Quarter Life - Issue 7 - Spring 2016

Q U A R T E R L I F E – T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E J E W E L L E R Y Q U A R T E R

JEWELLERY QUARTER

LIVE LEARN WORK VISIT

DESTINATION JQ

PUTTING THE QUARTER ON THE MAP

HOME IS WHERE...THE LATEST

JQ APARTMENTS

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

LOCAL JEWELLERS TEAM UP WITH JOHN LEWIS

www.jewelleryquarter.net

LIVE LEARN WORK VISIT

ART

Behind the scenes with the world’s leading retailer in signed music related art

NOW THAT’S

ISSUE SEVEN

Studio 1, 51 St. Paul’s Square,

Birmingham B3 1QS

0121 233 0867

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IT’S THAT ST PAUL’S SMILE!

ON THE COVER

Gemma Wilson is gallery manager at St. Paul’s Gallery.

Turn to page 13 to read more about the gallery and

its fantastic collections.

NEXT ISSUE

If you’ve got an interesting story you’d like us to

consider for the next issue of Quarter Life, please email

[email protected]

WELCOME TO THE SEVENTH ISSUE OF QUARTER LIFE

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE JEWELLERY QUARTER.

HelloWhat is in a name? The Jewellery

Quarter is known as a destination for high quality jewellery, with over 50 independent jewellers, workshops and leading educational institutions producing the next generation of designer-makers, but is the Quarter’s unique attraction all about jewellery?

The easy answer is no – there is so much more here than the name lets on. The Quarter has a wealth of creative and professional businesses, bars, restaurants and tourist attractions. Yet perhaps the most intriguing pleasure of the JQ is simply its rich history and heritage, giving many of its buildings a story of their own to tell.

Issue seven lifts the curtain on some of the fantastic businesses and people who call the Quarter home. We take a look at the exciting work being done to restore the Industrial Middle to its former glory and uncover some of the many new developments taking place in the district, including new apartments, bars and restaurants. All this and more fills the pages of this edition of Quarter Life which we’ve themed ‘Destination JQ’.

We have been very busy here at the JQ Business Improvement District (JQBID). Since its completion last year, the Golden Square has played host to a fantastic season of events which kicked off with our inaugural JQ Festival 2015. The feedback we received from some of the 9,000 festival-goers was truly fantastic and we’ve already put plans in place for the festival’s return this year (22 – 24 July). With another jam-packed year of events on the horizon we’ve had to call in some extra help and are delighted to welcome Kimberly Loynes to the team as JQBID Event Manager. A resident of the Quarter herself, Kim has been organising events for a number of years, from dinners at the ICC to film screenings and exhibitions. We’re delighted to have her on board and are looking forward to what she has in store for the Quarter. The JQBID is also pleased to be contributing to the packed event programme of the JQ Townscape Heritage project. This will see Suzanne Carter joining our office to run the activities programme, focusing on JQ community engagement and promoting its heritage. Read more about the JQTH project later in this edition.

JQBID will continue to invest in the Jewellery Quarter and bring to the area floral displays, events, a cleaner environment, public realm improvements, ale trails, shopping guides and too much more to list!

2016 is shaping up to be another busy year, so go ahead and dive into the latest edition of Quarter Life and see what all the fuss is about.

Luke Crane, JQBID manager

Q U A R T E R L I F E – I S S U E S E V E N 3

I S S U E S E V E N

Editor:

Chris Brown [email protected]

0121 233 2080

Advertising:

Luke Crane [email protected]

0121 233 2814

Design & Art Direction:

Lee Haynes

Photography:

Lee Allen

Contributors:

Matthew Bott

Nicola Fleet-Mine

Vicky Osgood

Suzanne Carter

C O N T A C T U S

For Jewellery Quarter BID enquiries:

[email protected] 0121 233 2814

Designed and produced by:

www.barques.co.uk

A magazine by:

www.jewelleryquarter.net

NEWSRoyal visitor sparkles at the School of Jewellery

Save the date: JQ Festival 2016 | Caroline Street Trees

It’s owl over now | Award-winning year for the Coffin Works

Welcome to the new JQ businesses

8 CREATING NEIGHBOURHOODSAn introduction to the Jewellery Quarter’s Neighbourhood Plan and what it means for the district.

9 CHANGING SPACESNews on developments transforming the Quarter.

10 LIVING IN THE JQAn update on the latest apartments to go on the market in the Quarter.

11 ON TRACKFrom New Street to the JQ – Midland Metro extension opens this year.

13 ART ATTACKAn interview and look behind the scenes of St Paul’s Gallery.

14 COMMUNITY SPIRIT Learn more about the community project between John Lewis Birmingham and the Quarter’s top designer-makers.

16 LIFE THROUGH A LENSShining a light on the Jewellery Quarter and Quarter Lifestyle.

18 SAVING OUR HISTORYWe reveal the latest plans to preserve the history and heritage of the Jewellery Quarter.

20 I JQVicky Osgood reveals why she loves living in the Jewellery Quarter.

22 PHONE BOXInternational Dance Festival Birmingham 2016 comes to the JQ.

23 WHAT’S ONDates for your diary.

PUTTING THE JEWELLERY QUARTER ON THE MAP

5

DestinationExploring the new spaces

that are putting the Jewellery Quarter

on the map

Photo: fl ickr-Bs0u10e0

4 Q U A R T E R L I F E – I S S U E S E V E N

Following the success of the Jewellery Quarter BID’s inaugural festival last summer, the

date has been set for its return, promising an even bigger, better and brighter weekend full of

creative flair.

The 2015 JQ Festival saw more than 9,000 people enjoy street food, live music and theatre, dance troupes, and vintage arts and crafts over

the weekend.

All this and more will return to the Golden Square and many other venues across the Quarter in July. The incredibly popular Open Studios will also return, allowing festival-goers to peek behind the doors of businesses and

spaces that are normally closed to the public.

Make sure you pop 22-24 July 2016 in your diary and visit www.jewelleryquarter.net/jq-festival

for the latest updates on the 2016 JQ Festival.

Save the date: JQ Festival 2016

ROYAL VISITOR SPARKLES AT THE SCHOOL OF JEWELLERY

The Jewellery Quarter is no stranger to VIPs perusing the craftsmanship of its many designer-

makers and that tradition continued when the School of Jewellery hosted a very special royal visitor.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex gained an insight into the work of staff, students and graduates when she toured the Vittoria Street campus.

The Countess’s visit was part of the School of Jewellery’s 125th anniversary celebrations, during which she was presented with a necklace by alumna Rebecca Sellors, who graduated from the school in 2013.

During the visit, students and lecturers demonstrated how they use both handcraft jewellery skills and new technological applications to create the stunning designs found in shops across the UK.

NEWS

5Q U A R T E R L I F E – I S S U E S E V E N

Caroline Street goes green this year

Birmingham City Council, with support from the JQ BID, will bring a touch of green to one of the main routes into the Jewellery Quarter this summer.

A total of 12 trees will be planted in a 1.5m wide raised strip along Caroline Street to create a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment. The scheme is a long-standing aspiration of the Jewellery Quarter community, which has campaigned for more trees in the area for some time. The project is due to start during late summer, with the trees being planted in autumn.

NEWS

6 Q U A R T E R L I F E – I S S U E S E V E N

118 Recruitment, Caroline Street

40 St Paul’s – Gin Bar, St Paul’s Square

Alex Mae, St. Paul’s Square

And Upholster, Hylton Street

Argent College, Vittoria Street

Billy Hunt, Kenyon Street

Birmingham Clinical Massage, Hockley Street

Bugged Up, Caroline Street

Cheshires Jewellers, The Mews, Warstone Lane

Citizen Home, Vyse Street

Co-Op, Newhall Square

Colmore Insurance Brokers, Water Street

Cotidia, Vyse Street

Crystal Clear Skin, Vyse Street

Diamond Quarter, The Golden Square

Dudler Herbal, Northampton Street

Emporio Arts, 105 Carver Street

Fenice Media, Vyse Street

Fire Safety Managers Ltd, The Big Peg

Fly Agency, Branston Street

Harley Investments, Caroline Street

Kaffee Couture, Augusta Street

Klassic Grill, Icknield Street

Masala, Pitsford Street

Nettl, Vyse Street

Quo-Vadis, Spencer Street

Sonnys Jewellers, Vyse Street

Staycity, Newhall Square

The Chocolate Quarter, Spencer Street

The Waxing Hub, Spencer Street

Tinkable Clinic, Caroline Street

TLO, Ludgate Hill

To find out more about these businesses and the many more which call the Quarter home, visit www.jewelleryquarter.net/directory

WELCOME TO THE NEW JQ BUSINESSES

AWARD-WINNING YEAR FOR THE COFFIN WORKS

In October 2015 The Coffin Works celebrated its first birthday since re-opening and with it a flurry of awards. In just one year, the historic visitor attraction has

won a total of five awards: The Renaissance Award (Birmingham Civic Society), Best Conservation Project and Best Tourism and Leisure Project (RICS Awards 2015, West Midlands) The Icon Award For Conservation In The Community and People’s Favourite Project (Historic England Angel Award). Tripadvisor reviews have also continued to pour in, earning The Coffin Works a Certificate of Excellence.

To book your own guided tour around this award-winning attraction and to see what it’s all about, visit www.coffinworks.org or phone 0121 233 4790.

In the last edition we told you all about The Big Hoot, a 10-week art project that saw 85 large owl sculptors

swoop into Birmingham. The Quarter had three of its very own perched at the Jewellery Quarter Railway Station, Golden Square and St Paul’s Square. In October, all of the owls were auctioned to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. A fantastic £508,035 was raised on the night with the JQ’s owls raising £22,700. Big Brown Inky Owl, Jewellery Owl and Bejewelled Owl now have permanent homes with the people and companies that bought them. Organisers Wild in Art will return this summer with The Big Read, which we will feature in the next edition. In the meantime, visit www.bighoot.co.uk and www.thebigread.org.uk

for more information.

It’s owl over now

NEWS


Creating Neighbourhoods

If you talk to the people who live and work in the Jewellery Quarter, it’s pretty obvious how passionate they are about both preserving the area’s history and

heritage, and supporting the diverse range of businesses located here.

It’s for this very reason that a group of people who live and work in the JQ are working together on the JQ Neighbourhood Plan as a way of preserving and enhancing everything that makes the area so unique, whilst encouraging investment and high quality development.

Initiated by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), the JQ Plan process began in 2013 when Birmingham City Council awarded the Quarter with Neighbourhood Planning status, allowing businesses and residents to play a greater role in the development of the area.

The plan provides residents and businesses with powers when it comes to setting standards for new developments in the area, helping them to protect the Quarter’s heritage and assisting the district to flourish with a healthy balance of business, commercial and residential use.

The Neighbourhood Plan drafting process takes about 18 months and when a draft is in place, businesses and residents will be balloted in a JQ-wide referendum to determine whether or not it should be implemented. If the businesses and residents all vote yes, the JQ Plan must be taken into consideration by developers and Birmingham City Council when planning applications are submitted and judged.

With less than a year to go, the plan is undergoing revision and anyone who lives and works in the Jewellery Quarter will be invited to give their views.

For more information about how to get involved, visit www.jewelleryquarter.net/jq-neighbourhood-plan.

GO

ALS

OF

TH

E

NEI

GH

BO

UR

HO

OD

PL

AN

TO ENABLE BUSINESSES AND

RESIDENTS TO CO-EXIST AND BE SUCCESSFUL

TOGETHER

TO PROTECT OUR HERITAGE OF BEAUTIFUL

BUILDINGS, JEWELLERY AND

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AND ALLIED ACTIVITIES

TO DRIVE UP THE QUALITY

OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS

AND TACKLE DERELICTION

TO FACILITATE THE WIDER PROJECTS

NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND

VITALITY OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER

Q U A R T E R L I F E – I S S U E S E V E N8 Q U A R T E R L I F E – I S S U E S E V E N

THE PIG & TAIL

After lying vacant for almost two decades, the former George and Dragon pub on Albion Street will re-open this summer as The Pig & Tail. The historic Grade II listed building is being brought back to life by the owners of The Pickled Piglet on Gas Street and will sell craft beer, small dishes and sharing plates. Keen to retain the building’s original features, the new owners have invested almost £100,000 in its opening, which will initially create 10 full and part-time jobs. As well as serving an array of small dishes and cured meats, the owners also plan to work closely with West Midlands’ breweries to launch new beer brands and

possibly one of their own creations.

www.thepigandtail.co.uk

ASSAY STUDIOS

In 2015, the Assay Office moved deeper into the Jewellery Quarter, leaving behind its Newhall Street home of almost 140 years. However, the iconic building didn’t remain empty for long and developers TCN moved in to establish a new creative and collaborative workplace. The Assay Studios will complete in June 2016 and will offer a number of suites ranging from 150 – 5,500 sq ft. Suites can also be combined for larger occupiers. The building retains its character with exposed brick, fireplaces and staircases, while many of the old furnishings have been repurposed. Large safes once used to secure silver waiting to be hallmarked have now been converted into meeting rooms and tea points. Assay Studios is a welcome addition to the bustling creative

environment of the Jewellery Quarter.

www.assaystudios.co.uk.

SAINT PAULS HOUSE

Following the closure of The Rope Walk in 2015, a new 31-bedroom boutique hotel opens its doors this spring on the

same site. Saint Pauls House is a contemporary, stylish and vibrant hotel, bar and restaurant, which has been extended into the properties either side. New owners Adrian and Sharon Harvey have previously renovated the former Village Inn in Moseley and also own the Royal

Hotel in Sutton Coldfield.

www.saintpaulshouse.com

In the last edition of Quarter Life we explored a handful of the many projects undergoing development in the Jewellery Quarter. Some have

now completed and many more have begun, further enhancing the Quarter for those who live and work here, and those who visit.

We take a look at the latest additions.

C H A N G I N G

SPACESSPACES


As the Neighbourhood Plan undergoes development, the Jewellery Quarter continues to be a hot spot for professionals, families and students looking to take up residence. Whether it’s an apartment to rent or somewhere to buy, there are plenty of schemes completing in the coming years that will no doubt be in high demand.

ST. PAUL’S CHAMBERSC AROL INE STREET

Located just off Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian square and taking its name from the nearby church, St. Paul’s Chambers offers spacious, high-quality apartments in an area that is undergoing a significant transformation.

The development boasts seven two-bedroom and two-bathroom apartments from 1,300 -1,400 sq ft in size, and a large, 3,300 sq ft three-bedroom, three-bathroom duplex apartment, which occupies the entire top-floor of the building.

www.saintpaulschambers.co.uk

Livingin the

1

1 0 Q U A R T E R L I F E – I S S U E S E V E N

JEWEL COURTLEGGE L ANE

Comprising 77 one-bedroom and two-bedroom luxury apartments, Jewel Court maintains the Quarter’s heritage and offers apartments of high-quality craftsmanship. Each apartment has been designed to a high specification, making clever use of the space available. A courtyard above the underground car park adds to the chic look.

FOLIUMC AROL INE STREET

After lying derelict for a number of years, the iconic Folium building is receiving a new lease of life this year as building work commences on 14 refined living spaces. Each apartment comes fully furnished and has access to a decked garden space on the

first floor.

20 – 25 LEGGE LANE

Plans for 100 new flats on Legge Lane have been given the green light. The development will see a row of decrepit buildings part-demolished and restored to create 67 one-bedroom and 33 two-bedroom apartments. The scheme will have no parking for vehicles but will

include 104 spaces for bikes.

2

3

41

in the2 3 4

1 1Q U A R T E R L I F E – I S S U E S E V E N

The Midland Metro runs through the heart of the Jewellery Quarter and this year will see a major milestone.

Spring 2016 will see the completion of the Birmingham city centre extension from Snow Hill station to Grand Central at New Street

station, better connecting the Jewellery Quarter to the city centre.

The arrival of the Metro at its new Bull Street stop just before Christmas meant trams were once again running on the streets of Birmingham city centre for the first time since 1952.

The service now operates from Wolverhampton St George’s to Bull Street in both directions - with the next new stops being located at Corporation Street and Grand Central at New Street station.

Work is already underway on the next extension, from Grand Central to Centenary Square via Pinfold Street and Victoria Square, which is due to open in 2019. The West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority has also just given the go-ahead for trams to be fitted with batteries – a UK first.

They will be able to run in certain spots along the route without the need for overhead power wires, meaning the architectural integrity of sensitive areas such as Victoria Square can be preserved while still benefiting from 21st century public transport links. The Metro extension is fantastic news for the Quarter and will enable shoppers and visitors to travel to the heart of the JQ from the city centre in a matter of minutes.

Artist’s impression of trams running through Victoria Square without overhead power lines.

TRACK

TRACKTRACK


DestinationExploring the new spaces

that are putting the Jewellery Quarter

on the map

Photo: flickr-Bs0u10e0

As visitor figures to the Jewellery Quarter continue to rise, the award-winning Staycity has opened its second site of aparthotels in the city.

Located on the former site of the Birmingham Science Museum in Newhall Square, the new aparthotel consists of four studios, 142 one-bedroom apartments sleeping three to four people, and 24 two-bedroom apartments that accommodate up to six people. Each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchenette, sitting area and bathroom, with a 24-hour reception service and access to a fitness room and on-site parking.

On the ground floor of the re-developed Newhall Square site is a communal lounge area offering freshly ground coffee, tea, continental breakfasts and light snacks.

Staycity’s aparthotels cater for those on business, as well as small groups of people and families who want to stay together. Offering space and flexibility, they’re a great alternative for those looking for a bit more independence and a home-away-from-home, with all the usual comforts.

Visit www.staycity.com/birmingham for more information.

Staycity

James GwilliamGeneral Manager

D E S T I N A T I O N J Q – Q U A R T E R L I F E

Do you think you have what it takes to become a master detective and save

someone’s life? Or perhaps rescue a young woman from a hospital where she is being held captive? Thankfully both scenarios are fictitious and are two of the puzzles

found at Escape Live.

Celebrating its first birthday this spring, the live escape experience gives teams of between two and six people just 60 minutes to escape from a locked room. Working together, groups must spot clues, solve riddles and decipher cryptic messages so that they can escape. Two puzzles are available for visitors: Dr. Wilson’s Office which centres on a master detective whose life is threatened; and Room 13, the story of Amy who is locked away in a hospital. Voted number 1 on Tripadvisor for ‘Fun & Games in Birmingham’, Escape Live will soon see its

15,000th escapee crack the case.

With plans already in motion to launch two new rooms later this year, the attraction is perfect for team building with work colleagues, stag and hen-dos, half-term fun or just an evening with friends. Sessions start from £15 per

person. Booking is essential.

www.escapelive.co.uk Jordan LadleyManager


In 2015, the Jewellery Quarter welcomed a new addition to its fine dining repertoire. Located off the beaten track between two jewellery shops on Warstone Lane, Two Cats Kitchen opened its first permanent restaurant after a year of pop-up events and dining experiences.

Specialising in New Baltic-Russian cuisine, owner Nick Astley alongside his fellow chefs recompose traditional dishes whilst creating new ones. As fine dining goes, Two Cats offers something a little more casual, with exposed brickwork, steel beams and repurposed furniture reflecting the heritage of the Jewellery Quarter perfectly. A seven-course tasting menu costs £42, with dishes including raw beef, horseradish, shiitake, lumpfish roe and peanut oil and kohlrabi, pork shoulder, kvass and caraway. For an additional £29, an accompanying wine match is also

prepared, complementing every morsel.

Although fine dining is often thought to attract a high price tag, Two Cats redefines what it is, focusing more on the thought process that goes into preparing the meals, rather than the price

of the menu.

www.twocatskitchen.com

twocatsK I T C H E N

Nick AstleyOwner


There’s no shortage of drinking establishments in the Jewellery Quarter, but the latest bar to open its doors is off ering

something a little bit diff erent.

40 St Paul’s is the Quarter’s fi rst Gin Palace. Located on St Paul’s Square, it serves over 60 diff erent types of the spirit in a range of cocktails and shorts. With capacity for just 24 people, the bar is strictly table service only and aims to provide quality over quantity in a relaxed, boutique setting.

In addition to the extensive gin list, 40 St Paul’s works alongside local Jewellery Quarter eateries to provide an extensive food menu. Th e Eight Foot Grocer, Peel & Stone and Two Cats Kitchen are just some of the businesses providing an array of small dishes and bar snacks.

Owners Amanjot Singh Johal and Rob Wood want to create a world class drinking experience with a focus on attention to detail and hospitality. Off ering the sort of treatment you’d expect from a Michelin star restaurant, 40 St Paul’s is quickly making a name for itself as one of the Jewellery Quarter’s premium bars.

Amanjot JohalOwner


Thirty years since opening the doors of its last bar, legendary Birmingham brewery

Davenports, is returning to the city to open the first of its new Dares Craft Beer and Cocktail Cafés at the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.

Located on the former site of the Jewellery Quarter Police Station on the ground floor of the Big Peg, Dares will offer an eclectic blend of craft beer, cocktails and coffee with a casual open grill street food style menu.

By day, the urban-styled café will be filled with the smell of fresh coffee. By night, the trained baristas make way for a bartender who can advise on great craft beers and food pairings whilst mixing an array of liquors to create some very special cocktails.

It’s important not to forget what Davenports is famous for, though, and that’s craft beer. With over 186 years of heritage brewing beer, Davenports wants to rekindle people’s love of favourites such as Davenports Original and Pale Ale whilst also introducing them to several other recently re-launched cask beers.

The new café in the Jewellery Quarter is the first of a number opening in Birmingham. Over the coming year the owners wish to open a further half a dozen new or refurbished venues, with a five-year plan of 50.

www.davenports.co.uk

DA R E S C R A F T B E E R A N D C O C KTA I L C A F É

Paran SanduHead Brewer

Simon KeyMarketing Brand Director


40 St Paul’s 40 Cox Street

24 Carat Bistro 27 Warstone Lane

Andersons Bar & Grill 30 Mary Ann Street

Aprés 45 Summer Row

Blue Nile28 Great Hampton Street

Brown Lion 18 Hall Street

Café Neo87 Spencer Street

CC’s Hot & Cold Food 65 Caroline Street

Coffee Lounge 101 Newhall Street

Cucina Rustica 24 Ludgate Hill

Deli Heaven 22 Caroline Street

Dhillons Café & Fish Bar 52-53 Warstone Lane

Dominique’s 91 Newhall Street

Donna’s Pantry 95 Newhall Street

Fleet Street Kitchen Fleet Street

Fredericks 50 Frederick Street

B A R S , C A F É S & R E S T A U R A N T S

Greggs 51 Warstone Lane

Henry’s Cantonese 27 St Paul’s Square

Hylton Café 2 Hylton Street

In and Out Sandwich Bar 38 Cox Street

Itihaas 18 Fleet Street

Jam House 5 St. Paul’s Square

JQ Coffee Café Frederick Street

Kaffee Couture 21 Augusta Street

Klassic Grill110 Icknield Street

Lasan 2 James Street

Locanta Wine Bar 31 Ludgate Hill

Lunchi 18 Warstone Lane

Masala 19-23 Pitsford Street

Mechu 47-59 Summer Row

Milan Indian Cuisine 93 Newhall Street

Niche Café 198 Warstone Lane

Nozomi Fleet Street

Pasta Di Piazza 11 Brook Street

Peel & Stone Arch 33 Water Street

Philpotts Ltd 141 Gt. Charles Street Queensway

Pickwicks 194 Newhall Street

Pizza Quarter 38 Warstone Lane

Pomegranate Coffee Shop Heritage Court

17-21 Warstone Lane

Portofino 21 Frederick Street

Prestige Restaurant and Bar 42 Summer Hill Road

Rajdoot Tandoori 78-79 George Street

Red Lion 95 Warstone Lane

Rose Villa Tavern 172 Warstone Lane

Rosella’s Café & Convenience Store

41 George Street

Saint Kitchen 61a St. Paul’s Square

Semedo’s 54 Warstone Lane

Stirlings Bar 21 Ludgate Hill


Subway 40a Frederick Street

Syriana 1 Constitution Hill

The Actress & Bishop 36 Ludgate Hill

The Church Inn 22 Great Hampton Street

The Drop Forge 6 Hockley Street

The Eight Foot Grocer 15 Caroline Street

The Jeweller’s Arms 23 Hockley Street

The Lord Clifden 34 Great Hampton Street

The Queen’s Arms 150 Newhall Street

The Rectory 50-54 St. Paul’s Square

The Shakespeare Summer Row

The Vaults 16-17 Newhall Hill

Tropical Delights 88-90 Vittoria Street

Two Cats Kitchen 27 Warstone Lane

Two Towers Brewery Unit 1 51 Mott Street

UCB Cakes & Bakes Summer Row

Urban Coffee 120 Vyse Street

Vee’s Deli 83 Vyse Street

Vertu Bar 25 Frederick Street

Viceroy 108-109 Icknield Street

Vittoria Chinese Restaurant 60 Vittoria Street

Bloc HotelCaroline Street

Ibis Styles 65 Lionel St

Hampton by Hilton98-104 Constitution Hill

Hatter’s Hostel92-95 Livery Street

Travelodge 80 Charlotte Street

Staycity88 Charlotte Street

Saint Pauls House 15-20 St Paul’s Square

Big Brum Open Top Buz 07805 115998

J. W. Evans54-57 Albion Street

Key Hill CemeteryKey Hill

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter75-80 Vyse Street

Newman Brothers Coffin Works 13-15 Fleet Street

RBSA Gallery 4 Brook Street

St Paul’s ChurchSt Paul’s Square

St Paul’s Gallery94-108 Northwood Street

The Blue Orange Theatre118 Great Hampton Street

The Pen MuseumUnit 3 The Argent Centre,

60 Frederick Street

Turner Fine Arts (by appointment only)2, Rose House, Warstone Lane

Two Towers Brewery tour Unit 1, Mott Street Industrial Estate

Warstone Lane CemeteryWarstone Lane

Wonderful World of Trains & Planes 3 Mary Ann Street


T O U R I S T A T T R A C T I O N SH O T E L S & A C C O M M O D A T I O N

ART IS SAID TO BE A MATTER OF OPINION. WHILE A PIECE SUCH AS TRACEY EMIN’S ‘MY BED’ MAY NOT BE CREATIVE TO SOME, IT CLEARLY HAS MERIT TO OTHERS.

WHEN YOU WALK INTO ST PAUL’S GALLERY, THOUGH, YOU IMMEDIATELY THINK, “NOW THIS IS ART”.

www.stpaulsgallery.com

94-108 Northwood Street,BirminghamB3 1TH

Gallery Opening TimesTuesday – Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm

Art enthusiasts may also be interested in the RBSA Gallery (Brook Street) and Turner Fine Art (Warstone Lane).

Gemma WilsonGallery Manager

Located on Northwood Street, the gallery is the world’s leading retailer in signed limited edition album cover fi ne art and is one of the top commercial galleries

outside London.Th e walls are fi lled with iconic images. From Pink Floyd and Queen to Led

Zeppelin and David Bowie, the gallery is an Aladdin’s cave for any true music fan. All of the prints are signed by the artist and many have signatures from the

musicians. Album cover artists include Sir Peter Black (Th e Beatles, Ian Dury), Storm Th orgerson and Aubrey Powell (Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, 10cc), Karl Ferris (Jimi Hendrix, Donovan) Terry Pastor (David Bowie) and Jim Fitzpatrick (Th in Lizzy).

For something a little bit diff erent, the Soundwaves Band Signed Prints add a blast of vibrant colour. Artist Tim Wakefi eld has taken soundwaves from songs such as School’s Out (Alice Cooper), Yellow (Coldplay), Aerial (Kate Bush) and many more, transforming them from hypnotic waves into works of art bursting with colour. Only a limited number of these prints have been made. However, all have been signed by both Tim and the artists.

St Paul’s Gallery isn’t just about music though; it also invests in rare fi ne art prints and originals by world-renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Picasso, Bridget Riley and Salvador Dali.

With some pieces costing in excess of £100,000, owner Symon Bland is revered globally for his knowledge, expertise and extensive collection, so much so that over 90% of the gallery’s business is conducted overseas.

Whether you have a few thousand pounds burning a hole in your pocket or just appreciate good music and art, St Paul’s Gallery is a must-see.

ATTACKART


IN THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT

THERE’S A

The Jewellery Quarter is well known for its sense of community spirit and last autumn

this was ever more prevalent.

Lisa Williams, left, with designer Rhiannon Lewis


community project that was conceived in 2013 between the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and John Lewis has seen jewellery created by six designer-makers from the JQ sold in John Lewis’ new flagship store in Birmingham.

The jewellers - James Newman, Kate Smith, Becca Williams, Rhiannon Lewis, Collete Waudby and Fei Liu - were given the opportunity of a lifetime when they were selected to supply more than 500 pieces for John Lewis’ autumn/winter collection.

Lisa Williams, head of branch at John Lewis Birmingham, said the decision to showcase JQ designer-makers came after Grand Central representatives visited the Quarter to explore the opportunities available for local businesses in the multi-million pound shopping centre.

“The Jewellery Quarter is such an iconic and important part of Birmingham and we were keen to reflect its significance within the new shop in some way,” said Lisa.

The programme is much more than a community project; it’s a collaboration with businesses and stakeholders sharing expertise and supporting emerging talent. As well as the designers themselves, many other businesses in the JQ benefit, including stone setters, casters and cutters.

Three organisations, the Jewellery Quarter Association, JQBID and Jewellery Quarter Marketing Initiative, have funded the project to enable the National Association of Jewellers to manage the admin process between John Lewis and the Jewellery Quarter.

John Lewis Birmingham has now welcomed the next tranche of five designers for the spring/summer season. James Newman will continue to feature his bespoke pieces designed solely for the Birmingham department store.

Lauren Elizabeth, Alice Stewart, Julia Davenport, Rachel Whitehead and Hazel Rose will represent the Quarter, with their own collections which launched in store on 24 March.

Pieces start from £35 and include necklaces and rings, bracelets and earrings.

To see the jewellers’ fantastic work, make sure you visit the second floor of John Lewis

If you are a jewellery designer-maker based in the Quarter and would like to be considered for the next group going into John Lewis, please email Jilly Cosgrove [email protected].

IT HAS BEEN A GREAT PERSONAL OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVOLVED WITH A MAJOR NATIONAL RETAILER. BEING PART OF A PROJECT THAT INVOLVES THE JEWELLERY QUARTER AND BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE HAS BEEN REALLY POSITIVE AS AN INDEPENDENT DESIGNER. IT HAS HELPED HIGHLIGHT THE VARIETY OF TALENT AVAILABLE IN THE AREA.

Rhiannon Lewis

Lisa Williams with James Newman

Designer, Becca Williams

Designer Collette Waudby, left, with Lisa Williams


Switched on for shopping

spree

In November, the JQBID hosted the Quarter’s first

Christmas lights switch-on at its new location in the

Golden Square.

Crowds gathered in and around Warstone Lane to enjoy the very best street food, live music

and a dazzling firework display. The evening

culminated with the grand lights switch-on, which saw the Golden Square’s 30ft Christmas tree burst with colour, shimmering

alongside the festive lights adorning dozens of lampposts throughout the

BID area.


Quarter Lifestyle wows the crowds

Twenty-three of the Jewellery Quarter’s top

fashion, retail and beauty entrepreneurs showcased their wares at an exclusive

style event held at the University College

Birmingham’s new campus, McIntyre House.

Bespoke tailors, corsetry, vintage vendors, and bespoke bridal and

designer jewellers were just some of the talent exhibiting at Quarter

Lifestyle, organised by the JQBID.

Guests were treated to wine and canapés, served

by UCB hospitality students, and a fashion show featuring clothes

from John Lewis. Personal stylist Beth Goodrham compered the fashion show, offering seasonal style tips for the party

season.


SAVINGOUR

JEWELLERY QUARTER TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE PROJECTCo-ordinated by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust, the Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage project will contribute small grants to help towards the cost of refurbishing a handful of listed, derelict or partly vacant historic properties within the ‘industrial middle’ of the Quarter, bringing them back into use. Conservation works to some of the most signifi cant ‘at risk’ historic properties will include repairing and rejuvenating the external frontages of the buildings to improve the streetscape. Th e proposed schemes supported by the Townscape Heritage Project will bring in around £16m capital investment into the Quarter from the JQBID, Birmingham City Council, Historic England, GBSLEP, HLF and other private investors.

In addition, there will be a range of opportunities for the public to get involved. Supported by the JQ BID, an extensive activity programme is about to launch to engage volunteers, school children, individuals and families in a variety of learning opportunities which explore the history of the industrial buildings in the area, the people who worked in them and their contemporary uses. ‘Behind the scenes’ events, treasure hunts, walking trails, street theatre and light shows are all planned over the next few years. Th e project will begin in the spring.

Th ree projects are to transform Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter for visitors, businesses and residents alike this year, after more than £3.2million in grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund were awarded to help preserve the Quarter’s heritage and reawaken its urban spaces. Quarter Life has been speaking to those involved in the projects to see what this will mean for the area and how people can get involved.


KEY HILL AND WARSTONE LANE CEMETERIESTh e Jewellery Quarter boasts three historic cemeteries that date back to the early 1800s. Including St Paul’s Churchyard, they cover more than seven hectares between them. Key Hill Cemetery and Warstone Lane Cemetery feature spectacular catacombs buried deep within the former quarry sites. Th is summer, work is to begin on restoring these two cemeteries to their former Victorian glory. Having ceased to be used for burials a number of years ago, they have become a haven for wildlife, providing green space within the urban environment. Th e conservation work will increase the accessibility of the cemeteries; pathways will be restored, drainage improved and the catacombs made safe. Alongside these, fresh heritage interpretation, a new landscaped seating area designed upon the footprint of the original chapel in Warstone Lane, and a three-year programme of public activities, will encourage visitors, residents and people working in the area to use the spaces more. Th e project is managed by Birmingham City Council with support from Birmingham Conservation Trust.

NEW STANDARD WORKSNow home to Argent College, the Ruskin Mill Land Trust, owners of the New Standard Works, is fundraising to refurbish the remaining three fl oors of their Grade II listed building, which had stood empty for over 20 years before they bought it in 2014. Awarded an initial grant of £39,500 by the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop its plans for a full grant of nearly £890,000, if successful the Trust will use the money to create a Heritage Lounge, Makers Studios and run a fi ve-year programme of heritage and history-related activity. Th e iconic façade will also be restored. Th e wider plans for the building’s redevelopment also include a café, which will sell produce from its on-site bakery, rooftop garden and urban bee colonies. Other facilities, including a training kitchen, creative workshops, therapy and movement studios and a community hall and performance space, will be available both for their students and the community to use.

Th e Pen Museum has also recently been awarded a Heritage Lottery grant to redevelop the museum. You can follow the progress of all these projects on twitter/@Heritage_JQ and facebook/HeritageProjectsJQ.

Photo: Tony Hisgett

Artist impression of the rooftop biodome.


Freelance event co-ordinator, marketing manager and social butterfly, Vicky Osgood has lived in the Jewellery Quarter for more than nine

years. A resident of the Boxworks on Tenby Street, Vicky is a true advocate of the Quarter and everything it has to offer.


I have been a Birmingham resident since 2003, having moved here at the age of 18 to study at Birmingham City University.

After an interesting and varied work history (everything from highways to helpdesks), I found my calling in the realms of social media, marketing and events. The Jewellery Quarter gives me a great base to work from, for meetings, getting round the city or just to sit and work from its

wonderful coffee shops.

I’ve lived in the Boxworks for about six years and love the light and airy feel of my apartment. Being able to walk into my living room, with the fresh air blowing in through the

windows and the sun streaming in is a real luxury.

My favourite place in the Jewellery Quarter is the clock tower. I walk this way every morning and evening and the rising and setting sun always makes me pause. The view can be incredible when you get a fantastic sky behind the Big

Peg, The Rose Villa Tavern and down Warstone Lane.

I love going for drinks on the terrace of The Church or in the garden of The Lord Clifden in the summertime. You can’t beat an Old Fashioned with friends whilst enjoying the last

rays of the day.

The best thing about the area is definitely the people. I know people say city living can be alienating, but I have never felt

this way in the Quarter. It’s our “village in the city”.

The JQ is always evolving. It’s so exciting to see new independent businesses, hot cocktail joints and fantastic restaurants popping up all over the place. My heart most

definitely belongs to the Quarter.

Phone BoxB Y C O R E Y B A K E R D A N C E

Co-produced by DanceXchange for IDFB 2016 and commissioned by DanceXchange and Without Walls


A robotic car hitting some shapes, performers interacting with an iconic British red phone box and dancers on huge cubes on the streets of Birmingham. All this can mean only one thing – the International Dance Festival Birmingham (IDFB) is back!

And this year, for the first time, the Jewellery Quarter will play host to its own special performance.

From May 1 to 22, IDFB 2016 will stage ground-breaking dance performances and awe-inspiring pop-up presentations, bringing an impressive range of international dance companies to the city.

On Wednesday, May 11, the Corey Baker Dance Company will bring a nostalgic British icon to life in the Golden Square. With thrilling dance and a wacky digital sound-score, Phone Box will see a single athletic performer entertain and exhilarate audiences with impressive feats of acrobatics and physical moves.

True to Corey Baker’s signature style, Phone Box captivates the audience while exploring how an interactive installation can engage with the curiosity of the public.

Produced by DanceXchange, in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome, IDFB has amassed an impressive list of credentials since the inaugural festival in 2008: 21 commissions; 25 world and UK premieres; 416 free events and 25,000 participatory experiences.

The last festival in 2014 generated over £2.6 million of economic activity for the city, winning the UK Theatre Award for Achievement in Dance and attracting considerable media attention.

Highlights this May include a series of awe-inspiring, free outdoor performances produced by DanceXchange which will premiere at the festival. The Machine Show will take over Centenary Square from May 11 to 14, with spectacular dance and live music from French electro-rock band Rinôçérôse. Throughout each evening there will be a wealth of other outdoor activities and international food stalls, creating a festival buzz in the heart of the city.

TICKETS: FREE event

DATE: Wednesday May 11

TIMES: 11.00am and 1.00pm

RUNNING TIME: 20 minutes

AGE GUIDANCE: Family friendly

For more information about IDFB 2016 and to book tickets for other performances, visit www.idfb.co.uk

For all the details on what’s on locally visit jewelleryquarter.net/whatson

To tell us about an event email [email protected]

WHO KILLED WILLIE BLEWITT?14th April

5.30pm - 10.00pmNew Standard Works

WHAT REMAINS EXHIBITIONRuns until 28th April

The Coffin Works

JQA BREAKFAST – MAY17th May, Bloc Hotel

SPEEDQUIZZING IN THE JQ

Fancy a quiz with a difference? Check out Box Entertainment’s SpeedQuizzing events in the JQ.

A gameshow style interactive quiz through the power of mobile phones and tablet devices. All questions

are timed so there’s no cheating!

EVERY MONDAY9pm Start

The Actress & Bishop

EVERY THURSDAY8.30pm Start

The Lord Clifden

www.boxentertainment.co.uk

what’s on


Diamond Heaven

115 Vyse Street Jewellery Quarter Birmingham B18 6LP

Tel: 0121 2001300 Email : [email protected]

www.diamond-heaven.co.uk

E N G A G E M E N T R I N G S P E C I A L I S T S – O V E R 8 0 0 D E S I G N S I N S T O C K

D I A M O N D R I N G S I N G O L D A N D P L A T I N U M

E X C L U S I V E E T E R N I T Y R I N G S

W E D D I N G R I N G S A T C O M P E T I T I V E P R I C E S

H I G H Q U A L I T Y D I A M O N D J E W E L L E R Y

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Quarter Life - Issue 7 - Spring 2016

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Transcript of Quarter Life - Issue 7 - Spring 2016