Pen Museum
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Housed in a former pen factory, the Pen Museum celebrates and preserves the legacy of Birmingham’s 19th-century pen trade, with a unique collection and fascinating exhibitions.
At one time, the city of Birmingham manufactured 75% of the world's pens. The Pen Museum looks at the legacy of this important trade and its contribution to improving literacy throughout the world.
Located in a former pen factory constructed in 1863 to manufacture gold pen nibs, the museum is home to an extensive and unique collection of pens, nibs, machinery and artefacts, and tells the story of the entrepreneurs and workers whose expertise put Birmingham at the centre of this worldwide trade.
On a visit you can try writing with feather quills, reeds and steel nibs, and even make your own nib using traditional methods.
As well as displays, the museum features trails, videos and interactive equipment to help bring to life the history of one of Birmingham's most famous industries and pay tribute to its estimated 8,000 workers - of which 70% were women.
