The studios are open for most of the day; download a Brilliantly Birmingham catalogue Here to find out participating designer makers and locations, or call 0121 464 1187.   

Ghostly Jewels focuses on the quarter’s Victorian cemetaries; listen as Chris tells some ghostly tales, and gives you tips on how to avoid being buried alive!

One for lovers of the paranormal everywhere, and with a whole raft of other activities taking place across the Quarter this Saturday, this is your chance to really make the most of what’s on offer.

The walk begins at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter on Vyse Street at 2pm.  Places, as ever, are limited so book now to avoid disappointment by calling the Brilliantly Birmingham hotline on 0121 464 1187.  Happy ghost hunting!  

This Saturday, Chris brings us….

Streets Paved with Gold

Saturday 8^th December 2pm - 3.30pm

They handle more gold and silver in Newhall Street than anywhere else in Britain.  You’ll see where it is done, and then follow Birmingham’s forgotten canal back to the city centre.  And on the way you’ll take in what is surely Birmingham’s most unusual factory.

Heroes

An exhibition of new jewellery pairing contemporary designer makers with traditional Birmingham-based craftsmen such as gun engravers and pen makers

Heroes, a brand new exhibition launching in Birmingham on 7^th December, has breathed new life into traditional craft techniques close to extinction, such as gun engraving and pen making, as the last generation of craftsmen join forces with contemporary jewellery designer makers.

Heroes is the culmination of a week-long workshop pairing traditional craftsmen, mostly over 60 years old, with contemporary studio jewellers from across the globe, including Europe and the USA, alongside young designer makers from the West Midlands.

The Heroes worked with the jewellery artists to create new work using skills and techniques made famous in Birmingham but which are now in danger of extinction, from gun engraving and pen making to comb making and chasing. 

In many ways, the Heroes are the sole survivors of once widely held skills nurtured in industrial Birmingham, skills in real danger of being lost forever.  The project was not only about learning specific techniques but about reinterpreting them in a very personal way.

The exhibition is a fascinating contrast between Birmingham’s bygone reputation as the city of 1,000 trades, and its current position as the UK’s jewellery capital, with the 250-year old Jewellery Quarter still unique in Europe.

It has also focused the attention of the world’s on Birmingham, with designer makers from as far a field as the Netherlands, USA, Hungary, Brazil and Israel working alongside six British designer makers, with project co-ordination by Dutch designer maker Ted Noten, an International Research Fellow at the renowned Birmingham City University School of Jewellery. 

Photographs, film and jewellery made as part of the project will go on display during Brilliantly Birmingham 2007, the eighth annual season of contemporary jewellery celebrating the city’s rich heritage and growing reputation for cutting edge contemporary jewellery design. 

Heroes is on from 7-13^th December at The Custard Factory Gallery, Birmingham

The photos are in, and as you can see, the spirit of Brilliantly Birmingham was firmly kept alive as the eighth celebration of contemporary jewellery kicked off at the School of Jewellery.

From the awesome performance by 2nd year students to the gathering of some of the best contemporary jewellery designer makers, it was an unforgettable night and the perfect start to what we’re sure is the best Brilliantly Birmingham yet.

 Don’t forget to scroll down to download your Catalogue before it’s too late!

Guests were treated to speeches from Norman Cherry, Head of School and Val Birchall, Head of Arts for Birmingham City Council who both commented on the fantastic achievement of everyone involved.  They also both spoke of how Brilliantly Birmingham is a wonderful showcase of emerging talent, whilst also continuing the heritage of jewellery designer makers in the city.

27 second year students provided a glittering dance performance aptly named “Brummie Barumba” thanks to its salsa influences.  The energetic performance captivated the crowd, whilst also demonstrating that the next generation of design makers are well and truly on their way. 

All students designed their own costumes in a four day project, and really have to be seen to be believed, so check back for some of the dazzling photos coming soon.

Many of this year’s featured designer makers attended the launch, giving guests the chance to buy work direct and even commission a bespoke piece of work.  

A third exhibition, ‘We Are Here’, also launched on Thursday night.  The touring exhibit of designer makers from the Midlands Association of Contemporary Jewellery, who display their jewellery in transportable cases inspired by those used by traditional cinema usherettes, mingled with the crowd, offering people the chance to meet and interact with them and their work.

The evening was a huge success, with many people not only marvelling at the beautiful craftsmanship of the work but also purchasing items for themselves.  With prices ranging from £20 up to £1250, who can blame them?

Download the Brilliantly Birmingham Event Guide and Catalogue 2007 now!

The wait is finally over…details of all of the events, exhibitions and workshops forming part of Brilliantly Birmingham 2007 can be found in the gorgeous catalogue, which you can download by clicking the link above.

Have we mentioned they’re all absolutely FREE?!

If you’d prefer to receive a hard copy of the catalogue in all its glory, don’t hesitate to contact the Brilliantly Birmingham team on 0121 464 1187 and we’ll post one straight out to you. Or why not register using our online form?

Happy Jewellery hunting!

Brilliantly Birmingham celebrates the rich tradition of designer making that is unique to the city and is an event that continues to be a showcase for designer makers and other individuals involved in creating and selling jewellery in Birmingham, across the West Midlands and beyond.

Brilliantly Birmingham 2007 marks a fresh new start for opportunities open to new and emerging talent and the future of an important event that hopes to continue to grow from strength to strength .

Don’t forget to download the event guide to find out how you can experience Brilliantly Birmingham.