Shockingly I have never visited the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter despite it being across the road from my own jewellery studio. We took a trip to the museum when an old friend came to visit as it seemed like the perfect opportunity and I'm so glad we went. It truly is one of a kind; the Smith and Pepper jewellery factory remains exactly as it did since the day all the workers downed their tools and left the building forever.
A guided tour explores the last 200 years right up until how the Jewellery Quarter stands today. Our guide was absolutely fantastic, such an engaging character, and I really felt the passion and enthusiasm she has for the history of Birmingham's jewellery trade.
After hearing the factory's history and exploring the dusty shelves, messy worktops, and seeing the (still working!) machinery, I felt absolutely honoured to be living and working in such a historical area of the city. I came away from the experience feeling very privileged to be a part of the jewellery trade and very fortunate to have a studio in the Jewellery Quarter surrounded by such history.