Birmingham Arts and Crafts Movment walking tour

Don your imaginary Time Team hat and join me for a one-mile adventure through Birmingham city centre, as we go in search of evidence—yes, real evidence!—of the city’s Arts and Crafts movement. This isn’t just a stroll; it’s a treasure hunt for hidden details, forgotten stories, and glorious bits of design that most people walk straight past.

We’ll visit the magnificent Birmingham School of Art, once a hive of creativity and idealism, and the legendary Birmingham Guild of Handicraft, where makers believed good design could make life better. We’ll track down an Arts and Crafts building that once housed a brushmaking company (the brushes are long gone, but the beauty remains), and stumble upon a magical entranceway that looks like it’s been borrowed from a Buddhist temple.

With every stop, we’ll piece together clues like design detectives, shining a light on the dreamers and doers who helped Birmingham become a centre of handcrafted brilliance. Expect architectural delights, curious corners, and plenty of “how have I never noticed that before?” moments!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Kevin Thomas.