Events

The Guild of Aviation Artists was established in 1971, and it is recognised throughout the world as the premier society for the promotion of aviation art. Its principal aim is to promote aviation art in all its forms, and to encourage interest in the genre by artists and non-artists alike.

Amongst the founder members of the Guild was the famous wildlife artist, David Shepherd, who was in fact an aviation artist before he became famous for his wildlife work. Other famous past members include the late artists Terence Cuneo, Keith Shackleton, Roy Cross, and Roy Huxley (the latter two being most renowned for their Airfix and Matchbox cover art).

The Guild’s current membership stands at around 260 in the UK, and the work of members, both past and present, is to be found in not only private collections around the world, but in many corporate and governmental locations. In particular, the majority of paintings to be found in the likes of the RAF Club and messes of airbases were most probably produced by Guild members.

Today, amongst the membership of the Guild, are to be found ex-service personnel who have rekindled their association with military aviation through their artwork.

This new exhibition, Defence of the Realm, will feature some 180 aviation paintings, the majority of which will follow, and portray, the defence of the realm theme.

The opening day of the exhibition, 15 September, will be Battle of Britain day itself. A VIP opening ceremony (by Invitation only) will be held at the RBSA Gallery Monday 14 September, when President of the Royal Air Force Association, Air Marshal Sir Baz North, will be attending as guest VIP to open the show.

The Guild has agreed to donate part of the commission on any sales at the exhibition to the Royal Air Force Association in recognition of those that have served –  and those who continue to do so.

Exhibition closes: Saturday 26 September 5.00pm

Image: Robert Calow, Spitfires

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

🍻 THE BIG QUIZ – EVERY MONDAY

Monday nights at The Actress & Bishop are not for the weak.

Our Big Quiz is a fast-paced, phone-based, brain-melting pub quiz where there are no pens, no paper, and absolutely no cheating (we’re watching you 👀). Just you, your mates and your smartphones battling it out for glory, prizes and bragging rights.

With a mix of general knowledge, pop culture, music and “how did I know that?!” moments, it’s the perfect way to start the week without wanting to cry into your pint.

Grab a drink, grab a team, and let the speed quiz chaos begin.

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.

Join us for a new kind of networking event for Birmingham’s creative community. Brum Radicals is relaxed, welcoming, and rooted in the spirit of making together. Inspired by places like the Red House and Kelmscott Manor, which became living experiments in the Arts & Crafts ideals of beauty, craftsmanship, and communal creativity, this space invites artists to come together, share ideas, and create side by side.

Whether you’re a practising artist, a student, a maker, or simply someone curious about the local creative scene, this is a space to meet others, talk about your work, and explore potential collaborations in an open, supportive environment.

A Space for Sharing, Learning, and Community. It’s a place where creativity is communal, not competitive, where everyone contributes to a shared atmosphere of curiosity.

Hosted in our new Craft & Culture café bar and community space in the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.

There will be a chance to present your work/ process in the form of a presentation/ almost like a pop-up show, but in slides! It doesn’t have to be a complete idea; you can just showcase your process, bring your materials, and talk about the ways you work. This will function almost like an open mic; participants will be randomly selected.

PRICE: £3.50

Calligraphy has become a fascinating hobby and skill for many, and enrolling in calligraphy classes is a great way to learn.

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
Fraktur
Fraktur is a simple form of Gothic Script, which had its origins in German folk art, which became more colourful and elaborate mainly in America. Pennsylvania became home to entire towns of different religious dissent.

There were clusters of Mennonites, Moravians, Lutherans, and various other German Protestant sects. Although diverse, all these German settlers had in common – they were all farmers who spoke German, all prized religious tolerance and all practiced the same distinctive artform of Fraktur. It was used mainly for domestic certificates such as marriage, baptism, births, bookmarks etc.

Wikipedia
In these sessions you will learn to write Fractur basic letter forms using a broad edge 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. 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.

🍻 THE BIG QUIZ – EVERY MONDAY

Monday nights at The Actress & Bishop are not for the weak.

Our Big Quiz is a fast-paced, phone-based, brain-melting pub quiz where there are no pens, no paper, and absolutely no cheating (we’re watching you 👀). Just you, your mates and your smartphones battling it out for glory, prizes and bragging rights.

With a mix of general knowledge, pop culture, music and “how did I know that?!” moments, it’s the perfect way to start the week without wanting to cry into your pint.

Grab a drink, grab a team, and let the speed quiz chaos begin.