Walsall Leather Museum
Latest Reviews
I worked in Walsall for years and drove past this museum frequently but had never visited until this week. What a great little place! I went with a small group and we had a wonderful guided tour. Our guide was great, very knowledgeable and just lovely and friendly. I had a vague idea about Walsall's leather industry but mainly from colleagues who explained why the football club were called the Saddlers so it was great to hear more of the details. The museum is well laid out, with lots to see. The workshop volunteers are not there on Tuesdays but our guide gave good explanations and there was an opportunity to make a keyring for those who wanted to. There was also some local embroidery/tapestries on display which were lovely. Following our tour, we went to the cafe which was very pleasant. The museum does craft sessions for children during the school holidays so I will definitely be taking my grand-daughter along
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Walsall Leather Museum has so much to offer. The museum itself has so many interesting artefacts to look at with exhibitions changing very regularly and the story of Leather in Walsall is really brought to life. The shop has beautiful leather gifts to buy of lovely quality. I am really enjoying visiting the museum every month to learn new crafting skills and meet lots of lovely new people. I can highly recommend to everyone, whatever your age.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place with lots to see and learn eg all the surnames associated with leather, the tanning and 'currying' processes, and displays of leather goods up to the present day, Good for any age except really small children - it's not that spacious - but for older ones there are demos and 'have a go' sessions at certain times (check before you go). A bonus for the next couple of months is the 'Old Hall' exhibition - nothing to do with leather but a local firm famous for stylish stainless steel tableware from 30s - 80s. An Old Hall item on your wedding list was a must in the 1970s! The museum is currently free but helpful Ian on the desk warns there will be a charge from 4th April, so get in quick! The cafe - Claudia's kitchen - is worth a stop - very friendly staff (as are they all in the museum) and very fair prices.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited the leather museum, to be honest we had an hour to pass, was very very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the attraction. The staff there were fantastic, there enthuses and passion for the museum is amazing, the knowledge of them is second to none.
In all it was a shame to only have a short time, I will return, and spend more time with the staff listening to the fascinating stories of their knowledge.
In all it was a shame to only have a short time, I will return, and spend more time with the staff listening to the fascinating stories of their knowledge.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Pleasant staff.
Short walk from railway station and the two bus stations in Walsall.
Directions are a liitle patchy though - best find the location on a map first (just off Stafford Strret)
Short walk from railway station and the two bus stations in Walsall.
Directions are a liitle patchy though - best find the location on a map first (just off Stafford Strret)
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have been meaning to visit the Walsall Leather Museum for some time & finally succeeded on 9 March 2017. We had a fabulous 2 hours, with a personal guided tour of this lovely little gem. So surprised that there was no charge, just a request for a donation, which we happily made. We will certainly be back & I have made sure all of my friends have been told about it too.
Great little café too, with a basic menu, but understand they are planning a special evening which could be interesting. Great little garden too.
Great little café too, with a basic menu, but understand they are planning a special evening which could be interesting. Great little garden too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As I have slowly given up driving which has become tiresome and using public transport to go round the Countryside I have become more observant of the cities and towns that i go to. I include Walsall in this a wonderful town I spent a couple of pleasant hours here, plus the train station was really good. Birmingham New Street management take note and learn. I travelled with London Midland great train service and then onto a Train run by Virgin Sweet Jesus H Christ awful absolutely dreadful I would have to say no to a faster train but a seat would be a joy I felt I should have been sitting on a slice of toast but Walsall you saved the day Many thanks
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have been going once a month to the craft workshop and have learnt many new skills, been inspired by the Lady who runs them (Franchesca) and the people I meet there. Covered loads craft ideas, and look forward to them each month.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited this museum upon a recommendation from a friend and we were pleasantly surprised to see how various items were made and treated and become belts saddles bags etc.
I had a go at embossing a piece of leather with gold leaf using a heated press. The people were very friendly and informative. I would recommend it to anyone
I had a go at embossing a piece of leather with gold leaf using a heated press. The people were very friendly and informative. I would recommend it to anyone
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This museum is a little gem, in the black country. It is very child friendly with activities to do, badge making, leather key ring making. They followed the photos on the trail, to get to the end and won a small prize. The Old Hall exhibit was very informative and features the very first stainless steel toast rack and teapot in the world made just down the road in Bloxwich. We spent 1/2 a day here. Entry is free, but you can leave a donation. Cafe attached to it as well. Worth a look.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very enjoyable and informative small museum set very appropriately in an attractive workshop environment. We saw how leather is prepared and had the added benefit of an excellent hands on demonstration with an expert leather craftsman. The cafe was good and the shop sold good quality leather items and competitive prices.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had wanted to visit the Leather Museum for some time - and finally managed it this weekend. Very well worth it.
We had expected exhibits to tell us the history of Walsall and the leather industry - but hadn't expected that the tour guide would make it so fascinating - or that volunteer leather worker Keith would be able to keep us so enthralled with an interactive presentation which everyone present so obviously enjoyed.
Well done to the museum people - you made it come to life for us.
In addition to that the building - which is over 100 years old - made this much more than a "trip to see things".
Please, powers that be, don't ever move the museum, as its heritage is so much a part of the whole experience.
All in all a very good experience - thank you.
We had expected exhibits to tell us the history of Walsall and the leather industry - but hadn't expected that the tour guide would make it so fascinating - or that volunteer leather worker Keith would be able to keep us so enthralled with an interactive presentation which everyone present so obviously enjoyed.
Well done to the museum people - you made it come to life for us.
In addition to that the building - which is over 100 years old - made this much more than a "trip to see things".
Please, powers that be, don't ever move the museum, as its heritage is so much a part of the whole experience.
All in all a very good experience - thank you.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a small excellent museum covering the growth of the trades for which Walsall became famous. Leather trades from tanning to the production of saddlery, harness, bits for bridles, spurs and riding accessories. Also handbags and fashion items.
The layout is well done and explanatory and we were lucky enough to attend a talk by a leather worker of now who makes beautiful hand bags and purses in Walsall.
The museum is not large, has a good shop and a lovely friendly cafe serving delicious home made food.
The town itself has suffered from terrible planning and it is SO important that a museum that shows the proud history of the town is kept, treasured and maintained.
The museum is walkable from the station but I do have to say that the signposting from the station could be better. None of the signs are where you need one!
The layout is well done and explanatory and we were lucky enough to attend a talk by a leather worker of now who makes beautiful hand bags and purses in Walsall.
The museum is not large, has a good shop and a lovely friendly cafe serving delicious home made food.
The town itself has suffered from terrible planning and it is SO important that a museum that shows the proud history of the town is kept, treasured and maintained.
The museum is walkable from the station but I do have to say that the signposting from the station could be better. None of the signs are where you need one!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took 3 grandchildren, a boy of 13 and 2 girls 10 and 9. There was something to interest all of them. They enjoyed the treasure trail, although at times this led to them racing off to find the clues before we 'olds' had had time to peruse the exhibits.We were very impressed with Pat and Paul in the workshop who taught them some leather stitching and making key rings.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Really great visit made extra special by spending 2 hours with volunteer Keith. Made our weekend visit from Somerset. Now a proud owner of a free leather key ring
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been to this museum many times and it never fails to entrance me. It has a nice welcoming gift shop and some fascinating exhibits about the history of leather and lots of exhibits that you can touch.
The newest section is about a local firm who made metal kitchenware, which was fascinating. The cafe on the way out is a nice place to refuel. However, I remember a few years ago it used to have the most wonderful home made cakes and they seem to have stopped that now, which is a shame.
The newest section is about a local firm who made metal kitchenware, which was fascinating. The cafe on the way out is a nice place to refuel. However, I remember a few years ago it used to have the most wonderful home made cakes and they seem to have stopped that now, which is a shame.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
for a free admission place its very good. the chap who does the demo in the workshop is brilliant with the kids well worth a visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Loved visiting this Museum. It's a very informative and interesting museum. There was plenty to see and lots of exhibits.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A small museum. Well laid out, well displayed and an excellent record of the leather industry in the area including a wealth of examples and workshops showing tools and processes.
The museum shop sells good examples of quality leatherware at reasonable prices.
The museum shop sells good examples of quality leatherware at reasonable prices.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I first visited Walsall Leather Museum in 1988 and have visited on numerous occasions ever since. A rich source of the towns leather trade history and associated trades. The staff are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, always keen to assist and help with any questions. On many occasions I have taken advantage of their reference library for research which contains many catalogues, books and periodicals on the saddlery and lorinery trade. Well worth visiting and so much to take in.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Made a visit today and what a treat. Excellent museum with knowledgeable staff and all for free!Learnt a lot about the leather trade in a superb visual and auditory display. It would be such a shame if Walsall was to lose this educational attraction. Will visit again to see the garden and enjoy the cafe.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was very happy to make a return visit with another guest - and delighted to find a different `extra'. It was an explanation of skins/leathers, sewing machines and descriptions of other machines for splitting, skiving and edging (cannot recall correct name). Lovely little shop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting, we learnt so much and now look at leatherwork totally differently- going again
John and Margaret from Bridgnorth
John and Margaret from Bridgnorth
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Today we visited the leather museum with our class from college. It is surprising to me that so many people had never been to such a unique attraction that offers such interesting information about the history of our own town. When in Walsall, this attraction is what I would consider the top one to see! Very interesting and educational. Would definitely recommend it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Passion, is what struck us this cold Saturday morning...Welcomed as soon as we walked through the door from staff that actually looked like they wanted to be there. A very nice lady then welcomed us and briefed us on the lay out of the museum and asked if we wanted a free tour, we declined (wish we hadn't ) then she said Keith will speak to you once you complete the tour. Having spent 30 minutes looking and reading through glass cabinets and touching various leather hides, we ended up in demonstration area with KIETH... What a passion this man has for his trade, and what a difference this made.
Keith is obviously a true tradesman and gent, explained to me and my wife all the stages from taking the skin to turning it into a hand crafted British made piece of leather art.(only wish i had asked for his business card!!) Well worth seeing some of Walsall"s history. Great couple of FREE hours spent speaking and learning from some very nice people.Thank you
Keith is obviously a true tradesman and gent, explained to me and my wife all the stages from taking the skin to turning it into a hand crafted British made piece of leather art.(only wish i had asked for his business card!!) Well worth seeing some of Walsall"s history. Great couple of FREE hours spent speaking and learning from some very nice people.Thank you
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
