Pen Museum

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Reviews

1. Mark Lamb ★★★★★

   Very interesting museum showcasing some of Birminghams heritage of Birmingham and the Jewellery quarter. Interactive talk showing how the machines were made and very knowledgeable staff. Great for Children.

   almost 5 months ago
2. MartinR ★★★★★

   A fantastic little museum. 3 rooms packed with lots to see. Our guide, demonstrating the presses was incredibly knowledgeable. Some of the information presented was mind-blowing: how can someone make 28,000 nib blanks in a day?!? A multi-storey car is a few minutes' walk away, and the Metro station just a little further. Definitely worth a visit. Recommended. The little souvenir was a nice touch.

   almost 5 months ago
3. Richard Lee ★★★★★

   This is a must-see for any visitor to Birmingham. It's a modest but seriously good museum, preserving an aspect of Birmingham's (and indeed British) history that is not well known. The displays of pen nibs illustrating the history of their manufacture in Birmingham are fascinating by themselves. But I really enjoyed the second room with the film and the hands-on demonstration of how to make a nib. The gentlemen who guided us through the process was so knowledgeable, it was like stepping back 100 years. The third room where you can try handwriting and use typewriters and office calculators. The volunteers were more than happy to answer our questions.

   almost 8 months ago

1. Lily Shepherd ★★★★★

   Great day out for my birthday! We went not expecting much but it was a lovely small museum. We were able to make our own pen nibs included in the price of the ticket and we're gifted another functional one to take home. The shop had pens your could buy at very reasonable prices. Great for older and younger kids. 50% discount for art fund members (this is only £10 a year as a student)!!

   almost 9 months ago
2. wayne h ★★★★★

   It's a great use of an afternoon, the staff are knowledgeable and can answer questions. You can go round at your own pace. It's interesting, you get to experience making your own nib following the process with the press equipment used in the past. It has a nice little gift shop

   almost 3 years ago
3. Joel Hinsley ★★★★★

   Worth every penny, small but packed full of interesting displays. the staff are extremely friendly and Larry Hanks demonstration of the original nib making process was fantastic. Would recommend to anyone.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Diane Ćosić ★★★★★

   So interesting to learn more about Birmingham's history, and what a massive contribution to pens worldwide! Fabulous seeing the range of nibs and really enjoyed making our own on original machines, courtesy of Larry. Would recommend a visit!

   almost 3 years ago
2. Diana ★★★★★

   We visited the Pen Museum today and we loved it! It's a small museum but it has something for everyone. It is especially good if you have an interest in history. There are 3 rooms. The first one has a large collection of pens, pen nibs and other related objects. There are also lots and lots of interesting facts related to the history of pen making. They have a little quiz to complete if you are interested. In the second room you have the opportunity to watch a short video about the history of pens and then you can even have a go at making a pen nib yourself using a variety of machines! The third room has a few typewriters and a small table with some activities for children. You can have a go at calligraphy or typewriting if you want. The volunteers are all very friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming so I hope you enjoy the museum as much as we did!

   almost 4 years ago
3. Tom M ★★★★★

   A truly fascinating, informative museum that recognises the importance that Birmingham played, not only the national, but international stage as a manufacturer of pens. Loved the level of information and interaction including manufacturing our own pen nib. The volunteer team are a true credit to the museum. A must visit in Birmingham.

   almost 4 years ago

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