Walsall Leather Museum

the leather and the explanation were very well displayed the guide was excellent and very generous with her time experience and attention, honest about her knowledge very patient with our questions and observations ,fun and very pleasant .
i visited with my 4 adult children all of whom were interested to know about our family's involvement in the walsall leather industry and were not disappointed far from it
my son suggested that you bottle and diffuse the smell of tanning pits in use to waft (on demand) over one of the appropriate rooms .(the dorchester museum of archeology does this to great effect with the simulated smell of flowers which is said to have escaped from the pyramid tomb opened on caernarvon's behalf.
perhaps your archivist could find and add a photo of a shaving machine (unless i missed it ) to that of the splitting machine .these machines were operated in my childhood at E T Holden &son ltd at park street leather works by the (?) hollogood brothers - twins i think
the museum is a fitting tribute to the skills and work of walsall people (and to ronnie hawkins ).
thank you
david holden-white

This museum is a hidden gem. Situated on the outskirts of Walsall it was a delight from the minute we arrived, the staff were lovely (forgot to ask their names but they all informative and welcoming), the exhibitions are fascinating, there is an opportunity to make a leather key ring (60p! An absolute bargain), the shop sells beautiful leather goods, and the smell of leather permeates throughout the whole museum.
I’ve now realised we missed the garden so we’ll have to go again - which makes me very happy

When visiting it's obvious that the volunteers have immense subject knowledge and passion about leather and leatherworking. If you have any questions, they're more than happy to answer. The museum itself isn't very big, and there's not actually that much to look at, but it's well worth an amble. The gift shop is also very interesting and has lots of cool little bits and pieces as well as handcrafted leather items.

The museum is also great if you're interested in local history - a few years back I had a question about something and was given photocopies of a bunch of papers from their archives for free.

Kings Norton U3A Museum Visits Group visited the Walsall Leather Museum today and enjoyed a very informative morning. Ian, our guide shared his knowledge on the leather trade in Walsall. The skins and hides on display, the tools and machinery involved in producing the saddles and other goods including the Queen's handbags, was so interesting. Ian's talk with the addition of video footage of leather workers describing various techniques was great. Thank you for a fascinating visit.

Paid a visit here today, I have been trying for many years. Wow it was definitely worth it. I assume it is run by volunteers the guy that showed us around today Ralph was very informative he explained all processes in detail. We were surprised how many quality products were and are still made in the area. All of the staff were very helpfull and we can recommend if you are close by to pay a visit. Another volunteer Awais spent a long time explaining how he got involved with the museum and he has now persevered and had been taught the trade producing some very impressive items.We look forward to another visit in the near future.
Brian

On a damp day on a walkabout visiting some pubs this visit shone. From the staff to the exhibits and the very reaonably priced shop everything was a delightful experience. It came as surprise to learn that nearly all the items for sale like the really smart belt I bought were made on the premises or at least in Walsall. Marvellous.

Booked a guided tour, for 10 people, with Ian which was very interesting and informative. Ian is a local man who has a passion for History which became obvious as the tour developed. All staff were very helpful and could not do enough for us. They were most helpful with those of us with reduced mobility. Fantastic, authentic Museum. An excellent day out when combined with a visit to The New Walsall Art Gallery.

Fantastic for history of Walsall. Summer activities for young children at a very reasonable price. Lovely cafeteria with very friends staff.
Little thing like making your own key ring and choosing your own design add the extra special to a nice day

A very interesting and compact museum which details the history of an important West Midlands industry. An array of leather samples and a talk from from the team there with workshops to explore. We made key rings for family members. On the ground floor there is a small cafe and leather items for sale.

An interesting insight into the world of Leather, and how Walsall played its part.

As its free you shouldn't really feel disappointed about your visit, however, for us it was lacking more detail and demonstrations.

If you're travelling through Walsall and you have some time to spare, it might be worth your time to call in, it takes about 20 mins to get around.