The traditional of craft and making is strong in the New Standard Works building. Students of Argent College, located on the upper floors are mastering the arts of jewellery, silversmithing, leatherwork, felting, catering, horticulture and candle making.
At The Hive, creativity is part of our visitor's experience of our heritage building; there is artwork on the walls, a big table to sit around with free craft resources available for anyone feeling creative in the heritage room, and we interpret the history of the building through art installations and interactive displays which invite the visitor to respond.
We run craft experiences in The Hive; See What's On! Our collaborative craft campaigns aim to bring people together from across the city to create a new community installations for our Cafe every year; helping us connect with the city and its people.
Throughout 2020 we are running a new enterprise project in collaboration with ATHAC CIC called Crafting for All. Our monthly sessions will provide an opportunity for people with a learning disability or specific learning need to gain practical enterprise and traditional crafting skills. By the end of the project the makers will have produced quality hand-made items to sell at a local craft market. Read more... Read more
Richard O'Brien, Birmingham Poet Laureate 2018-2020, was commissioned to write a poem about our amazing building and all the things that have happened inside its four walls in the past, and today since its new lease of life. We hope you enjoy it! Read more
Love to craft and chat? The Sparkle Sessions are a great opportunity to craft in company; learn some new techniques, meet new people, be creative and socialise with like-minded people. From March we'll be running an exciting new fashion and making project - details to be announced in early 2020. Click for more details... Read more
Since 1879 the New Standard Works has a history of making. Products made here in the past include silver bangles, brooches, belt buckles, bottle stops, bracelets and bookmarks, wedding rings, chains, lockets, vesta cases, links and studs, pendants and jewellery of all description. The Jewellery Quarter is still home to contemporary Makers and Artisans and through our programme of craft experiences will be sharing their skills with you. Find out more... Read more
During 2018-2019 a seven month craft project was run by The Hive, working with tapestry needlepoint artist Tina Francis. We stitched with over 1000 people as part of the project; including 11 schools and over 40 groups. The collaborative artwork is located in the cafe at The Hive. Pop in and see it! Read more