Events

Stories is the theme for the next Birmingham Art Circle Annual Exhibition. The exhibition will showcase artworks by established practising artists, working in a wide range of media: including printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, photography, and textiles. Come and se the takes that Birmingham Arts Circle artists want to tell.

The exhibition brings the Birmingham Art Circle back to the RBSA Gallery and St Paul’s Square once again, where the group have been pleased to hold their Annual Exhibition for many years.

Founded in 1879, Birmingham Art Circle was formed to encourage professional development amongst its artists, and to provide a forum to discuss and challenge new ideas, with an emphasis on the combination of creativity and professional, friendly connection.
The elected Members continue to work in a wide range of art forms and share these at monthly meetings to invite feedback and review with peers.

Visit the Birmingham Art Circle website.

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

Birmingham in the 19th-century was hailed as the ‘workshop of the world’. The Jewellery Quarter was its busy hub, producing jewellery, silver and tableware.

About 40% of British jewellery is still made there. Behind a frontage of terraced houses, J.W.Evans Silver Factory is among its most complete surviving historic factories. Crammed with tools and equipment, it’s preserved as if the workers might return at any minute.

Entry to J.W Evans is through guided tours only and advance booking is essential. Please arrive at the time on your booking as tours start promptly.

Note there are two tours on the day below starting at 11.00am and 13.30pm

We advise that unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for those with poor mobility, due to the uneven floors, narrow walkways, and steep stairs across the building. Minimum age for the tours is 16 years old.

You can book online until 9am on the day of your visit. Tickets are free for members – just remember to bring your English Heritage membership card. You can join as a member online or during your visit.

We can’t wait to see you at J. W. Evans Silver Factory soon.

Welcome to our modern calligraphy tutorial, where we’ll guide you through the basics and beyond in this engaging learning experience.

Modern Calligraphy Workshop – £65
On this course, part of our comprehensive modern calligraphy tutorial, you will get hands-on with the new fun, quicker way to learn calligraphy using a fine point nib. In the morning, we will get used to the script and practice, and in the afternoon, I will show you design layout and all you will need to be happily confident that you can use this new-found skill regularly after leaving the class on all those special things you are creating. I will also show you the difference different inks, nibs, and papers make to your work and introduce you to ‘Coliro’ which is a fabulous new metallic product that makes your work look a million dollars!

Nib holders, nibs, paper, various inks, practice lines, and paper/card to complete cards will all be provided. Additional materials to set you up outside of the class will also be available to purchase from Jane and the Pen Museum shop. This modern calligraphy tutorial is suitable for beginners and the more experienced calligrapher and is also ideal for left-handers.

If you attended a previous class, we would begin to fine-tune the skills learnt already in our modern calligraphy tutorial series

See you there – Jane

Lunch Arrangements
Lunch will not be provided during the event. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch if they prefer. This approach allows individuals to cater to their own dietary preferences and requirements.

• Museum admission is not included
• Suitable for Adults Only.

With the Society’s Annual Exhibition approaching its bicentenary, 2026’s show offers the Membership, including fourteen newly elected Associates, the opportunity to show their work in the RBSA Gallery. Each new artist brings their unique artistic practice to the Society, helping to further diversify the growing Membership.

With the exceptions of 1940, 1941, and 2020, the RBSA’s flagship show, its Annual Exhibition, has featured the work of Society Members and Associates every year since its first incarnation in 1827. The Membership are encouraged to show their most recent work, allowing visitors to see an update on their practice each winter. This exhibition also allows the Society to track it own evolution, and with every new addition to the Membership comes further assurances of the RBSA’s survival for generations to come.

While the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists has a long and illustrious history, this year’s Annual Exhibition is a celebration of the almost 200 contemporary artists who make up the current Membership. With practices encompassing painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, glassware, ceramics, textiles, videography, and installation, these artists act as custodians of the Society, and work to promote the visual arts across the region and further afield.

At various times throughout the exhibition, RBSA Members and Associates will be in the Gallery to talk to visitors and answer questions.

Preview Evening: Thursday 19 November 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Exhibition closes: Saturday 2 January 2027 5.00pm

Image: Linda Barlow RBSA, Morro Jable to the Airport July

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

Calligraphy has become a popular hobby for many, allowing individuals to express creativity through elegant lettering. For those keen to dive deeper, calligraphy classes offer an excellent way to refine skills and learn new techniques.

Learning Calligraphy
Anglo Saxon Pointed Miniscule
Anglo-Saxon pointed miniscule refers to a specific style of the Insular minuscule scripts, characterized by a “pointed” or angular appearance. It developed in 8th-century England and was used to write both Latin and Old English texts. Its notable features include angular curves, triangular serifs, and ascenders/descenders that appear “split” or sharpened. You will be learning how to write this in a modernised form that is well suited as a calligraphic hand today, and at the same time learning how to use a broad edged metal dip pen.
Held at the Pen Museum, the classes are designed for both beginners and more experienced calligraphers. Learn the key elements of calligraphy and take information away to continue developing your style at home. Participate in calligraphy classes to enhance your art. Some materials will be provided, and calligraphy products can be purchased from the Museum shop.

• 12 Spaces are available for each session:
• Session 1: 12:00pm – 1:30pm, Session 2: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
• £12.75 per session.
• No requirement to book both sessions.
• Museum admission is not included.
• Course suitable for adults only.