Walsall Leather Museum
Latest Reviews
I was born in Walsall and now live in Hull and have been meaning to visit the Museum with my children for a while. When I saw the Easter Family Fun Day advertised it prompted us to go and we were not disappointed. The museum itself is very informative with explanations on all the displays, they are picture quiz sheets for children which gets them to look at all the displays. We went with 2 children, aged 5 and 8 and they thoroughly enjoyed the fun day. It was VERY well organised, with all staff highlighting what else was happening and where to go next. There were so many activities and very thoughtfully put together, I was very impressed, and all the staff and entertainers were knowledgeable and friendly too.
We're looking forward to the summer one now and recommend the Museum to all
We're looking forward to the summer one now and recommend the Museum to all
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had been planning to to go this site for a long time and we managed it! Such a lovely place with the team of people there really knowledgeable about the leather industry. The exhibits were informative along with items I never knew that could be made from leather. The volunteers were fabulous and really engaged and had a good laugh when we tried our hand at stamping leather. Really worthwhile going to see this place. If you put the effort in and go to learn, you will get such a lot of information back so my advice is, don't just walk around looking, actively engage with the exhibits and the people.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited last bank holiday for a family fun day and we all had a great time.It was a free event too and the children were entertained well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Walsall Leather Museum is well worth a visit. It is well-presented and interesting with out overwhelming you with facts, figures and long displays of text. The staff are very knowledgeable and they frequently have demonstrations and have-a-go sessions. Definitely worth getting in touch before visiting to find out what times these are, especially if you're going with children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited the Walsall Leather museum as we were at a loose end, what a pleasure it turned out to be.
It was easy to find a parking spot nearby, the museum takes the visitor on an interesting tour of the processes of tanning as well as the production of leather goods many of them equestrian in nature.
The production of the metal work associated with tack was also touched on.
Finally there was a demonstration of gold blocking.
Coffee very welcome!
All in all a good morning.
It was easy to find a parking spot nearby, the museum takes the visitor on an interesting tour of the processes of tanning as well as the production of leather goods many of them equestrian in nature.
The production of the metal work associated with tack was also touched on.
Finally there was a demonstration of gold blocking.
Coffee very welcome!
All in all a good morning.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a lovely visit. The staff were delightful . They were exceptionally helpful and attentive and did all they could to make us welcome. We may even return for another visit .
Only one awkward comment and that is about parking, which is not signposted as part of the museum, so we parked across the road in the supermarket, which was free.
Only one awkward comment and that is about parking, which is not signposted as part of the museum, so we parked across the road in the supermarket, which was free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I think this is a fascinating museum although perhaps in need of a little face lift. However I give it top marks because it gives a real insight into Walsall's history. There is a small shop with locally made, high quality leather goods and local history books. There is also a cafe with a small range of light meals and excellent cakes. The staff are friendly and helpful.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fascinating few hours and the lady who talked to me about when she worked in the leather industry in Walsall was a most interesting and knowledgeable guide.
Thouroughly recomend this as it is free , but may close soon because of Walsall MBC's short sighted approach.
Thouroughly recomend this as it is free , but may close soon because of Walsall MBC's short sighted approach.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This museum is well worth a visit. It's free for starters so why wouldn't you? It is interesting and the staff are great. We had the pleasure of meeting Wendy and Paul who chatted to us about the museum and how everything worked they were full of stories and made the whole experience just fantastic. Loved it ! Even bought a Xmas present in the shop lol
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here last week and it was fantastic. Wasn't sure what to expect but it was a really interesting place to visit. Lots of information and things to look at as you go through the museum but the highlight for us was in the workshop. Paul and Wendy were really friendly and chatty. They were enthusiastic and keen to share their knowledge. We were also able to get hands on and do some embossing as well as learn a lot of things about how important the corners are as well as learning about different techniques in leatherwork.
The museum itself is free and the embossing is a very small charge and you get to keep your item! We also stopped off for coffee and cake in the tea room and enjoyed both!!
If you are in the area this is a museum NOT to miss.
The museum itself is free and the embossing is a very small charge and you get to keep your item! We also stopped off for coffee and cake in the tea room and enjoyed both!!
If you are in the area this is a museum NOT to miss.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were limited on time. We had a guided tour with some hands on experience I learnt that Walsall has rich history in leather work. We also made some embossed key rings for a small fee. It was cheap and most enjoyable for both of us I was with my mother we both enjoyed it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit. This is a VERY interesting museum. Staff are very friendly and are willing to chat to you.There are also activities where you can make things, for a tiny price. I will be going again and will also be mentioning this place to my sons school,so they can go on a trip there. Cant believe Ron is 90 yrs old this yr & has worked there since he was 14 yrs old. Now thats what you call dedication & love for your job.& Ron said today that he has NO plans on retiring any time soon.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited this museum several times over the past 3 years and we have never been disappointed. Our 12 year old grandchild always has a visit to the museum top of things to do during school holidays. The staff have always been friendly and welcoming. The demonstrations in the factory room are our favourite. Wendy and Paul couldn't have been better. Excellent museum of Walsall's historic local industry.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Today we visited the Walsall Leather Museum for the second time this week. On Monday, we attended an Easter Fun Day and today we attended a Clay Portrait Workshop. On both occasions we had a wonderful time. The staff work hard to provide a warm and friendly atmosphere. The building is full of character with beautiful gardens and an enchanting cafe which provides freshly made food. The Museum is full of history which is vital to educate our younger generation.
Well done to all the staff, keep up the hard work.
The Tipper family
Well done to all the staff, keep up the hard work.
The Tipper family
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited the leather museum just to get advice on a leather repair requirement, not necessarily to see the museum as such. We were however delighted with the friendliness, the professionalism and the knowledge of all staff present there. Ron and Keith (the two professional craftsmen) were engaging and highly entertaining and very much experts in their field, so much so we ended up spending almost 3 hours there. For a free entrance attraction you simply cannot go wrong.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Leather Museum has wonderful staff who have a wealth of knowledge on their subject, as well as being very entertaining. They are patient and explain the exhibits; there are scraps of leather to take, a gilding machine to make your own key fob. And the shop has a range of high end leather goods to buy. It is housed in an old building from the leather trade.
The two final highlights of the visit have to be
1) the food in the cafe (reasonably priced with daily specials all prepared on the premises)
2) the beautiful tiny gardens surrounding the old premises. A lovely green sanctuary in an otherwise urban area
The two final highlights of the visit have to be
1) the food in the cafe (reasonably priced with daily specials all prepared on the premises)
2) the beautiful tiny gardens surrounding the old premises. A lovely green sanctuary in an otherwise urban area
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I look after our two grandchildren on Wednesdays in holiday time..
We always look what is on offer at the Walsall Leather Museum and the girls visit it at least once every holiday. The staff are all very friendly and helpful and the girls look forward to their visit and to take home the many splendid things they make in the craft sessions.
We always look what is on offer at the Walsall Leather Museum and the girls visit it at least once every holiday. The staff are all very friendly and helpful and the girls look forward to their visit and to take home the many splendid things they make in the craft sessions.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very interesting history of the industry & the community. Wonderful docents! Great interactive opportunity for all ages. Fabulous gift shop & very yummy Cafe. The perfect family activity.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife is a saddler and I used to sell saddles, and we both ride horses. Learning about the manufacturing process of the leather we both like so much, and then talking about its use in various leather goods, and how various things are made was fascinating.
The volunteer staff there is highly motivated and even more knowledgeable. Keep it going! This is a gem of British heritage.
The volunteer staff there is highly motivated and even more knowledgeable. Keep it going! This is a gem of British heritage.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Thi was an excelllent visit made interesting by the guide who had worked at the museum from when he was a boy.He is 89 with no plans to retiree.Learnt a lot about the leather industry and with anecdotes from the guide it was made very personal.Excellent visit.lunch at the cafe was really good value for money too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Museum well laid out, shop and café as well. Experienced staff with interesting stories to tell. Would make a good visit for home craft fans. Anyone who fancies trying their hand at hand crafting leather good should come and look - plenty of tips to be had.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Walsall Leather Museum is a fantastic place to take primary school children. The staff are 'children friendly' and we had recently 3 wonderful and educational 'hands on' experiences with three small groups of children from our Class 3. A really big 'Thank You' to David, Wendy, Paul and Ian from staff and pupils of Millfield Primary School.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was my first visit to the Museum, and indeed to Walsall. I learned so much about the industry and about the town's social history. I could almost taste, smell and hear the work that used to go on. We were blessed with some exceptionally friendly volunteer staff who could talk about their years spent in the leather industry. They brought artifacts to life.
Just over the road from the Art Gallery, a walk from the Arboretum and convenient for parking visitors could spend a wonderful day in and around the museum. It is well worth a visit.
Just over the road from the Art Gallery, a walk from the Arboretum and convenient for parking visitors could spend a wonderful day in and around the museum. It is well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The NHBS AGM has for many years been held in the meeting room at the Walsall Leather museum excellent venue friendly staff and so handy to have the café next to the meeting room. Loads of parking in the public car park opposite who could ask for more. Walsall is a most appropriate location for our meetings as it was the centre for horse brass manufacture in the foundries of the area in the nineteenth and early part of the twentieth centuries. Our grateful thanks to all and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Jim Speed
NHBS General Secretary
Jim Speed
NHBS General Secretary
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderfully interesting and insightful museum. Lived in the area all my life & have family who have worked in the leather industry. Well worth a visit with friendly staff and a lovely cafe too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
