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All 181 Birmingham Attractions »

The Pen Room

60 Frederick Street | The Argent Centre, Birmingham B1 3HS, England
Ranked #9 of 155 attractions in Birmingham
5.0 of 5 stars 18 Reviews
Type: Museums
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18 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    14
    4
    0
    0
    0
Date Rating
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012

I spent a fantastic afternoon in this wonderful place. The pen room is steeped in Birmingham manufacturing history and the enthusiastic and knowledgable staff bring it to life. Quills, nibs, industry and writing -- it's a quirky and inspiring. One of my favourite places in Birmingham More

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See 2 more reviews by S W for Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

You have to go to know that once Birmingham was the pen making capital of the world, employed hundreds of people, producing millions of knibs in hundreds of shapes and sizes. The staff are excellent, they take you and talk you through the whole pen making industry in Birmingham, sadly as it was. Very informative and it is free -... More

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See 4 more reviews by Donkey3653 for Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 March 2012

This is a real gem, hidden away in the jewellery quarter. It is open 7 days a week and is free! there are enthusiastic volunteers who will help you to actually make a nib staring with a sheet of metal and using the original machines. you can see how tough it was for the women years ago. There are so... More

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See 3 more reviews by CathyMoseley for Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2012
2
people found this review helpful

It's amazing ! Entering the small room shut the door behind you and you have just travelled into the past ... not so distant past, but fascinating. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and willing to take you on a tour. You can also take part in caligraphy courses on Saturdays. It's definitely a must while you are in Birmingham ! More

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See 2 more reviews by Violet M for Birmingham
Sheffield, UK
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 January 2012
2
people found this review helpful

A gem of a museum, just a couple of rooms but more pen memorabilia than you would think possible. Staff were knowledgeable and excellent company. We got to make a nib and left knowing more than we would have thought possible about the pen industry. More

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See 3 more reviews by Sarah_Lynch for Birmingham
Telford, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 January 2012
4
people found this review helpful

A very interesting insight into an important part of Birmingham,s history. It does not take long to get around but well worth it More

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See 3 more reviews by doublechin for Birmingham
London, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 January 2012
4
people found this review helpful

If a museum could be rated on the knowledge and enthusiasm of its staff alone then this would rank higher than an angel on crystal meth. The various rooms chronicle the history of Birmingham's pen making and give everyone the chance to make their own pen nib. The room through the back with the display of nibs, typewriters and a... More

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See 3 more reviews by Playfairest for Birmingham
Victoria, British Columbia
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 December 2011
2
people found this review helpful

After visiting the jewellery museum, we walked to the Pen Room so that the children could do something hands-on. We stayed about 90 minutes, which wasn't enough! Even my wife, neither a pen fan nor a midlander, was actually fascinated by the museum and overwhelmed by the friendliness of the staff there. I wish that their website were working so... More

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Glasgow, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 December 2011
2
people found this review helpful

they gave a full tour around the place... they were very friendly as well:) More

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Birmingham, England
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 December 2011
2
people found this review helpful

no pun intended but another gem of a place in the Jewellery Quarter especially the stuff for kids to do. Well worth a visit More

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See 8 more reviews by brianthelion for Birmingham

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