New Exhibition in Birmingham at The Pen Museum - Black Country: The Pit to the Pen

The Pen Museum aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Birmingham's steel pen trade which at one time provided 75% of the world's pens. As part of a recent launch of new facilities and exhibition space, the museum has teamed up with local poet, Elinor Cole and Dudley Museums Service to create a new exhibition, 'Black Country: The Pit to the Pen'. Visitors will be able to see Elinor's poetry alongside the etchings of Solihull-born Richard Samuel Chattock whose contemporary works depicted the harsh industrial life in the 1870s Black Country, in stark contrast with many other artists of the time.

The Pen Museum aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Birmingham's steel pen trade which at one time provided 75% of the world's pens. As part of a recent launch of new facilities and exhibition space, the museum has teamed up with local poet, Elinor Cole and Dudley Museums Service to create a new exhibition, 'Black Country: The Pit to the Pen'. Visitors will be able to see Elinor's poetry alongside the etchings of Solihull-born Richard Samuel Chattock whose contemporary works depicted the harsh industrial life in the 1870s Black Country, in stark contrast with many other artists of the time.

Elinor Cole is a local poet whose main inspiration comes from the rich heritage of the Black Country, where she lives. Her portfolio of work focuses on the industry of the region, but the poems also touch upon the cultural aspects of the area - popular pastimes, local folklore, and the unique dialect of its people. She said of the new exhibition:

"My poetry found new resonance when it was displayed beside the wonderful etchings of R. S. Chattock, whose scenes of the industrial Black Country gave a backdrop to the stories I was trying to tell. In the Pen Museum, themes of industry and art go hand-in-hand, making it the perfect place to host this exhibition."

Anthony Hayes, Operations Manager of the Pen Museum said:

"This exhibition is the perfect way to launch our new gallery space. Elinor's poetry and the Victorian etchings really encapsulate the spirit of the Black Country and will give our visitors the chance to experience more of the Midlands' industrial heritage."

The exhibition is on until 31/01/2018

The Pen Museum
The Argent Centre
60 Frederick Street,
Birmingham, B1 3HS

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