Behind the scenes with the world s leading retailer in signed music related art NOW THAT S ART COMMUNITY SPIRIT

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1 JEWELLERY QUARTER ISSUE SEVEN LIVE LEARN WORK VISIT Behind the scenes with the world s leading retailer in signed music related art NOW THAT S ART DESTINATION JQ PUTTING THE QUARTER ON THE MAP COMMUNITY SPIRIT LOCAL JEWELLERS TEAM UP WITH JOHN LEWIS HOME IS WHERE... THE LATEST JQ APARTMENTS QUARTER LIFE THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE JEWELLERY QUARTER

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3 Hello WELCOME TO THE SEVENTH ISSUE OF QUARTER LIFE THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE JEWELLERY QUARTER. 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 chris@barquespr.co.uk What 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? Luke Crane, The easy answer is no there is so JQBID manager 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 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. QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 3

4 5 8 CREATING 9 CHANGING NEWS Royal 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 NEIGHBOURHOODS An introduction to the Jewellery Quarter s Neighbourhood Plan and what it means for the district. SPACES News on developments transforming the Quarter. LIVING IN THE JQ An update on the latest apartments to go on the market in the Quarter. ON TRACK From New Street to the JQ Midland Metro extension opens this year. ISSUE SEVEN Editor: Chris Brown chris@barquespr.co.uk Advertising: Luke Crane luke.crane@jqdt.org Design & Art Direction: Lee Haynes Photography: Lee Allen Destination Exploring the new spaces that are putting the Jewellery Quarter Photo: fl ickr-bs0u10e0 PUTTING THE JEWELLERY QUARTER ON THE MAP Contributors: Matthew Bott Nicola Fleet-Mine Vicky Osgood Suzanne Carter on the map CONTACT US ART ATTACK An interview and look behind the scenes of St Paul s Gallery. COMMUNITY SPIRIT Learn more about the community project between John Lewis Birmingham and the Quarter s top designer-makers. LIFE THROUGH A LENS Shining a light on the Jewellery Quarter and Quarter Lifestyle. SAVING OUR HISTORY We reveal the latest plans to preserve the history and heritage of the Jewellery Quarter. For Jewellery Quarter BID enquiries: info@jqdt.org Designed and produced by: 20 I JQ Vicky Osgood reveals why she loves living in the Jewellery Quarter PHONE BOX International Dance Festival Birmingham 2016 comes to the JQ. WHAT S ON Dates for your diary. A magazine by: 4 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

5 NEWS 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 designermakers 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 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. 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 July 2016 in your diary and visit for the latest updates on the 2016 JQ Festival. QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 5

6 NEWS 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. 6 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

7 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 or phone It s owl over now NEWS 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 and for more information. WELCOME TO THE NEW JQ BUSINESSES 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 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 7

8 Creating Neighbourhoods GOALS OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN 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. TO ENABLE BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS TO CO-EXIST AND BE SUCCESSFUL TOGETHER 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 JQwide 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 TO DRIVE UP THE QUALITY OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND TACKLE DERELICTION TO PROTECT OUR HERITAGE OF BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS, JEWELLERY AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AND ALLIED ACTIVITIES TO FACILITATE THE WIDER PROJECTS NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND VITALITY OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER 8 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

9 CHANGING SPACES 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. 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. 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. 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. QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 9

10 Living in the 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. 1 ST. PAUL S CHAMBERS CAROLINE STREET Located just off Birmingham s last remaining Georgian square and taking its name from the nearby church, St. Paul s Chambers offers spacious, highquality 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, threebathroom duplex apartment, which occupies the entire top-floor of the building QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

11 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 twobedroom apartments. The scheme will have no parking for vehicles but will include 104 spaces for bikes. JEWEL COURT LEGGE LANE Comprising 77 one-bedroom and twobedroom 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. FOLIUM CAROLINE 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. QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 11

12 TRACK Artist s impression of trams running through Victoria Square without overhead power lines. 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 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 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. TRACK 12 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

13 Photo: flickr-bs0u10e0 Destination Exploring the new spaces that are putting the Jewellery Quarter on the map

14 James Gwilliam General Manager taycity 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 for more information. DESTINATION JQ QUARTER LIFE

15 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. Jordan Ladley Manager DESTINATION JQ QUARTER LIFE

16 Nick Astley Owner two cats KITCHEN 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. DESTINATION JQ QUARTER LIFE

17 There s no shortage of drinking establishments in the Jewellery Quarter, but the latest bar to open its doors is offering something a little bit different. 40 St Paul s is the Quarter s first Gin Palace. Located on St Paul s Square, it serves over 60 different 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. The 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. Offering 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 Johal Owner DESTINATION JQ QUARTER LIFE

18 DARES CRAFT BEER AND COCKTAIL CAFÉ Paran Sandu Head Brewer Simon Key Marketing Brand Director 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 DESTINATION JQ QUARTER LIFE

19 BARS, CAFÉS & RESTAURANTS 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 Nile 28 Great Hampton Street Brown Lion 18 Hall Street Café Neo 87 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 Warstone Lane Dominique s 91 Newhall Street Donna s Pantry 95 Newhall Street Fleet Street Kitchen Fleet Street Fredericks 50 Frederick Street 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 Grill 110 Icknield Street Lasan 2 James Street Locanta Wine Bar 31 Ludgate Hill Lunchi 18 Warstone Lane Masala Pitsford Street Mechu 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 Warstone Lane Portofino 21 Frederick Street Prestige Restaurant and Bar 42 Summer Hill Road Rajdoot Tandoori 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 DESTINATION JQ QUARTER LIFE

20 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 St. Paul s Square The Shakespeare Summer Row The Vaults Newhall Hill Tropical Delights 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 Icknield Street Vittoria Chinese Restaurant 60 Vittoria Street HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Bloc Hotel Caroline Street Ibis Styles 65 Lionel St Hampton by Hilton Constitution Hill Hatter s Hostel Livery Street Travelodge 80 Charlotte Street Staycity 88 Charlotte Street Saint Pauls House St Paul s Square Big Brum Open Top Buz J. W. Evans Albion Street Key Hill Cemetery Key Hill Museum of the Jewellery Quarter Vyse Street Newman Brothers Coffin Works Fleet Street RBSA Gallery 4 Brook Street St Paul s Church St Paul s Square St Paul s Gallery Northwood Street The Blue Orange Theatre 118 Great Hampton Street The Pen Museum Unit 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 Cemetery Warstone Lane Wonderful World of Trains & Planes 3 Mary Ann Street DESTINATION JQ QUARTER LIFE

21 Gemma Wilson Gallery Manager ART ATTACK 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. Located on Northwood Street, the gallery is the world s leading retailer in signed limited edition album cover fine art and is one of the top commercial galleries outside London. The walls are filled 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 (The Beatles, Ian Dury), Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell (Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes, 10cc), Karl Ferris (Jimi Hendrix, Donovan) Terry Pastor (David Bowie) and Jim Fitzpatrick (Thin Lizzy). For something a little bit different, the Soundwaves Band Signed Prints add a blast of vibrant colour. Artist Tim Wakefield 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 fine 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 Northwood Street, Birmingham B3 1TH Gallery Opening Times Tuesday Saturday 10.00am 5.00pm Art enthusiasts may also be interested in the RBSA Gallery (Brook Street) and Turner Fine Art (Warstone Lane). QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 13

22 Lisa Williams, left, with designer Rhiannon Lewis THERE S A IN THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT The Jewellery Quarter is well known for its sense of community spirit and last autumn this was ever more prevalent. 14 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

23 Designer Collette Waudby, left, with Lisa Williams community project that was conceived in 2013 between the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and John Lewis has seen jewellery created by six designermakers 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. Designer, Becca Williams 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 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 Jilly Cosgrove jilly@jqdt.org.uk. Lisa Williams with James Newman QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 15

24 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. 16 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

25 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. QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 17

26 SAVING OUR Three 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. JEWELLERY QUARTER TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE PROJECT Co-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 significant at risk historic properties will include repairing and rejuvenating the external frontages of the buildings to improve the streetscape. The 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. The project will begin in the spring. 18 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

27 Photo: Tony Hisgett KEY HILL AND WARSTONE LANE CEMETERIES The 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. This 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. The 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. The project is managed by Birmingham City Council with support from Birmingham Conservation Trust. NEW STANDARD WORKS Artist impression of the rooftop biodome. Now home to Argent College, the Ruskin Mill Land Trust, owners of the New Standard Works, is fundraising to refurbish the remaining three floors of their Grade II listed building, which had stood empty for over 20 years before they bought it in 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 five-year programme of heritage and history-related activity. The iconic façade will also be restored. The 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. The 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. QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 19

28 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. 20 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

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30 Phone Box BY COREY BAKER DANCE Co-produced by DanceXchange for IDFB 2016 and commissioned by DanceXchange and Without Walls 22 QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN

31 what s on 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! For all the details on what s on locally visit jewelleryquarter.net/whatson WHO KILLED WILLIE BLEWITT? 14th April 5.30pm pm New Standard Works 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 groundbreaking 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. WHAT REMAINS EXHIBITION Runs until 28th April The Coffin Works JQA BREAKFAST MAY 17th 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 MONDAY 9pm Start The Actress & Bishop TICKETS: FREE event DATE: Wednesday May 11 TIMES: RUNNING TIME: AGE GUIDANCE: 11.00am and 1.00pm 20 minutes Family friendly For more information about IDFB 2016 and to book tickets for other performances, visit EVERY THURSDAY 8.30pm Start The Lord Clifden To tell us about an event mat.lovell@jqdt.org QUARTER LIFE ISSUE SEVEN 23

32 TENBY ST FREDERICK S ENGAGEMENT RING SPECIALISTS OVER 800 DESIGNS IN STOCK DIAMOND RINGS IN GOLD AND PLATINUM EXCLUSIVE ETERNITY RINGS WEDDING RINGS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES HIGH QUALITY DIAMOND JEWELLERY Diamond Heaven 115 Vyse Street Jewellery Quarter Birmingham B18 6LP Tel: sales@diamond-heaven.co.uk PITSFORD STREET JEWELLERY QUARTER HOCKLEY ST SPENCER ST NORTHAMPTON STREET A4540 P VYSE STREET P PEMBERTON ST /diamondheavenbirmingham Diamond Heaven WARSTONE LANE THE CLOCK WARSTONE /dhpinit