Birmingham Pen Museum (The Pen Museum) — housed in an 1880s iron foundry building in the Jewellery Quarter, it is the only museum in the UK dedicated exclusively to the craft of pens and nibs. In the 19th century, Birmingham was the global centre of pen manufacturing — at its peak, the city boasted over 100 nib factories producing hundreds of millions of steel nibs annually, supplying the British Empire and markets worldwide. The museum's collection spans over a millennium of writing instruments, from 7th-century quills to the Montblanc Meisterstück 149, with the most precious being the complete production archive of Dixon & Sons — including 1870s gold nib stamping dies and Queen Victoria's personal dip pen. Visitors can operate an 1890s hand-operated nib press, make their own steel nib under guidance, and experience writing with pens from different centuries in the calligraphy workshop. A half-day in-depth tour includes the permanent exhibition, live demonstrations and a stroll through the Jewellery Quarter.
From quills to Montblanc, step inside a Victorian iron foundry, stamp your own steel nib, and feel the industrial soul of Birmingham as the 19th-century world pen capital
In the morning, take the metro from Birmingham New Street station to Jewellery Quarter station (approx 5 minutes), then a 2-minute walk to the Pen Museum on Frederick Street. The building itself is a surviving 1880s iron foundry — cast-iron domes, red brick walls and timber beam floors preserve the rugged character of Victorian industrial architecture. First, enter the nib craftsmanship hall to watch volunteers operate an 1890s hand-operated press, transforming brass sheets into delicate nibs step by step — the entire process is like watching a miniature ballet. Then proceed to the global pen collection hall, where the evolution of writing instruments unfolds before you: from 7th-century quills, 18th-century silver-handled dip pens, 19th-century Dixon & Sons "Eagle" brand steel nibs, to 20th-century Parker 51 and Montblanc Meisterstück 149. In the afternoon, join the calligraphy workshop, write with pens from different centuries and feel the difference in ink flow. Finally, pick up a handmade steel nib as a souvenir from the museum shop, and stroll along the Jewellery Quarter streets admiring century-old silver workshops.
A 3-minute walk from the museum, this community café occupies a converted factory, retaining brick walls and cast-iron columns. Signature locally roasted pour-over coffee and homemade carrot cake, with full English breakfast on weekends. £8-£12 per person — the ideal spot for a rest before or after your museum visit.
A 5-minute walk away, this refined Indian restaurant blends traditional Indian spices with modern cooking techniques. Signature slow-cooked Rogan Josh lamb and smoked aubergine Bharta are stunning. Three-course tasting menu approx £35, with an extensive wine list.
A Victorian pub opened in the 1850s, preserving original mosaic tiles and brass bar. Signature handmade pie with mashed potatoes and gravy (Pie & Mash), paired with locally brewed bitter ale. £12-£18 per person — experience Birmingham's most authentic pub culture.
Take the metro from Jewellery Quarter to Chinatown in about 8 minutes. This family-run Cantonese restaurant serves glossy roast duck rice and wok-fried beef chow fun bursting with flavour. £15-£22 per person — the perfect choice for satisfying your taste buds after visiting the museum.