Walsall Leather Museum
Latest Reviews
This is a smaller but fascinating Museum about the history of leather in Walsall. Lots of exhibits and restored workshops plus a well stocked shop. Our demonstrator was worth a visit In own right. At 90, Ron's mind was as clear as it was at half the age. He helped to make our visit very enjoyable. There's also a good cafe. All we'll worth a visit.....and the Museum is free!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I grew up in Walsall but only visit now and again to see family but I try to go to the Leather Museum once a year with my children - it doesn't sound particularly exciting as museum themes go but it's really well done and brings the subject to life. Ron, a former leather industry worker, is 89 and still going strong as a tour guide and loves to tell visitors all about the history of the leather industry in Walsall and is always keen to show off his rare animal skins including an enormous anaconda. The cafe serves tasty meals which are really good value.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to take the kids to learn about the history of leather making, This is what Walsall is know for. Also, it's free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My son and I had never been to Walsall and it was the London Midland ticket staff at Walsall station who said check the museum out. What a little Gem Thank you to Ron for explaining the leather process and the history and his own experience the man is Ninety in August so you are meeting someone who started in the Leather industry over 74 years ago !!! and Ian helping Ben make the leather key rings. finished off with home cooking and nice cup of tea in the café !!! smashing Marc and Ben from Watford
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The crafting courses are wonderful. They are run by excellent people who specialize in their craft. Very enjoyable and the end result is a beautiful piece of art work to take home that you have created.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited by Ian who had heard about Walsall's history of leather making, he went to find out more and had an enjoyable hour or so looking at the informative displays and talking to Ron who is an expert in leather making having started in 1940.
There are examples of how leather is made and the equipment used as well as overviews of how various leather goods are made, in particular saddles.
Well worth checking out whilst in the area especially as free entry!
There are examples of how leather is made and the equipment used as well as overviews of how various leather goods are made, in particular saddles.
Well worth checking out whilst in the area especially as free entry!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a hidden jem I never knew about it until I looked on a website for thing to do in Walsall and I was on there so I paid a visit I surprised It was a Magnificent place went up to the demonstrators room you can make your own keying and do gold blocking but our favourites are Paul and Wendy greet me on every visit we return
I advise a visit
I advise a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the Leather Museum recently with my grand children, aged 7.5yrs. and 3.5 yrs. For adults it is best not to have small children to distract you. After their initial shyness my grand children really enjoyed making embossed key rings and trying on the leather uniforms with the volunteer helpers.(Currently Fridays only?). Well worth a visit as it will open your eyes as to how leather is prepared. Ray.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a free entry venue this is right up there. A free guided tour by knowledgeable, friendly staff with hands on participation made for a very interesting 2.5 hour visit. Good cafe facilities along with an interesting shop. Amazing, can't go wrong here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This small museum based in an old leather factory gives the facts of how leather was worked and the large number of items that were produced ranging from purses to horse saddles, well worth the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited the centre this week with a group of my adult students who are new to England. I thought it would be a lovely and education trip to see what Walsall and the surrounding areas are about.
I rang the museum a day in advance and they sorted us out amazingly. They arranged a tour free of charge with a lovely gentleman called Ron. He was such an admirable gentleman who looked after us and helped engage my students into the museum and its history, as well as telling us his jokes and showing us photos of his army day, which gave us a lovely warm feeling. He explained his role and how much he loved working in the leather industry which was an inspiration to myself and my learners.
Once Ron had finished the tour, another gentleman and a young work experience student called Joe greeted us. They introduced us to a machine and gave us all the opportunity to make a print on a piece of leather as a gift, we found this again a lovely gesture and it helped encourage my learners to get involved with the history of the museum.
As well as catering for my students need they also catered for mine. Being 6 months with twins pregnant the museum staff were very understanding and offered me seats to sit if I became tired or worn out. I found this a lovely gesture.
Overall, we had a lovely and education as well as humorous and enjoyable afternoon at the Leather Museum and will definitely be returning with my children and family in the future for a day out. A big, big thank you to Dom, Joe and Ron for making our day special and memorable, also thanking the ladies at reception for helping us out upon arrival.
A great day out for every age group, parking opposite which was great and a great friendly and warming atmosphere! A must for anyone visiting the area or just want a day out!
I rang the museum a day in advance and they sorted us out amazingly. They arranged a tour free of charge with a lovely gentleman called Ron. He was such an admirable gentleman who looked after us and helped engage my students into the museum and its history, as well as telling us his jokes and showing us photos of his army day, which gave us a lovely warm feeling. He explained his role and how much he loved working in the leather industry which was an inspiration to myself and my learners.
Once Ron had finished the tour, another gentleman and a young work experience student called Joe greeted us. They introduced us to a machine and gave us all the opportunity to make a print on a piece of leather as a gift, we found this again a lovely gesture and it helped encourage my learners to get involved with the history of the museum.
As well as catering for my students need they also catered for mine. Being 6 months with twins pregnant the museum staff were very understanding and offered me seats to sit if I became tired or worn out. I found this a lovely gesture.
Overall, we had a lovely and education as well as humorous and enjoyable afternoon at the Leather Museum and will definitely be returning with my children and family in the future for a day out. A big, big thank you to Dom, Joe and Ron for making our day special and memorable, also thanking the ladies at reception for helping us out upon arrival.
A great day out for every age group, parking opposite which was great and a great friendly and warming atmosphere! A must for anyone visiting the area or just want a day out!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Entrance is via the shop, and you immediately come into contact with the staff. Friendly and warm and very helpful I was made to feel very welcome.
Lots of questions asked and answered, and the chance to see some modern leather goods from local manufacturers along with various souvenirs made me want to linger before entering the actual museum!
There's surprisingly no charge for entry but there is a discrete slot in the wall as you walk into the main museum, located to your left on the black wall (just in case you miss it!) I urge you to donate something to support the work everyone is doing.
Even though the museum is quite small there is lots to see, spread over 2 floors and numerous rooms. Unfortunately when I visited there were no demonstrations going on, but there's actually a working workshop and you can get hands-on.
If you are visiting the area do pop in. It's well worth the visit.
Lots of questions asked and answered, and the chance to see some modern leather goods from local manufacturers along with various souvenirs made me want to linger before entering the actual museum!
There's surprisingly no charge for entry but there is a discrete slot in the wall as you walk into the main museum, located to your left on the black wall (just in case you miss it!) I urge you to donate something to support the work everyone is doing.
Even though the museum is quite small there is lots to see, spread over 2 floors and numerous rooms. Unfortunately when I visited there were no demonstrations going on, but there's actually a working workshop and you can get hands-on.
If you are visiting the area do pop in. It's well worth the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a wonderful day creating a leather mask today. Excellent tuition, great group of like minded people and a wearable mask to boot! Great value for money and would do it all again. Fingers crossed I can get on the next leather workshop.
Many thanks to all staff at the Museum.
Many thanks to all staff at the Museum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Being a local lad I must admit this was my first visit to the museum. It was family history research that took me there & had I have visited sooner I would have saved hours of work elsewhere.
I visited on the afternoon of Tuesday 23 June. The young lady at the reception listened intently to my request for information. She advised me that the person who would be able to assist me was out but that she would pass on my details at the earliest opportunity.
Within 5 minutes of returning home I received a telephone call from Mr David Mills, assistant curator of the museum, notifying me of the information he had found. This I was unable to find from any other source. I received photo copies in the post two days later.
All that said, I found the museum most informative & interesting & can only echo the views of others. The staff are helpful & friendly, the café is very good value, as one reviewer said 'A gem'. Research facilities are excellent.
A special thank you to David Mills & the receptionist,(sorry I didn't get your name.
I visited on the afternoon of Tuesday 23 June. The young lady at the reception listened intently to my request for information. She advised me that the person who would be able to assist me was out but that she would pass on my details at the earliest opportunity.
Within 5 minutes of returning home I received a telephone call from Mr David Mills, assistant curator of the museum, notifying me of the information he had found. This I was unable to find from any other source. I received photo copies in the post two days later.
All that said, I found the museum most informative & interesting & can only echo the views of others. The staff are helpful & friendly, the café is very good value, as one reviewer said 'A gem'. Research facilities are excellent.
A special thank you to David Mills & the receptionist,(sorry I didn't get your name.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'm not a fan of leather (I hate the smell) however myself & my boyfriend leave the Midlands next week after being here for four years for university. We had never visited the leather museum until today. It was fantastic! Stunning building, no over powering smell of leather & lots to look at. Would recommended to anyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited museum late Friday afternoon to find we were the only visitors - a good time if you want to avoid school parties in this small building but cafe closed! We were welcomed on entry and spent a leisurely time looking at the leather goods for sale in the small shop. The next hour was spent viewing the very interesting display boards and artefacts depicting the history of the leather trade. This was 'rounded up' with a very informative conversation with two employees on the current leather worldwide trade.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Came up to the museum for a days conference... had a few mins at the end if the day to pop round and have a look at the exhibition. What an absolutely wonderful gem of a museum... lovely displays... lots of explanatory boards and a fantastic and engaging experience. Well worth a visit and will definitely come again
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I must admit despite living very close to Walsall for most of my life, I have only ever treated the place as a detour elsewhere. To say I was surprised to find this absolute gem of a museum is a veritable understatement.
I knew a bit about the production of leather, I am now an expert and also know much more about the uses of leather. Information boards tell of what, when, and by whom. Other museums could benefit from visiting here to see just what visitors want to see in the form of information - too many tell us what they want to instead of vice versa.
I would recommend this place to anyone, even those who are unable to get to the upper floor have plenty to entertain on the ground floor. It has numerous old images, many events and activities planned throughout the year, must one of the very few museums worthwhile going visiting simply for the aromatic experience alone - and most importantly is FREE.
I knew a bit about the production of leather, I am now an expert and also know much more about the uses of leather. Information boards tell of what, when, and by whom. Other museums could benefit from visiting here to see just what visitors want to see in the form of information - too many tell us what they want to instead of vice versa.
I would recommend this place to anyone, even those who are unable to get to the upper floor have plenty to entertain on the ground floor. It has numerous old images, many events and activities planned throughout the year, must one of the very few museums worthwhile going visiting simply for the aromatic experience alone - and most importantly is FREE.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great way of "seeing" part of Walsall as it used to be when it became a centre of excellence in the leather world....and it's FREE! Very nice people to talk to about what interests you....and don't miss the Cafe for a value snack....yummy!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was dragged along to the Leather Museum on a weekend visit to friends nearby, but this was a thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating visit. A friendly welcome (and free entry) was a great start. Ron - a former leather currier - explained how leather was worked in the past, but for me the learning experience was Brummie Keith who explained in great detail the processes involved in making a wallet. He was engaging, good- humoured and knowledgable. I handle my wallet several times a day but have never thought about how it was made: now I understand I will appreciate the craftsmanship on a daily basis.
And the shop had a range of nice handmade leather products.
And the shop had a range of nice handmade leather products.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
love the building, staff was really nice and helpful when i got lost.ahaa. disliked the toilets, very dity, hard to find as was my first time there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Couldn't believe that Walsall has been a working town since 1400! Great knowledge of the trade and friendly staff who are passionate about the resurgence of Leather production in the town. For a free exhibit its well worth a visit to learn something new about the town of a hundred trades! You could say that the Leather Museum is Walsall's Little Secret?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a simply brilliant little museum giving simple and easily understandable information about the Leather industry and specifically Walsall's Leather history.
Whether your a local or a visitor it's very worth while a visit.
An additional bonus is the small but very cheap café. Limited options but what they have is very good. We had a pot of tea, a coffee and a huge piece of Bakewell cake for £2.95.
Staff are lovely, pleasant and informative.
A little gem!
[Toilets are sparklingly clean]
Whether your a local or a visitor it's very worth while a visit.
An additional bonus is the small but very cheap café. Limited options but what they have is very good. We had a pot of tea, a coffee and a huge piece of Bakewell cake for £2.95.
Staff are lovely, pleasant and informative.
A little gem!
[Toilets are sparklingly clean]
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This free museum is certainly worth a visit.
We were offered a personal tour of the museum and found it to be very interesting. They showed us the process of the work involved in making leather saddles and other leather goods i.e purses, suitcases and handbags. We made a leather key ring for 50p to take home with us.
We were offered a personal tour of the museum and found it to be very interesting. They showed us the process of the work involved in making leather saddles and other leather goods i.e purses, suitcases and handbags. We made a leather key ring for 50p to take home with us.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited this museum a few years ago and then thought it was very interesting, but clearly there has been considerable investment since then, and this is now a first class attraction, with informative displays, fascinating details of leather-making processes, and demonstrations of industry techniques. There is an attractive eating area/garden, a small café which serves appetising snacks, and a shop (which has some good bargains).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
