Making steel pen nibs in Birmingham during the Victorian era was a major industry with 129 companies employing circa 8,000 workers (mainly women). By visiting the Pen Museum, you will discover …
Making steel pen nibs in Birmingham during the Victorian era was a major industry with 129 companies employing circa 8,000 workers (mainly women). By visiting the Pen Museum, you will discover a wide range of fascinating objects and details that help tell the story of Birmingham’s pen trade and its important legacy including the link between a prominent pen manufacturer (Josiah Mason) and the establishment of the University of Birmingham. The Museum has a range of activities for people of all ages to enjoy including writing with a quill and ink, using typewriters plus an exciting opportunity to make your own nib using the same machinery once operated by women workers in the 19th century. Activities subject to availability on day of visit.
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Apr 22, 2025
What a fantastic place to visit We even got to make a pen nib with the help of one of the founders of the museum ✒️ Easily spent a couple of hours there and were treated to a free Chinese calligraphy…Full review by SelamCaroline
Apr 17, 2025
A great museum telling the history of pen making, both the process and the social history. Enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers.Full review by DaveWM43
Apr 14, 2025
Interesting small museum dedicated to calligraphy pens. They have an impressive inventory of historical pens and nibs. There was a pen making demonstration where we got to make our own nibs. We reall…Full review by Emily G
Hello! How disabled friendly is museum for powered wheelchairs?
A:
Thank you for your enquiry. The Pen Museum is located on the ground floor of the Argent building with the majority of spaces accessible via powered wheelchairs. Previous visitors in …
Thank you for your enquiry. The Pen Museum is located on the ground floor of the Argent building with the majority of spaces accessible via powered wheelchairs. Previous visitors in powered wheelchairs have not experienced any access difficulties, however, If you would like to advise in advance when you expect to visit we can also ensure someone is available in the event you require any assistance. Hope that information is helpful and we look forward to welcoming you to our Museum.
Does the pen museum follow the story of a specific pen company or is it more on the history of the pen in general? Is it possible to buy a pen while at the museum or not? I am interested by the history of the pen in general and hope this museum will answer all my pen related questions. Many thanks
A:
The Pen Museum focuses on the important legacy of Birmingham’s 19th Century pen trade and its significant contribution to improving literacy throughout the world. It’s …
The Pen Museum focuses on the important legacy of Birmingham’s 19th Century pen trade and its significant contribution to improving literacy throughout the world. It’s located in a former pen factory, built in 1863, where visitors experience writing with feather quills and steel nibs and can also make their own nib using traditional methods. The Museum narrates the interesting lives, stories and important expertise of manufacturers, owners and workers that resulted in Birmingham once manufacturing 75% of the world’s pens. Our team are also happy to answer (where possible) general questions about pens. The Museum shop stocks a range of pens for purchase. Thank you for your question.
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