Enjoy the best of Birmingham and immerse yourself in it’s culture, history and creativity during Birmingham Heritage week this September.With over 100 events taking place during the week, there’s plenty to keep you busy and a lot to learn about the magnificent city of Birmingham.We’ve picked out some of the many events that are in or very close to the Jewellery Quarter, our favourite part of the city! If you attend one of our top picks, it’ll also mean you’re close by for a bite to eat from Cucina! Delicious food for an extra boost of energy and optimum enthusiasm never goes amiss!
THE LOST CHILDREN - EXHIBITION
Held at Birmingham & Midland Institute, this exhibition runs for the whole of Birmingham Heritage Week (14th-22nd September). The exhibition tells a story of around 6,000 destitute children who were sent from the Birmingham Children’s Emigration Homes to live with farmers in the backwoods of Canada between 1873. They faced a bleak future living in desperate conditions in the city, but founder of the homes John Middlemore had hoped to save them. However, being ripped away from everything they knew and taken to Canada, these children, with some as young as two, all would have different outcomes in life. Whilst there are stories of success, there are also those of sadness. This is a great exhibition to learn about something that’s hugely important, but barely known about in Birmingham’s history.Distance from Cucina Rustica: 8-minute walkWhen: Saturday 14th – Sunday 22nd September from 10am-4pm.Cost: FREETo find out more click here.
SPRING HILL LIBRARY - EXHIBITION
Discover the history of Spring Hill Library with a photographic display by local historian Norman Bartlam. It opened in 1893 and is one of the oldest of the original Birmingham branch libraries. The library was designed by Frederick Martin of Martin and Chamberlain and is a fine example of Victorian Gothic, retaining many of the original features. The gas light fittings and the clock made by Evans and Sons of Handsworth are two of the features that can still be seen today. There will also be a collection of items made in Ladywood and the Jewellery Quarter on display.Distance from Cucina Rustica: 17-minute walkWhen: Friday 13th, Saturday 14th, Wednesday 18th, Friday 20th, Saturday 2st September – 9am-1pm or 2pm-5pm.Cost: FREETo find out more click here.
THE NEW STANDARD WORKS - TOUR
Explore four storeys of Grade II listed factory, built 1879-80, in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. Previously derelict and the building is now a vibrant mixed-use development, centred around Argent College, a specialist education provider for young people aged 16-25 run by Ruskin Mill Trust. Explore the buildings four floors and discover its interesting history. The tour has been set up to suite all age ranges, with trails and activities in place to help younger visitors explore.Distance from Cucina Rustica: 8-minute walkWhen: Saturday 14th September, 10am-4pm – Tours at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm. Sunday 22nd September, 11am-3:30pm – Tours at 11:15am, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.Cost: FREETo find out more click here.
JEWELLERY QUARTER LETTERING WORKSHOP
Enjoy an introduction to traditional sign writing in the Jewellery Quarter and beyond with Jim Kerr from Seven 9 Signs. Find out about Jim’s work and sign writing practice, explore the basics of drafting letter forms using tools of the trade and have a go at painting letters. All materials provided, go get creative at 16 Frederick Street!Distance from Cucina Rustica: 8-minute walkWhen: Saturday 21st September, 11am – 1pm and 2pm-4pm.Cost: FREETo find out more click here.
JEWELLERY QUARTER PRINTING WORKSHOP
Create expressive monoprints working from unseen photographs of hidden spaces and empty buildings in the Jewellery Quarter, taken by artist Jemma Gunning. Jemma will lead the session and guide you through the many ways of creating a monoprint. All techniques have their own unique qualities, allowing for the creation of multi-layered and colourful prints. All materials included, so pop along to The Hive to get inky!Distance from Cucina Rustica: 9-minute walkWhen: Saturday 14th September, 3pm – 5pm.Cost: FREETo find out more click here.
DIAMONDS AND PEARLS: A MUSICAL TOUR THROUGH THE JEWELLERY QUARTER
Partake in a music-themed walking tour of The Jewellery Quarter, led by Jez Collins, founder of the Birmingham Music Archive. Jez has over 20 years of experience as a social and cultural entrepreneur in the creative, and particularly music, industries in Birmingham. On the 2-hour walk, you’ll discover hidden stories, spaces and places of Birmingham’s music history and heritage in the Jewellery Quarter. Not one to be missed if you’re a music-junkie!Distance from Cucina Rustica: 9-minute walkWhen: Sunday 22nd September, 2:45pm – 5pmCost: FREETo find out more click here.Enjoy your city and be sure to check out the other activities going on during Birmingham Heritage Week!Make A Reservation | Email Us: info@cucinarustica.co.uk | Call Us: 0121 233 2277
