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.
From 2019 we will be running 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.
This year's craft campaign aims to bring together 1000 people from across Birmingham to craft tapestry bees for a collaborative tapestry artwork which connects Birmingham's people & places, cultures, stories and heritage. These 1000 individual bees will be stitched together into one single artwork by needlepoint tapestry artist Tina Francis. We are working with schools, community groups & the public are invited to stitch bees at events - will you be one of our 1000 stitchers? Click for 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
We like to think that every day could be a creative day! Visitors to our Heritage Room are welcome to dip into our boxes of craft materials and spend some time making something; you can either follow examples or use your imagination! A great way to relax in a light, friendly and calm environment, whatever your age. There is no charge, but we welcome small donations towards materials on a 'pay as you feel' basis. Read more...Read more