Walsall Leather Museum
Latest Reviews
Who knew walsall is at the heart of English leather industry and has been for hundreds of years
Lots to see and activities for adults and kids alike
Nice resobaly priced cafe for lunch and easy parking with in easy walk from town centre
Lots to see and activities for adults and kids alike
Nice resobaly priced cafe for lunch and easy parking with in easy walk from town centre
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went to the museum last Saturday 8th Dec with family (All adults) And what an amazing place. We were there over 2 hours as there were so many things to look at & learn about the history of leather in The Midlands. We all enjoyed it. They have a café but that wasn't open but we were able to have a hot drink in the reception area besides the gift shop. Would recommend it. Parking is available right beside the museum & entry to the museum is free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went to learn more about leather craft for a hobby. Hence, i was more interested in the practical side than the local history part.
The area around the work shop was really very good. Keith Parker was sharing his knowledge in a very positive way and I learnt a lot.
The shop has some great products for sale and it was a good place to sit and chat.
Parking is excellent with a Pay and Display across the road.
The area around the work shop was really very good. Keith Parker was sharing his knowledge in a very positive way and I learnt a lot.
The shop has some great products for sale and it was a good place to sit and chat.
Parking is excellent with a Pay and Display across the road.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I spent an enjoyable afternoon wandering around the museum discovering the history of the town. I particularly enjoyed being able to handle some of the exhibits which really helps to bring the history alive. A bonus was the very personal and friendly service offered by Ian, Paul and Adrian who were knowledgeable and generous with their time and are assets to the council. The museum itself is a great use for the building. My visit has inspired my family who all live locally to visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A delightful small museum with the friendliest of staff. Walsall once supplied saddles to the whole world - 700 people were involved in the trade. There is 100s of years of history here. We must not let this heritage be forgotten. I have travelled down from Scotland and enjoyed my visit very much.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Can't believe it's free entry, the people who run this are so enfused and pationate
About leather and the heritage surrounding walsall and it's past.if you were not interested in leather and it's craft you will at the end of the Tour and talk, if you arrive on the day Keith is giving his talk.
I myself will return as a 2 day student to take the craft of leather work forward.
This is what Walsall is all about.
About leather and the heritage surrounding walsall and it's past.if you were not interested in leather and it's craft you will at the end of the Tour and talk, if you arrive on the day Keith is giving his talk.
I myself will return as a 2 day student to take the craft of leather work forward.
This is what Walsall is all about.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with friends and spent 1.5-2 hours happily looking round and talking with the resident saddle-maker.
It was fascinating to see the history of Walsall laid out so clearly and in such a thoughtful manner. How the town adapted to the changing economic conditions of the day by switching the products that were manufactured, using the existing skilled workers, was amazing. I was unaware that there are still many leather products manufactured in the town today.
It brought home to me how ignorant I was of the heritage of my area. I cannot think why I have never visited the museum before. And it is free!
It was fascinating to see the history of Walsall laid out so clearly and in such a thoughtful manner. How the town adapted to the changing economic conditions of the day by switching the products that were manufactured, using the existing skilled workers, was amazing. I was unaware that there are still many leather products manufactured in the town today.
It brought home to me how ignorant I was of the heritage of my area. I cannot think why I have never visited the museum before. And it is free!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was so interesting. I didn't want to go because it didn't appeal to me. So glad I went. So many skills lost but recreated here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had friends down from Nottingham and took them to Walsall Leather Museum. Very interesting, educational they really enjoyed it and so did i. Well worth a visit, thank you x
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took a party of eight old age pensioners with a wide range of disabilities to cope with to this museum. We were treated to a warm welcome and given a conducted tour, guided by a staff member, who pitched his presentation at just the right level for our group. Offering insights into the social conditions that prevailed through the times when the museum was a working factory. All the members of our outing thought the day out a great success.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Warm welcome, friendly staff. Interesting stall of New Hall table ware. Fascinating to see how the leather industry worked in Walsall
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were lucky enough to have Michael tell us all about the making of saddles in days gone by. It must have been a very difficult job without the aid of modern machinery. We visited here last Thursday and they've even tried to incorporate Halloween in some of the exhibitions on show. It was very interesting and Michael was so informative and could answer any of our questions. The lady on reception was marvellous too and helped us to use their lift as well as making us feel comfortable on our arrival. Well worth a visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A museum with a difference and activities such as helping people to make leather items. It also sells leather belts, purses etc. Excellent place to visit, especially for children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had my visit today, so very interesting and informative. We was lucky today ( Saturday ) as Keith was on site and what a lovely and very interesting time we had with him, he told us things about leather and which animal or print items were made from and wasn’t we surprised. Allow yourselves a couple of hours .And the icing on the cake it’s all free and a pay and display parking just across the road.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Intersting to find out about how the leather industry developed in the West Midlands as well as some hand ons fun
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very intresting to learn about where you grown up the also have the same enthusiasm l, which was nice to see. Would definetly recommend giving this place a vist.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Whether you live locally or are passing through, this is an extremely interesting Museum. You do not have to be interested in leather products - it is just the history and the fact that such an industry is part of our heritage and should not be forgotten.
We were made extremely welcome by all the volunteers and had many things explained to us as the displays generated many questions.
Please go and take children with you - there is something of interest for all ages - you will not regret the visit. (My friends and I were there for three hours!). Oh yes, and I forgot to mention - it is free, so please support it.
We were made extremely welcome by all the volunteers and had many things explained to us as the displays generated many questions.
Please go and take children with you - there is something of interest for all ages - you will not regret the visit. (My friends and I were there for three hours!). Oh yes, and I forgot to mention - it is free, so please support it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the museum found it very interesting. The staff there were very helpful and were happy to answer our questions plus giving us their life stories about when they started working in leather. Very good. All free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the leather museum in May 2018. We had very impressive experiences. The exhibitions are clear and show many antique tools and tell stories of leather work in the Midlands. We met a very kind member of staff “ Rose “ who works upstairs. Luckily, there was only us visiting during that period, so she showed us how to use lots of tools and told many interesting stories. Thank you very much for her kindness !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The leather museum in Walsall is a little treasure, and something we must not loose!! So worthy of a visit, free admission, extremely knowledgeable, friendly local staff/volunteers that will chat to you about the leather industry in Walsall.
Events and Activities from June to October, Half-Term Activities for children.
The museum does not have a car park but don't be put off!! There is a large park, five minute walk away at the Waterfront shopping centre.and a Cinema!! so loads to do for a day out.
Find them on Facebook, "We Love Walsall Leather Museum""
Events and Activities from June to October, Half-Term Activities for children.
The museum does not have a car park but don't be put off!! There is a large park, five minute walk away at the Waterfront shopping centre.and a Cinema!! so loads to do for a day out.
Find them on Facebook, "We Love Walsall Leather Museum""
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We arrived just as the museum was opening on Saturday morning and were the only people there at that time. We were asked if we wanted a guided tour or preferred to look around on our own. We opted for the guided tour and were really glad that we did. The lady who showed us around was very friendly and knowledgeable and we spent well over an hour with her.
After the tour we were asked if we wanted to make keyrings for 50p each, which of course we did. We then were lucky enough to spend some time with a volunteer, who makes fine leather goods, and he showed us how he created a wallet. He also showed us all sorts of different leathers and machines.
All in all we spent nearly three hours at the museum and also got some free leather samples so that we could try making some things at home.
There's also a cafe there and a council car park right next to museum so it's really easy to get to and park.
After the tour we were asked if we wanted to make keyrings for 50p each, which of course we did. We then were lucky enough to spend some time with a volunteer, who makes fine leather goods, and he showed us how he created a wallet. He also showed us all sorts of different leathers and machines.
All in all we spent nearly three hours at the museum and also got some free leather samples so that we could try making some things at home.
There's also a cafe there and a council car park right next to museum so it's really easy to get to and park.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent place to visit to learn the heritage of Walsall. Extremely friendly & knowledge people. Must spend time with Keith, the volunteering Master Craftsman who goes above and beyond to explain and teach on the different types of leathers. I highly recommend spending at least 2 hours with him. The embose your own keychains is also a must have souvenir.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been meaning to visit for a number of months, and finally made it today. Wish I’d come sooner. Great museum, informative exhibits, interactive, and staff who are very knowledgeable and passionate about their work, especially Keith the volunteer, and the lady on reception. Would highly recommend a visit. 10 our of 10 😀.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We recently visited twice in a fortnight to ask advice about family members who had worked in the industry. On both occasion we met lovely knowledgable people. They were genuinely interested in not only helping us but directing us to other possible sources of information. Walsall you have an international gem in this museum and its warm staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the museum with 7 year old during the school summer holidays. She was very happy to participate in the drop in session making UFO models which was well organised and she throughly enjoyed. Costs were minimal and for some sessions free. Staff were very welcoming and pleasant. There was a simple but absorbing superhero sticker hunt which encouraged children to explore the museum and win a small prize for completion. Will be visiting again soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
