Walsall Leather Museum
Latest Reviews
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
Went in a group of 28,not really sure what to expect , but found the visit very interesting, and it was fascinating to see how saddles, which Walsall is famous for making, (Hence the football team is known as the saddlers.) are constructed .There are gardens outside , quite a tranquil oasis in the heart of a busy city.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have visited before so did not wait for the demonstrations which we know from past experience are very interesting and informative with opportunities to make small leather items yourselves. Lots of insightful displays on the history of Walsall and leather making and the shop stocks a range of leather goods that are still made locally. The cafe is in a nice setting with a courtyard and has plenty of choice that is reasonably priced. For visitors who want a longer visit to Walsall, they may wish to include the refurbished Arboretum or the new art gallery to make a full day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful and informative museum. This is not my first visit as my family used to live in Wolverhampton and they brought me here as they knew I would be interested in the history and the role that the leather industry played in Walsall. This time I came with a U3A group and we found the staff very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The guided tour and demonstrations were excellent - would definitely recommend a visit and the refreshments were great too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a lovely surprise to be taken into an authentic work room and to have a demonstration with the tools of how the leather was worked on. On then into another room where we were shown the method of hand stitching the leather which is still used today as it is far stronger than machine stitiching. Here also were the machines that had been used. Then we were shown the hides and the methods for decorating to make cow hide look like snake , crocodile etc. A very interesting experience within the actual work place with all the history. We also had a very substantial buffet lunch. which we were all ready for.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went to the leather museum as part of an organised coach trip.The staff were very welcoming when we arrived. they split us into three groups so that they could do the guided tour and everybody would see and hear what was going on. the tour was very informative and we learned a lot about the leather industry especially in Walsall.
We had refreshments on arrival and a very varied buffet lunch. Altogether a very good visit. It is free to enter.
We had refreshments on arrival and a very varied buffet lunch. Altogether a very good visit. It is free to enter.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took some friends, travelling from India, to visit today. We were offered a tour by Claire which I happily agreed to as I knew I wouldn't be able to explain all we saw. What a privilege to have our own personal tour guide
Claire was well informed and brought excellent insights into the history of leather work in Walsall. I was very proud to learn we made handbags for Queen Elizabeth 2nd 😊 My friends enjoyed making a key ring and really appreciated all they saw.
Fantastic and free!! A great afternoon out
From past experience I can confirm cafe is great too
Claire was well informed and brought excellent insights into the history of leather work in Walsall. I was very proud to learn we made handbags for Queen Elizabeth 2nd 😊 My friends enjoyed making a key ring and really appreciated all they saw.
Fantastic and free!! A great afternoon out
From past experience I can confirm cafe is great too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I took my girlfriend and mother here for a day out. We went on a Friday, as this is when you'll find Paul and Wendy, two volunteers located in the workshop upstairs. It is here you can learn all about the marriage between Lorinery and leather work that happened in Walsall during the great war of 1914-18. You can even try your hand at stamping leather with some emblems of your choice - we chose a horse and a rainbow. Wendy operates the Singer sewing machines, offering insight into the fascinating trade as she deftly demonstrates how they work.
We spent over an hour speaking to Paul and Wendy. They offered up anecdote after anecdote with a true passion for their trade - I suggest asking Paul to tell you his baton case story, he had us roaring with laughter.
It was difficult to say goodbye and I think Paul and Wendy sensed this as they told us to come and see them any Friday. To me, they are no longer just volunteers, they are a vital link to Walsall's past, but most of all, my friends.
We spent over an hour speaking to Paul and Wendy. They offered up anecdote after anecdote with a true passion for their trade - I suggest asking Paul to tell you his baton case story, he had us roaring with laughter.
It was difficult to say goodbye and I think Paul and Wendy sensed this as they told us to come and see them any Friday. To me, they are no longer just volunteers, they are a vital link to Walsall's past, but most of all, my friends.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
