We really enjoyed our visit to the pen museum in the Jewellry Quarter. There are three rooms - background of pen nib making, workshop and artefacts. Staff were very helpful and friendly, and Larry gave an excellent ‘hands on’ demonstration of making a pen nib, with visitors being able to use some of the machines. Larry’s knowledge of the trade was extensive as he is one of the founders of the museum. Thoroughly recommend this lovely museum.

What a hidden gem. Here you learn everything there is to know about the making of nibs. Once 75% of all nibs in the world came from Birmingham. The reception was very welcoming. Larry can answer all your questions, and after a short video you can join him in making your own nib. We had a great time. Your ticket gives you a 10% discount in the cafe across the street. Oh, you might end up with some ink stains on your hands.

We went here for my daughter’s 13th birthday which was a bit random but she likes quirky things as do her friends. It was fantastic! The girls loved the calligraphy and graphology sections and the lady helping them to make the nibs was a real joy. The adults liked the display of nibs. Well worth a visit.

This is absolutely must see for anyone who wants to deep dive into industrial history of Birmingham. Really informative, highly recommend! And the guy who volunteers there simply adds up to already intriguing atmosphere of this place. Try taking a caligraphy test to check your personality :)

It is amazing to learn that pens, that's the bit we would probably call a nib, made in Birmingham were used all over the world and almost everything written after quills were used up until the era of the ballpoint and computer used a Birmingham pen. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, willing to share stories and information but also to hear your stories. The demonstration of making a pen, and then to learn how many thousand each operator was expected to do in a day was mind blowing - one pen every two seconds! Loads of information to take in, and you can go back to the displays and keep seeing something new. A must of you are interested in history, industrial heritage and social developments.

I am an avid fountain pen user so visiting this museum was a must have. It did not disappoint! The museum consists of several rooms which are a mix of a large amount of objects on display, including artful sales displays of pen nibs and ink pots of all shapes and sizes, audio/video and many opportunities to engage with the material, such as pens with various nibs and typewriters. Children can do a scavenger hunt. The best part of the museum was Mr Hanks who could answer every question about pens and showed us all of the machines. He also guided us hands-on through the process of pen making and I went home with three pen nibs I worked on myself. He is an absolute treasure! The museum also has a small but nice gift shop where I bought a handmade fountain pen (made by a local artist, I believe) and a calligraphy kit. The lady behind the till was also very friendly.

Making pen nibs was one of the 1000 trades/crafts in B’ham. This small museum not only tells the story but will let you experience the manufacturing process…making your own pen nib! Docents supervise, & it’s suitable for children. Afterwards, one also can try writing w/ different pens & inks…copy the provided calligraphy examples or experiment w/ your own.

It is worth giving this at least 2 hours. Interesting exhibition and an unusual opportunity to use the manufacturing equipment to make your own basic nib, as well as being able to use a lot of different ones that were made earlier. Even the teenagers enjoyed it. Be prepared to get your hands inky! Great gift shop too!

We came with a group of 13 years old. The story behind manufacturing was told by a gentleman who knows the trade, he showed us the process, and we left with the hand-made souvenirs done by us. Not to say about calligraphy and type-writing practice! Those kids were able to spend hours there.

Fantastic little museum. There's so much stuff crammed in here you could easily spend a couple of hours. Really interesting staff and we got to make a nib and write post cards with dip pen. They should team up with the coffin works museum round the corner and do joint entry tickets or similar, they go well together for a day out