Pen Museum

About the museum

The Pen Museum opened on 28 April 2001 as the Pen Room, founded by Brian Jones, Larry Hanks, Colin Giles and Ray Handley. It sits in the Argent Centre, a Grade II listed building dating from 1863 that was once a pen factory, and began with a collection of steel pen nibs and family stories from the trade.

Birmingham dominated world production of steel pens in the mid to late nineteenth century, and it is estimated that the city made about three-quarters of the world's pens. At its height the trade had 129 companies employing around 8,000 people, around 70 percent of them women, and the cheap steel pen is credited with helping to improve literacy around the world. The museum tells the stories of the entrepreneurs, manufacturers and workers involved, including Josiah Mason, a prominent pen maker who helped found the University of Birmingham.

Today it is an independent charitable museum run largely by volunteers, and describes itself as the only museum devoted to the history of Birmingham's steel pen trade. Displays are supported by trails, videos and interactive equipment, including a kiosk with 3D images from the collection, recordings of former pen workers, and demonstrations on the fly presses once operated by women workers in the nineteenth century.

Highlights

• Make your own pen nib on a vintage fly press
• Recorded memories of former pen workers
• Interactive kiosk with 3D images of the collection
• Calligraphy, quill writing and typewriter activities
• Graphology handwriting analysis
• Guided tour on Fridays

Permanent exhibition

• The Birmingham steel pen trade – Displays, videos and interactive features on the Victorian pen industry, its workers and manufacturers, with a hands-on chance to make a nib.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Pen Museum (independent charity)

Admission & discounts

Prices are for the standard self-guided free-flow visit.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The whole museum is on the ground floor. The accessible entrance is through the double gates labelled Gate B next to the reception door, where a bell calls staff to open the gate. Two accessible toilet cubicles with an emergency cord are in the courtyard. The nearest Changing Places toilets are at the Library of Birmingham and the Utilita Arena Birmingham, about 0.4 miles away. The fly press demonstrations are loud, and the demonstrator warns visitors beforehand; quieter or smaller demonstrations can be arranged by email. Blue Badge holders may park free without a time limit in on-street pay and display bays in the Jewellery Quarter.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Hands-on activities include writing with a quill and ink, using typewriters, calligraphy, handwriting analysis, trails and making a nib. Family tickets are available. School visits are recommended for children aged 7 and over.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Argent Centre, 60 Frederick Street, in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum has a gift shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 25 guests.

A small event room of about 35 ft by 12 ft seats 15 boardroom style or 25 theatre style, with level access, an accessible toilet, a smart TV screen and a flipchart. Hire costs £65 for a half day and £120 for a full day, and refreshments can be provided.

Plan your visit