May 23rd, 2009 Posted in Family, Travels | No Comments »
While Pete figures out the ins and outs of doing business British style, the kids and I are busy walking the streets in our neighbourhood. Within 30 minute walks there are several attractions to visit. We’ve visited the local free museums which include The Jewellery Museum, The Pen Museum, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
The Jewellery Museum was very interesting. In 1981 the people running the Smith Jewellery business decided that the recession was too much for them and they closed and locked the doors and left everything as it was. You’d think there’d be enough modernization in the business of jewellery making by then, but apparently they were too cheap to modernize, and it all looked pretty antique. A very fascinating tour takes about an hour and is filled with interesting facts about the jewellery trade. Very fitting, since we are living smack in the middle of what is known as the Jewellery Quarter.

These stamps were used to create jewellery popular during WW2. Soldiers would give them as gifts to loved ones because swallows always returned.
The Pen Museum was literally full of pen nibs. Apparently Birmingham (or Brum, as the locals call it) was the centre of manufacturing for the pen industry before prior to the ball-point pen. When the ball-point pen came out, of course this local industry went downhill.
I had no idea there were so many different kinds of nibs. But then again, I only used ball-point pens for my schooling years–and what a relief. The mess the kids made of their papers and clothing was enough for me at one sitting, never mind every day. There were a few too many items and displays in one place for me but the kids each were able to use the machines to cut, emboss, slit, curve, and slice their very own pen nibs, which made the museum a hit for them. There was a scavenger hunt to find different aspects of pen industry history which the kids really enjoyed as well.
The BMAG (Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery) was amazing! I have to admit I haven’t been to too many museums and none lately. There were items there from, it seemed, all times and places. It was just incredible to see items from the 1st century. It’s hard to believe the preservation of things that old when we can hardly maintain things from our own times. Although there were definitely replicas there were also authentic items and it put me in awe of the things that people of all times and places have made and done.

This Grecian urn reminded us of recent art lessons at our home school co-op.

The kids were especially fascinated by this mummified crocodile.
The National Sea Life Centre is the favourite attraction for the kids.

Jonathan appeared to be a little concerned every time this ray swam by.

This hands-on exhibit was a hit. One of the staff members pulled crabs, starfish, and sea anemones out of the touch pool for the kids to look at and touch.
Since we had to pay to get into this exhibit we decided to get a year pass. We’ve been twice already. Yesterday, the kids and I brought our sketch books and had a great time trying to draw some of the fish we saw. There were some frustrating moments as the kids adjusted to the idea that the fish just wouldn’t sit still–who’s heard of fish sitting still anyway! I personally believe that the kids’ drawings are superior to my own since they seem to draw with abandon while my drawings look rather stiff in comparison. Maybe I’ll get around to posting some of their drawings some time next week.
Cheers,
Diana