers such as Cartier and Graff. Thursday’s auction was extremely well attended on with … Read More
Guest Blog Post: Personal Safety Workshop with Kaizen Performance Centre a great success!
One of the core aims of the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID) is to make the area Safe & Welcoming for all users. To support this goal the JQBID held two weeks of Personal Safety Workshops for local workers together with the Kaizen Performance Centre on Frederick Street. These free 1-hour workshops taught participants basic tips and tricks for keeping … Read More
Local JQ Business and Partner Launch New Cloud Based FD Service
An enterprising Birmingham duo are celebrating the launch of a pioneering new service designed to help Midlands-based SMEs create sustainable business growth. eVirtualFD is the UK’s first entirely cloud-based FD service, designed to give small and medium-sized businesses access to a ‘virtual’ financial director who can help them develop a deeper understanding of their company’s finances and build long-term growth. … Read More
RBSA Charity Art Auction
This year’s RBSA Charity Auction will feature beautiful artworks that will be up for grabs at a glittering charity auction in Birmingham on 20 November. More than 50 artworks have been generously donated by prominent UK artists and art lovers will be able to snap up a bargain! The auction will be run by Bonhams and is being held in collaboration … Read More
Silver Sculpture to mark end of WWI installed at BATF
Birmingham based British Allied Trades Federation (BATF) have received the commemorative ‘Silence Fell’ silverware to mark the end of the Great War. Last year the BATF board decided to commission a special piece to join its boardroom silver collection of over 50 items and tasked one of its member associations, The National Association of Jewellers, to help find a fitting item. A … Read More
Cooksongold announced as sponsor for JQ Christmas Lights Switch on!
The countdown to Christmas will officially start when the Christmas lights are switched on in the historic Jewellery Quarter by Willard Wigan MBE, creator of the world’s smallest handmade sculptures in history! Organised by the Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District (JQBID), this year’s switch on takes place on Friday 16th November. The Jewellery Quarter Academy will begin the festivities on … Read More
Halloween in the Jewellery Quarter
Happy Halloween! Nothing says spooky like a cemetery and in the Jewellery Quarter we are lucky enough to have three of them at Warstone Lane, Key Hill and St Paul’s Church. Each one with their own unique stories to tell of the people who lived and worked in the Quarter. Why not visit for yourself this October half-term and see … Read More
Check out the latest planning applications in the JQ
As a part of the JQDT (Jewellery Quarter Development Trust) structure, a Planning Consultative Committee meets and reviews applications on behalf of businesses and residents in the Quarter. The team lodge comments about planning directly to Birmingham City Council. The committee meets every month and the city council recognises the comments made by the JQDT. Below is a planning tracker for … Read More
Check out the latest planning applications in the JQ
As a part of the JQDT (Jewellery Quarter Development Trust) structure, a Planning Consultative Committee meets and reviews applications on behalf of businesses and residents in the Quarter. The team lodge comments about planning directly to Birmingham City Council. The committee meets every month and the city council recognises the comments made by the JQDT. Below is a planning tracker for … Read More
Check out the latest planning applications in the JQ
As a part of the JQDT (Jewellery Quarter Development Trust) structure, a Planning Consultative Committee meets and reviews applications on behalf of businesses and residents in the Quarter. The team lodge comments about planning directly to Birmingham City Council. The committee meets every month and the city council recognises the comments made by the JQDT. Below is a planning tracker for … Read More
Check out the latest planning applications in the JQ
As a part of the JQDT (Jewellery Quarter Development Trust) structure, a Planning Consultative Committee meets and reviews applications on behalf of businesses and residents in the Quarter. The team lodge comments about planning directly to Birmingham City Council. The committee meets every month and the city council recognises the comments made by the JQDT. Below is a planning tracker for … Read More
Check out the latest planning applications in the JQ
As a part of the JQDT (Jewellery Quarter Development Trust) structure, a Planning Consultative Committee meets and reviews applications on behalf of businesses and residents in the Quarter. The team lodge comments about planning directly to Birmingham City Council. The committee meets every month and the city council recognises the comments made by the JQDT. Below is a planning tracker for … Read More