Crown Jewels of The Netherlands and the History of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham – these October Talks will bring some sparkle to autumn.
Doors open 11am – the Talk starts 11.30am
£38.00 per person
Tea and Coffee on arrival
Complimentary Glass of Fizz after the talk
OCTOBER
Saturday 1st, Friday 14th or Thursday 27th
An Enchanting World – The Crown Jewels of the Netherlands
During World War II the Dutch Crown Jewels were kept in the vaults of Wolverhampton Town Hall. Where are the jewels now? We look at the gorgeous gemstones from the collection including the smaller Sancy diamond a large diamond from Borneo, the famous Orange pearls that were sent to Prussia and of course a whole range of magnificent jewels that belonged to Mary of England, Sophie of Wurttemberg and Queen Wilhelmina, to name but a few. The jewels are exceptional and won’t disappoint!
OCTOBER
Wednesday 5th, Saturday 15th or Friday 28th
The Brilliance of Birmingham – The History of The Jewellery Quarter
The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter employed over 30,000 people at its peak in the 1900s. This talk will look at the fascinating history of the Goldsmiths industry in Birmingham, which began around 1553 with Roger Pemberton being one of the first jewellers in the city. The industry developed and influential jewellers spread their knowledge throughout the country. A group of jewellers even sent a parcel of jewellery to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845, encouraging them to wear British jewellery and enthuse to others about the quality. Key individuals involved in the manufacturing of silver plate such as Matthew Boulton and George Elkington will also be considered.
Lectures are individually priced at £38* and include tea or coffee on arrival
and a complimentary glass of fizz after the Talk.
The Gallery doors will open between 11am and 11.15am and the Talk will commence at 11.30am