Walsall Leather Museum
Latest Reviews
I had the idea to buy my husband a wallet from the leather museum for our third anniversary. Although no wallets took my fancy the man in the gift shop was very helpful and offered numerous alternatives. After finding and buying two beautiful leather luggage tags, he suggested that I could make and personally stamp a leather key-ring. Ian was brilliant up in the leather crafting area, finding countless colours of leather and a huge variety of stamps to suit my particular taste. The finished products were 2 lovely key-rings that I had helped to make personally. For the crazy price of £1 each!! I was expecting and happy to pay 5 times that for such a wonderful, personal service and experience. To top it off we popped into the cafe for a quick drink and a cake and the service, atmosphere, quality and price were brilliant! Thank you Walsall Leather Museum!! I will be mentioning you to my school as I think the opportunities you offer are FANTASTIC, hopefully I'll be back with my class of 30 soon 😃
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Brilliant. Lovely members of staff who are very friendly. Lots of little activities to do around the museum. A little activity to search for items and then they collect a treat. Regular sessions to book on for crafts. Particularly impressed by the leather craftsman upstairs who we made a key ring with and tried fancy dress clothing on. Thanks
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on Friday after finding ourselves at a loose end for an hour or so, only a few minutes walk from Walsall town centre so an ideal location.
We found it very welcoming with the man on the desk talking to the kids telling the about the trails and quiz etc. He also offered us the use of the lift for the buggy, but we left it downstairs instead.
Museum was small but well laid out and interesting to somebody who had never been before. Kids followed the quiz and trail finding the answers and horse names around the museum to get a sweet on the way out.
There is a nice room upstairs which is probably the heart of the place, the two older members of staff were amazing and such an asset to the place. Very knowledgeable and patient with the kids. They each made a leather keyring, choosing the picture and embossing it themselves under supervision. It was just a contribution of 50p each towards the keyring, but this was the highlight of the visit and they've showed them off to everybody since the visit. We were also a told about the activities in the summer holidays although we live too far to pop back for these.
This would be a perfect visit for a rainy afternoon or day.
We would definitely visit again if we are over that way with a few spare hours. An ideal summer holiday activity!!
We found it very welcoming with the man on the desk talking to the kids telling the about the trails and quiz etc. He also offered us the use of the lift for the buggy, but we left it downstairs instead.
Museum was small but well laid out and interesting to somebody who had never been before. Kids followed the quiz and trail finding the answers and horse names around the museum to get a sweet on the way out.
There is a nice room upstairs which is probably the heart of the place, the two older members of staff were amazing and such an asset to the place. Very knowledgeable and patient with the kids. They each made a leather keyring, choosing the picture and embossing it themselves under supervision. It was just a contribution of 50p each towards the keyring, but this was the highlight of the visit and they've showed them off to everybody since the visit. We were also a told about the activities in the summer holidays although we live too far to pop back for these.
This would be a perfect visit for a rainy afternoon or day.
We would definitely visit again if we are over that way with a few spare hours. An ideal summer holiday activity!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely little museum with something of interest for all ages. The exhibition from the Hodson sisters' shop will bring back lovely memories for the more mature visitors. Beautiful leather work and information on the history of the leather industry in Walsall. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have driven past here many times,and always wanted to visit, today presented the opportunity.
Lovely,friendly,welcoming staff. I enjoyed pottering round ,looking at and touching all the samples of hide.
The "sister's shop" was like stepping back in time, I'd happily wear many of the dresses on display now!
The best part was meeting Keith, who explained a lot about working with leather, and seeing the stunning creations he has made.He was friendly,informative and knowledgeable.
Had to practically throw me out as it was closing time!
WoulD definitely recommend a visit, and will go again and bring more of my family. Lovely for all ages ( they had a quiz for children too)
And, I was very pleasantly surprised that it was free.
Lovely,friendly,welcoming staff. I enjoyed pottering round ,looking at and touching all the samples of hide.
The "sister's shop" was like stepping back in time, I'd happily wear many of the dresses on display now!
The best part was meeting Keith, who explained a lot about working with leather, and seeing the stunning creations he has made.He was friendly,informative and knowledgeable.
Had to practically throw me out as it was closing time!
WoulD definitely recommend a visit, and will go again and bring more of my family. Lovely for all ages ( they had a quiz for children too)
And, I was very pleasantly surprised that it was free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting and informative exhibits including some inter-active displays and opportunity to make a leather key ring. Great display of 1920 to 1950 clothes and sewing materials from the Hodson family drapery shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We discovered the museum after a recommendation from a friend last year.
Attend the summer holiday craft workshops - think we went to about 4 last year. There was a super heroes theme! The kids loved the craft and the staff were very friendly and accommodating - really great in their interactions with the children.
I have also brought visitors here- after a wander around the small museum you can enjoy your own picnic (only on the outdoor tables) or try something from the cafe. We usually bring our own and had been fortunate the weather was dry!
The museum is small - but perfect for those - young and old- with a short attention span. The museum also includes a treasure hunt to keep young ones engaged and enthusiastic about interacting with the exhibits! At the end of the museum tour you get to make a leather keyring for a small fee.
We have returned again this summer and made a Viking purse! They also have a family fun day on the August bank holiday that we have not tried yet but a friend said it was good fun!
Would recommend a visit- check their website for details of activities or call in.
Attend the summer holiday craft workshops - think we went to about 4 last year. There was a super heroes theme! The kids loved the craft and the staff were very friendly and accommodating - really great in their interactions with the children.
I have also brought visitors here- after a wander around the small museum you can enjoy your own picnic (only on the outdoor tables) or try something from the cafe. We usually bring our own and had been fortunate the weather was dry!
The museum is small - but perfect for those - young and old- with a short attention span. The museum also includes a treasure hunt to keep young ones engaged and enthusiastic about interacting with the exhibits! At the end of the museum tour you get to make a leather keyring for a small fee.
We have returned again this summer and made a Viking purse! They also have a family fun day on the August bank holiday that we have not tried yet but a friend said it was good fun!
Would recommend a visit- check their website for details of activities or call in.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The museum is free entry and very informative for those interested in local heritage. The museum runs lots of free/cheap childrens craft activites during the school holidays as well as the adult craft workshops, evening speakers and murder mystery nights! I recently did a mosaic workshop with friends and we had a brilliant time. The onsite cafe, The Saddleroom, has a lovely menu and is a really nice place to go, you can also sit out in the garden area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
well worth a couple of hours if you are in the area, fascinating and informative about the towns leather manufacturing past, and leather in general. more interesting than it sounds, excellent refreshments, great staff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is free, but has more than enough interesting exhibits to entertain for a good couple of hours. Fantastic to see the history of leather in Walsall then speak to the demonstrators. This was definitely the best bit as they are hugely knowledgeable and very articulate on the subject of small leather goods.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is an excellent venue with interesting items on show, staff who show a genuine interest and perfect refreshments.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This little gem explains the history of a thriving & expansive business which made Wolverhampton an important player in the world of leather.
Lots of information, simply laid out in chronological order.
You can make your own leather key ring at the end for an inexpensive souvenir!
And the adjoining cafe is excellent too.
Allow an hour or so
Lots of information, simply laid out in chronological order.
You can make your own leather key ring at the end for an inexpensive souvenir!
And the adjoining cafe is excellent too.
Allow an hour or so
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
very quaint and unique set up right in the heart of Walsall town centre. Great staff and warm atmosphere!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
superbly arranged collection of memorabilia related to this once vitally important craft and trade. Good to learn that Walsall is still a centre for leather-working and producing items at the cutting edge of style and fashion. Staff are very friendly, helpful and welcoming.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Took a group of learners from the training centre I work at to give them an insight to Walsall's industry. It was a lot smaller than anticipated, but we had a pre-arranged tour and we got to make keyrings for 50p, there are no charges for entry or the tours. They also do lots of activities during the school holidays.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been meaning to visit this museum for many years but only now managed to get to visit. If you like, or have an interest in leather, do not miss the opportunity to visit this lovely, friendly museum. One of the leather workers was in attendance and gave a great talk and demo on the machinery, types of leather, production methods etc (thanks Keith!).
Tip: park in the pay and display opposite. I overshot this and had trouble, popped in to reception and a very helpful man braved the downpour to come in my car to show me the way in - thanks!
A lovely way to spend a couple of hours learning about Walsall and the leather industry in general - and a great cafe too!
Tip: park in the pay and display opposite. I overshot this and had trouble, popped in to reception and a very helpful man braved the downpour to come in my car to show me the way in - thanks!
A lovely way to spend a couple of hours learning about Walsall and the leather industry in general - and a great cafe too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Twelve members of our Stourbridge genealogy group visited the Leather Museum on Tuesday 21st June 2016 for a guided tour and what a delightful visit we had. I can't recommend it highly enough from the knowledgeable and friendly staff, the beautifully kept buildings, lovely Saddle Café and delicious food to the wealth of information we gleaned and the beautiful gardens. What a treat. Everyone said what a wonderful time they'd had.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic little museum. We spent nearly two hours there and learnt so much about Walsall history and leather industry, from fabulous displays and friendly staff. Highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Free admission, and a interesting insight into the history of Walsall ' s leather industry. Well worth a visit, family friendly. Small café and Shop. Also does School and group visits.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We travelled down from London to go to the museum and it was worth the trip, the museum is a so well laid out and a great exhibition.
The volunteer staff were wonderful we were a school party and they were really friendly and the workshops were great, we made a dog collar and a key ring,
Thank you all so much great day
Notre Dame School Southwark
The volunteer staff were wonderful we were a school party and they were really friendly and the workshops were great, we made a dog collar and a key ring,
Thank you all so much great day
Notre Dame School Southwark
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is one of the few things about Walsall that I can really be proud of. The history of the town and the way it is brought to life and displayed.
I love bringing our visitors here to show them what built Walsall, and today we weren't disappointed; either by the museum or the café. Three diners all with food intolerances and the young lady was so, so helpful and patient.
The knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff is lovely to see.
I love bringing our visitors here to show them what built Walsall, and today we weren't disappointed; either by the museum or the café. Three diners all with food intolerances and the young lady was so, so helpful and patient.
The knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff is lovely to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was a delight to meet the staff at this museum. They made us feel very welcome, and were keen to show us around. There's no arguing with the value, either, as there is free entry,
We were given a talk about leatherwork by an experienced craftsman, who clearly got a lot of pleasure from sharing his knowledge - he tried very hard both to explain and entertain. We learned a lot in a short time and it was interesting to handle the different materials. Given that we were in an original workroom, surrounded by machinery, it would have been nice to see some of it demonstrated - it was unclear what actually works.
We were then shown round the museum by one of the staff. She made a real effort also to tell us all she knew, and was able to demonstrate some simple stitching techniques.
The reason for the lost star in the review is that it really would have helped to have more staff who had worked in the business - or at least had been fully briefed by them - and the sense that while the museum has a lot of 'kit' not a lot of it is actually in use. I was also surprised to not see practical workshops for children happening during the half term week, though that clearly worked to our advantage as we had the place almost to ourselves.
The shop was lovely, with good value high quality stuff for sale. There's also an impressive display of modern high quality (and value) leatherwork. I'd definitely return if there was a chance to see some of the other skills demonstrated on site.
We were given a talk about leatherwork by an experienced craftsman, who clearly got a lot of pleasure from sharing his knowledge - he tried very hard both to explain and entertain. We learned a lot in a short time and it was interesting to handle the different materials. Given that we were in an original workroom, surrounded by machinery, it would have been nice to see some of it demonstrated - it was unclear what actually works.
We were then shown round the museum by one of the staff. She made a real effort also to tell us all she knew, and was able to demonstrate some simple stitching techniques.
The reason for the lost star in the review is that it really would have helped to have more staff who had worked in the business - or at least had been fully briefed by them - and the sense that while the museum has a lot of 'kit' not a lot of it is actually in use. I was also surprised to not see practical workshops for children happening during the half term week, though that clearly worked to our advantage as we had the place almost to ourselves.
The shop was lovely, with good value high quality stuff for sale. There's also an impressive display of modern high quality (and value) leatherwork. I'd definitely return if there was a chance to see some of the other skills demonstrated on site.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic day out. I can highly recommend it. Excellent staff,fantastic activities and it's free. Make sure you visit. A fab day out ...A1 :)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The museum is really easy to find, and best of all it's free! Lots of interesting information as you go round, even teenage boys didn't get bored. Very small, so only takes about an hour, but a lovely cafe (which does a great value breakfast!) Friendly staff, a small shop with some lovely things, would definitely recommend a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just got back from a great day at the leather museum with the grandchildren. It is free to enter and they both made a key ring which cost 50p each and a badge which cost 30p.There was also a competition to find various articles made there. They found all 8and got a lollipop. Where else could you have a day out for so little money. Staff are helpful and very pleasant.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
