World Craft Metropolis standing for Birmingham's Jewelry Quarter

Eleanor Lawson

BBC Information, West Midlands

BBC A woman sits a at table making jewellery. She has an apron on and long brown hair tied to one side. She is in a workshop. — The Jewelry Quarter has been a producing centre for greater than 200 years

Birmingham’s world affect in jewelry making has been recognised by being granted World Craft Metropolis Standing.

World Crafts Council President, Saad Al-Qaddumi, mentioned the title celebrated the town’s “wealthy heritage, expert artisans, artistic designers, proud makers, and revolutionary contributions to the jewelry trade.”

Solely eight different cities in Europe have been awarded the title. This contains Stoke-on-Trent which was awarded the standing final 12 months for its pottery craft.

The Jewelry Quarter Growth Belief (JQDT) mentioned the award “signifies a landmark second for Birmingham and the broader West Midlands, putting the town’s historic Jewelry Quarter firmly on the worldwide stage.”

Birmingham has formally been recognised as a World Craft Metropolis, one in all simply eight in Europe

Anne-Marie Hayes A pretty road in The Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, with jewellers lining one side of the road and houses on the other. — Birmingham has formally been recognised as a World Craft Metropolis, one in all simply eight in Europe

Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter sits near the town centre and has been a producing centre for greater than 200 years. Outlets solely began to look within the Seventies when producers determined to promote to particular person prospects.

To get the standing, a global judging panel visited the College of Jewelry, established in 1890 and located in a Grade II-listed constructing on Vittoria Road, the place they took half in a silversmithing workshop and seen the artistry and craftsmanship of present college students.

Elsewhere within the Jewelry Quarter, judges stopped on the Birmingham Assay Workplace, Cooksongold, and the historic Coffin Works.

The worldwide workforce of judges toured the Jewelry Quarter on a three-day go to

Anne-Marie Hayes A group of men stand in a jewellery-making studio, looking down at an object in one of the men's hands. They stand next to a work bench with lots of tools on it. — The worldwide workforce of judges toured the Jewelry Quarter on a three-day go to

Birmingham’s bid was led by JQDT and Birmingham Metropolis Council, whereas being supported by Birmingham Metropolis Council and the Goldsmiths Firm.

Matthew Bott, the chair of JQDT, mentioned: “It is a second of actual delight – not only for the Jewelry Quarter, however for Birmingham and the West Midlands.

“We have at all times recognized the worth of what occurs right here, and now the world does too. Our thanks go to everybody who helped us attain this level, and we stay up for working with companions previous and new to construct on this unbelievable basis.”

Greater than 40% of British jewelry is made in Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter, metropolis curator Alex Nicholson-Evans mentioned

Victoria Beddoes/Jewellery Quarter Development Trust A woman with long blonde and brown wavy hair is wearing a blue jumper. She is smiling at the camera. The background has a stone arched internal wall, cream chairs and curtains, and is blurred. — Greater than 40% of British jewelry is made in Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter, metropolis curator Alex Nicholson-Evans mentioned

With the designation now confirmed, the JQDT, supported by metropolis curator Alex Nicholson-Evans, says it should use this recognition as a springboard for additional ambition, beginning with launching the Birmingham Jewelry Biennial, the UK’s jewelry competition.

Envisaged as a citywide celebration, plans for the biennial embody open studios, jewelry gala’s, heritage excursions, a commerce convention and a flagship exhibition – shining a highlight on internationally acclaimed artists and rising expertise, chosen by way of a UK-wide open name.

Ms Nicholson-Evans instructed BBC Radio 4’s Right now programme that “lastly we get to inform the world what we have recognized all alongside”.

“The Jewelry Quarter… [is] over 200 years previous, over 40% of British jewelry is made proper right here in Birmingham’s Jewelry Quarter, and that is a extremely thrilling factor to now be capable of share with the world.

“There are 700 jewellery-related companies within the quarter and we’re dwelling to the world’s largest assay workplace, which is type of the place the testing and hallmarking of valuable metals takes place.”

Matthew Bott, the chair of JQDT, mentioned it was “a second of actual delight” for the realm which is made up of lots of of jewellers

A row of jewellery stores along one street. There are signs hanging outside each premises with different coloured windows and doors. — Matthew Bott, the chair of JQDT, mentioned it was “a second of actual delight” for the realm which is made up of lots of of jewellers

Her function was commissioned by Colmore Enterprise District, a enterprise enchancment district (BID), and she or he had the remit to work throughout 5 within the metropolis centre to “convey individuals collectively to ensure Birmingham continues to be an incredible place to reside, work and do enterprise”, Ms Nicholson-Evans acknowledged.

JQDT additionally says the brand new standing opens the door to worldwide partnerships, funding alternatives and collaborative initiatives, for the Jewelry Quarter, Birmingham and the West Midlands.

A spokesperson for JQDT mentioned: “With each the Jewelry Quarter and Stoke-on-Trent now recognised as World Craft Cities, the West Midlands is quick turning into a nationwide chief in championing craft as tradition. “