Discover the historic Jewellery Quarter and experience Victorian workshops in action!
Established in 1881, J. W. Evans is one of the most complete surviving historic factories in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Behind the frontage of four terraced houses, the workshops retain their original drop stamps and fly presses. They are packed with thousands of dies for the manufacture of silverware, as well as the whole of the working equipment, stock and records of the business. Tours of J. W. Evans must be booked in advance.
The shelves and workbenches at the Coffin Works are full of original stock and tools of the trade from the time-capsule Newman Brother’s manufactory. With the original machinery working again, you can truly experience how this old Jewellery Quarter firm once operated on a day-to-day basis, producing some of the world’s finest coffin furniture, including the fittings for the funerals of Joseph Chamberlain, Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother.
The Hive at New Standard Works is located on the ground floor of a Grade II listed former jewellery manufactory, built-in 1879. Explore the building's industrial heritage and contemporary uses through creative exhibitions and installations throughout the ground floor which includes a Heritage Room, Gallery and Makers Studio. Free entry to exhibitions and 'hands-on' craft activities are also available. There is even a programme of craft courses for adults and families, read the events pages or social media @thehiveJQ to see What's On. Also, on the ground floor is the Hive Café & Bakery; serving delicious organic and freshly made breakfast (7-10 am), Lunch (12-2 pm) and open for cakes and drinks all day. The food includes ingredients from the rooftop garden handpicked the same morning! The Hive is proud to offer an inclusive and friendly welcome to all visitors.
The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter is built around a perfectly preserved jewellery workshop offering a unique glimpse of working life in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. Explore this extraordinary time capsule on a lively guided tour. Watch live demonstrations at the jewellers’ bench of the traditional skills of this fine trade and discover what it was like to work here. The museum also contains two self-led galleries – 'Story of the Jewellery Quarter' which explores the history and development of the Jewellery Quarter and 'Earth’s Riches' which displays jewellery made from natural materials from across the world.
The Pen Museum focuses on the important legacy of Birmingham’s 19th Century pen trade and its significant contribution to improving literacy throughout the world. It’s located in a former pen factory, built in 1863. The Museum narrates the interesting lives, stories and important expertise of manufacturers, owners and workers that resulted in Birmingham once manufacturing 75% of the world’s pens. Explore the collection of over 5,000 objects related to the Birmingham Pen Trade, discover the tough working conditions of women working in the pen factories and experience writing with feather quills, reeds and steel pen nibs.
The Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage (JQTH) project is a three-year scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It aims to regenerate an area within the Jewellery Quarter's "industrial middle" through the repair and restoration of historic buildings and the delivery of events and activities for all.
Visit their website for details about upcoming events including exhibitions, tours, workshops, and talks as well as historical research on local buildings.
Discover more in the JQ
Visitor Guide
Plan your trip to the Jewellery Quarter by downloading this easy-to-use guide, including a JQ map and a Top Ten list of things to do and see.
Heritage Trail
Enjoy learning about history and heritage? Download the Heritage Trail to discover 18 heritage sites across the Jewellery Quarter for you to walk at your leisure.
JQ Christmas
Make the JQ your Christmas shopping destination this year and also take part in the wonderful events that are happening over the Festive season.