Walsall Leather Museum
Latest Reviews
Passion, is what struck us this cold Saturday morning...Welcomed as soon as we walked through the door from staff that actually looked like they wanted to be there. A very nice lady then welcomed us and briefed us on the lay out of the museum and asked if we wanted a free tour, we declined (wish we hadn't ) then she said Keith will speak to you once you complete the tour. Having spent 30 minutes looking and reading through glass cabinets and touching various leather hides, we ended up in demonstration area with KIETH... What a passion this man has for his trade, and what a difference this made.
Keith is obviously a true tradesman and gent, explained to me and my wife all the stages from taking the skin to turning it into a hand crafted British made piece of leather art.(only wish i had asked for his business card!!) Well worth seeing some of Walsall"s history. Great couple of FREE hours spent speaking and learning from some very nice people.Thank you
Keith is obviously a true tradesman and gent, explained to me and my wife all the stages from taking the skin to turning it into a hand crafted British made piece of leather art.(only wish i had asked for his business card!!) Well worth seeing some of Walsall"s history. Great couple of FREE hours spent speaking and learning from some very nice people.Thank you
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went on a rainy Saturday in January looking for some local history to share with a visiting relative who had a physical and speech disability. We were given a friendly and informative welcome at the reception desk. Looking around the museum was free! Downstairs there were lots of exhibits to look at and our relative was able to use a lift up to the upper floor. The workshop was upstairs staffed by a volunteer who was a skilled leather craftsman. He was able to tell us about the leather industry, show us different types of leather and answer all our questions. He checked with us if we had time for a quiz and then we had to guess which leather belonged to which animal. What I particularly liked was his ability to make each member of the group feel valued.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wow if you visit walsall this place is a must go to attraction, it certainly makes you proud to be to be from the local area, we knew the obvious things like the saddle production as in saddles centre and football team the saddlers, but this gives you so much more than that, didn't realise we had so much history in the town, also if any teachers read this you must organise a school trip there you will love it,and staff so helpful and friendly
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have meant to visit this place for years and am so glad I did! The tale of Walsall's industrial history as a manufacturer of fine leather goods. The tour guide showed us round the exhibits, in the former saddlery factory, with lots of examples to see and touch. Good explanations on posters, fascinating pictures of what went on plus a chance to make our own leather key ring and see a craftsman at work. A fascinating insight into the area's proud heritage. Will be back!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
How lucky are we to have such an interesting and factual insight into our local heritage at Walsall Leather Museum. I visited today (Friday) with my husband and brother and we spent a relaxing hour and a half strolling through the workshops soaking up information and enjoying pictures from the past which culminated in meeting wonderful volunteers upstairs who we discovered had actually spent their working lives in this industry. Thank you all, not least forgetting the warm welcome at the desk, for making our visit so very memorable. We will definitely return and look forward to taking refreshments in the newly reopened cafe in Feb. Icing on the cake!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to visit and learn .Look out for the family fun days they are free and soon much fun for all the family
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This excellent and unique facility is doing a wonderful job despite the uncertainty of its future. Walsall Council is struggling to balance their budget and the Leather Museum is in their last to close. BUT this may not happen. Please support the Museum and send your emails of support to Walsall Council or to Mike Gasson the head curator at the museum.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a Saturday and whilst it was fairly quiet we thought that it was very interesting, and made all the better thanks to the talk given by Keith whom works locally manufacturing Leather products and whom gave us a good insight into what to look at and consider.
The Council may be looking to relocate this museum, which I think would detract from the visit, so I would recommend that you get there ASAP.
The Council may be looking to relocate this museum, which I think would detract from the visit, so I would recommend that you get there ASAP.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had no expectations of this museum but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit here one rainy afternoon. The history and exhibits were informatively displayed and demonstrated how the leather industry gained such importance in Walsall.
The highlight of our visit was Keith, a volunteer leather artisan, who delivered an interesting and entertaining talk on the many aspects of his work and various types of leather and their uses.
It would be a huge shame if the museum were to relocate or downsize, thereby losing a valuable piece of history in Walsall for the future generations.
Please ensure the museum remains as the number one attraction in Walsall on trip advisor!!
The highlight of our visit was Keith, a volunteer leather artisan, who delivered an interesting and entertaining talk on the many aspects of his work and various types of leather and their uses.
It would be a huge shame if the museum were to relocate or downsize, thereby losing a valuable piece of history in Walsall for the future generations.
Please ensure the museum remains as the number one attraction in Walsall on trip advisor!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A really interesting place with helpful staff and real insight into the history of the leather trade; it is a real shame that it might be lost in austere times.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a small museum telling the history of the leather trade in Walsall and covers why it developed there, the processes and the impact on the area and local people. There are many interesting items and photos. The staff are friendly and proud of the museum. You can make a leather keyring as a souvenir for 50p. The building is beautifully designed - an upgraded original building. And best of all it's FREE!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit! I usually visit Walsall for the shopping, college or cinema but last week I visited to go to the Walsall Leather Museum. At the Leather Museum I saw how craftsmen made and used leather to make beautiful products sold all over the world. The staff are very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. I purchased locally made leather goods from the gift shop and was very impressed by the quality and features of the leather products I bought. I now plan to visit when they have activity sessions tto create my own useful work of art. thank you Walsall Leather Museum!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I mainly go there for cafe the have very lovely staff at the café food is lovely especially the jerk chicken baguette
Source: google.com
Great place to visit to find out about Walsall's leatherworking past. Staff go the extra mile to help out disabled guests. Well worth a visit
Source: google.com
A friendly small museum
Source: google.com
I came here with a friend and loved it! We did start the tour backwards but it was still brilliant :) I would really recommend it. The people are brilliant!
Source: google.com
Very interesting. History of leather in Walsall
Source: google.com
Great insight into the history of Walsall, the demonstration was excellent and there are a good variety of displays to educate about leather products and industry
Source: google.com
Happy to see d process of Tanning!!! Worth a visit of understanding how and what leather is made...
Source: google.com
Went with a 2 year old. Not bad but not much to do. Certainly wouldn't visit just here. We went to the new art gallery as well. Staff were pleasant but not hugely interactive.
Source: google.com
This is a great museum, you can learn the techniques traditionally used in the local area. Something for everyone, practical activities for kids, everyone from Walsall should go
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Kids really enjoyed making keyrings this afternoon, but the highlight was the staff member taking time to show them and allow them to try on leather armour. Sorry to hear that the council are thinking of closing this museum; it was our first visit and would love to come back.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a visit on Wednesday last and was delighted to have visited this amazing museum. I am not sure if there are any other leather museums in the UK but this one should not be threatened with closure. Every aspect of the trade is shown in different rooms and it is fantastic to be able to touch many pieces of leather in various patterns and thickness. We met Wendy, a lady who has worked in the industry for decades and knows and loves her subject. She was so helpful and informative and we could have stayed there all day. Walsall Council should be ashamed of themselves to even contemplate shutting this unique museum and turning the old leather factory into proposed student accommodation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I loved my trip to the museum. My grandfather was a saddler and unfortunately died when I was young so to see his trade celebrated in the museum was great. Would definitely recommend for those interested!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit. Free museum showing history of leather with excellent displays and demonstrations with knowledgeable staff. Good gift shop. Would be ashame for it to be moved and downsized.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
