Hello, my name is Titis and I am currently studying in the International Development Department at the University of Birmingham. I began volunteering for the Conservation Club at Birmingham Museums in October 2016, and because I enjoyed the season, I decided to continue the following year. I am glad that I have had the opportunity to continue volunteering – I am now in my fourth season of the club.

At first, I was doubtful about my decision to join the club. First, I did not know if I could be consistent with my commitment, because I am also a full-time student. Second, as an international student, I did not have much knowledge about British history, and I worried that this would put me at a disadvantage. Third, I did not have experience of handling historical objects or conservation cleaning historical locations. However, my concerns were completely unfounded. The supervisors I work with are friendly, and I am not only gaining new knowledge and skills but also new friends. Read More...

Hi, I’m Jasmine and currently I am in my final year at the University of Birmingham studying Ancient History. At Birmingham Museums Trust I volunteer as an Image Library Assistant based at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

This volunteer role is important as there are a lot of images that need to be uploaded to the Digital Image Resource, and I aid in making the process of uploading quicker. I have only been in this role for a short period of time as I started in November, but already this role has been beneficial to understanding the workings of what goes on behind the scenes of the museum. My main project is the uploading of various images that depict artworks, pictures, costume and so much more from across all Birmingham Museums Trust sites. Read More...

My name is Adam, and I volunteer at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter as a Heritage Interpreter. I am studying Palaeontology at the University of Birmingham, and I wanted to get some experience in working in museums, so I applied and started volunteering in October 2019.

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter was originally a jewellery workshop owned by the Smith & Pepper manufacturing firm from 1899 to 1981. When the owners retired, they locked the doors and walked away, leaving everything behind exactly where it had been when it was still in business. This time capsule was then turned into a museum, opening in 1992. Read More...

From the 10th – 16th February it is national Student Volunteering Week, the week of the year when we really celebrate all those fabulous members of our volunteer team who are also hard at work studying too.

To celebrate Student Volunteering Week each year we announce Birmingham Museums Trust’s Student Volunteer of the Year. I am delighted to say that the 2020 winner is Titis Widuri, who is in her fourth year of volunteering with us in the Conservation Club whilst also studying with the University of Birmingham in the International Development Department. We would like to say a huge thank you to Titis from all of us here at Birmingham Museums for your time, enthusiasm and passion for volunteering with us. We love hearing how much she is enjoying volunteering too: “I will be sharing my experience with my friends and my colleagues back in Indonesia, after I finish my studies. I would encourage anyone interested in history, or anyone just looking for a fun and rewarding experience, to apply and get involved with Birmingham Museums Trust.” Read More...

I’m Jasmin and I am currently a 2nd-year student at the University of Birmingham, studying Ancient History & Archaeology and History (yes, a mouthful!). I undertook this placement as part of my module on Professional Skills, as a practical way to understand employability in the heritage sector. My placement as a Cataloguing and Research Assistant at Birmingham Museum Collection Centre was a great eye-opener to the life behind the museum displays. 

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Have you seen our brand new What’s On leaflet for 2020?

Pick up a copy today in one of our museums or download a copy of the What's On 2020 Leaflet  (PDF 5MB).  Read More...

I am very excited by the presence of the Breughel entitled Autumn, in Galleries 23/24 and I am fascinated by the detail. The animation of the human figures is a delight, and the plodding cattle have a convincing solidity. It all comes to life for me like a Disney film clip. I can hear the flapping wings of the geese and the squeals of pigs. There is someone high in a tree on the left picking apples, and probably throwing them too. The difference between the dark rectangle of wood found in the store and the completely restored piece is a glorious transformation. 

The whole back story is of course a treat, including the fortunate finding of an appropriate frame of size and correct period. I understand that the picture is possibly a collaboration of two artists, unnamed members of the Jan Breughel workshop. Perhaps the lead artist is actually Jan the Elder? The pale background landscape giving a view of a river, a sailing boat and mountains may be contributed by a contemporary colleague, according to the BBC Four programme and expert advice.  Read More...

To celebrate working with our neighbours Fazenda Birmingham, we’ve teamed up to give you the chance to win a 12 month Joint Adult Membership at Birmingham Museums and a dinner for two at Fazenda Birmingham . 

Located on the prestigious Colmore Row, Fazenda Birmingham joined the flourishing restaurant scene in 2018 - Just a stone throw away from Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.  Read More...

In April 2020 Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Black Hole Club and Cold War Steve will be coming together to explore the creative potential of Birmingham Museums Trust’s Digital Image Resource http://dams.birminghammuseums.org.uk. Birmingham Museums Trust is the only collection in the UK that is making all out-of-copyright artworks available for free under a Creative Commons Zero License (CC0). 

The collection is one of the city’s greatest cultural assets and a priceless resource for learning, engagement and creativity. It consists of around 800,000 objects, displayed and stored in Birmingham Museums Trust’s nine venues. Over 3500 of these objects are now available as free digital images, with more being added every week. Read More...

With Christmas out of the way we are starting the new year by offering you a special treat, you can win our Pre-Raphaelite themed Afternoon Tea for two at the Edwardian Tearooms. 

Launched as part of the Edwardian Tearooms' winter menu, the Pre-Raphaelite Afternoon Tea features: a selection of Italian-inspired finger sandwiches, open sandwiches, sun blush tomato & basil tart, antipasti brochette, meringue and cakes. It’s sure to temp your taste buds!  Read More...