Events

The objective of RBSA heritage exhibitions is to give the public access to the Society’s Permanent Collection of artworks. Themes for these shows are chosen to facilitate the display of a broad selection of pieces, aimed at giving visitors the opportunity to view as wide as possible a cross section of the works held.

With a collection of around 1000 artworks to choose from, limited space often means that the Archive Team cannot feature the larger works owned by the Society. Largely Unseen will rectify these omissions by focusing solely on the most substantial artworks held in the Permanent Collection.

Both of Norma Rhys-Davis’ monumental oil paintings, 3 Cliffs – Gower III and Seascape, will be shown side by side for the first time, and John Ridout’s sunny gouache piece Little Greek Church will sit next to his bold acrylic Blue And Ochre Landscape.

Preview Evening: Tuesday 4 August 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Exhibition closes: Saturday 29 August 5.00pm

Image: Norma Rhys-Davis, 3 Cliffs – Gower III, 1988

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

Rhythmic brush strokes, vibrant tones, and a richness of light are central to Jan Gay’s collection.

What could be every day, becomes inspirational as she explores the energy of shape, colour, and form. Excitement builds from the seemingly insignificant.

Whether painting plein air or in her studio, the initial thrill of starting the work creates vitality in her mark making, before a period of reflection. Evoking the way transient moments, a motherly embrace in a queue or light on the canal water, become a tangible memory.

Jan’s lifelong love of painting has been influenced by many artists, including Paul Cezanne, Mary Cassatt and, more recently, Fred Cuming.
In 2008 Jan became an RBSA Member. She studied painting and ceramics in Sussex University, and Bournville Art School.

Exhibition closes: Saturday 12 September 5.00pm

Featured image: Jan Gay RBSA, Pears In The Studio  

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

Recasting the Shadow

…female intuition & the Ancestral Knower

Working through ideas related to the female psyche, Gabrielle Roberts-Dalton has explored menopause, ageing, persona, Hagitude/Cronedom female stories, and fairytales.

In these works, she reassesses the importance of physically touching nature, down to the basic touch of grass and finding awe and enchantment in the life/death/life nature. Her paintings try to open a portal into another world of intuition and the imagination. Roberts-Dalton works in series of oil paintings and drawings that overlap and could easily branch out in numerous directions. She follows an instinctual and fluid path, responding to the images, mark making, and colour. The viewer will always bring their own feelings and experience when looking at the pieces.

Exhibition closes: Saturday 12 September 5.00pm

Featured image: Gabrielle Roberts-Dalton RBSA, The Gooseberry Wife

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

As a charity, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists relies on the generosity of its visitors and supporters to help maintain the RBSA Gallery and continue its vital work. With no public funding from either the local authority or Arts Council, this 200 year-old Society supports itself through annual membership fees, artwork sales, exhibition entry fees, Gallery Shop sales, donations from local grant giving bodies, and donations from the public.

In order to generate funds, the Society is offering the public a unique opportunity to purchase original artwork at great prices in a blind auction. The postcards on display have all been created by RBSA Members and Associates and are currently in an auction on the Givergy website.

Visitors are invited to used the link below to visit the online auction site and bid on the piece/s they would like to take home. At the end of the auction, the highest bidders will be notified and will become the proud owners of a one-of-a-kind artwork, safe in the knowledge that they have helped safeguard the RBSA for future generations.

If you have any questions then do not hesitate to speak to a member of Gallery team.

Exhibition closes: Saturday 12 September 5.00pm

Featured image: Michael Salt RBSA, Watercolour painting

Visit Online Postcard Sale

Birmingham’s Affordable Family Panto returns this Easter with Jack and the Beanstalk!

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum… a GIANT panto that’s lots of fun!

Ticket pricing:
Standard – £17.50
Under 16’s – £15.00

Note: other times available, see learn more at bottom.

Have a go at making your own piece of jewellery with the help of our friendly learning team in this special children’s jewellery workshop activity.

Design and create either a bracelet or pendant, learn and use real jewellers’ techniques like texturing metal, hammering, stamping and enamelling to make something unique and personal to take home with you.

Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.

• Recommended for ages 8 and up. For safety reasons we cannot accommodate under-5s.
• Children must be accompanied by one adult. Due to limitations on space, strictly only one adult per booking.
• Workshop lasts 2 hours.
• Please be advised the workshop can be noisy. Ear defenders can be provided or bring your own.
• Child tickets only. Adults not accompanied by a child are not permitted on this workshop.

Cut and Fold – Exploring Paper Workshop with Clare Pentlow ARBSA.

A day exploring paper art and the many different possibilities it holds through cutting and folding. Initially we’ll be looking at geometric folding from simple pop ups to more complex designs. Later in the afternoon it’ll be paper cutting and gaining confidence with the scalpel whilst creating your own unique artwork. Throughout the day you’ll gain an insight into how Clare creates her own paper cut art and how, with a little practice and patience, similar work can be achieved. Clare will also show how other paper artists work and how paper has been used to create art across the world.

Age group and abilities to be taught   

• 18 years and above
• Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• Geometric folding
• Confidence with a scalpel
• Paper sculpture through cutting and folding
• How to create your own designs

Course outline for the day

Morning activity

• Geometric folding
• Learn some of the basic shapes and language in origami and how to interpret different designs
• Enjoy creating your own designs
• Looking at origami artists/paper engineers to further explore

Afternoon activity

• Learn how Clare creates her own unique paper art
• Simple cutting techniques to gain confidence in using a scalpel
• Different ways to sculpt paper and combing cutting and folding

What you need to bring with you:

• You may wish to bring your own scalpel with you

What we will provide:

• All materials and equipment are provided and included in the fee
• Methods of assessing outcomes
• Feedback from tutor
• Completion of evaluation form

Have a go at making your own piece of jewellery with the help of our friendly learning team in this special children’s jewellery workshop activity.

Design and create either a bracelet or pendant, learn and use real jewellers’ techniques like texturing metal, hammering, stamping and enamelling to make something unique and personal to take home with you.

Pre-booking is essential as places are limited.

• Recommended for ages 8 and up. For safety reasons we cannot accommodate under-5s.
• Children must be accompanied by one adult. Due to limitations on space, strictly only one adult per booking.
• Workshop lasts 2 hours.
• Please be advised the workshop can be noisy. Ear defenders can be provided or bring your own.
• Child tickets only. Adults not accompanied by a child are not permitted on this workshop.

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

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.

Drawing Small Portraits on Paper Workshop with Bing Shi RBSA.

Improve your understanding of the values and focal points used in portrait drawing. This workshop will show you how to produce small scale portrait drawings in a time efficient manner, which is great preparation for developing larger scale works.

Age group and abilities to be taught    

• 18 years and above
• Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• To understand the key values and focal points used in portrait drawing
• To summarise and abstract the key values and choose key focal features of the human face
• Learn how to select an appropriate reference photo for drawing from
• Learn how to use a range of different pencils with varying degrees of hardness/softness

Course outline for the day

Morning activity

• Introduction including health and safety
• Lecture form the tutor and demonstration of how small-scale drawings work
• Lecture and demonstration of values and focal points used and observed in portrait drawing
• Help with selecting the right photo for drawing from
• Application of the above with given photos with the guidance/help of the tutor

Afternoon activity

• One-to-one feedback and clinic of the morning’s drawings
• Application of the morning’s skills on self-chosen photos/portrait images
• One-to-one feedback and clinic of the afternoon’s drawings

What you need to bring with you:

• Pencils, including HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, and 8B
• Rubbers
• Drawing paper, no smaller than A5
• Mobile phone which can take reasonable photos, or printed photos of your chosen human face

What we will provide:

• Drawing board
• Masking tape
• The tutor will provide a photo of a face for drawing from

Methods of assessing outcomes

• Feedback from tutor
• Group discussion
• Completion of evaluation form

🐠 The first Fish Keepers Social is happening!

Accompanied by the private view of the exhibition by @moss.uk showcasing a collection of tropical fish-inspired prints celebrating the fascinating world of nano and small aquarium species.

Moss uses design to bring people closer to nature, celebrating aquascaping, aquarium keeping and the wellbeing benefits of connecting with the natural world.

Whether you’re brand new to the hobby or have been keeping fish for years, everyone is welcome. And you don’t have to be based in the West Midlands if you’re happy to travel 😊

If you love fishkeeping and fancy meeting other local hobbyists, we’d love to see you there.

📅 Saturday 22 August | 1–3pm
📍 Stryx Gallery & Café, 90 Vyse Street, Birmingham B18 6JZ

Drop me a message if you’re have any questions and feel free to share this with any fishkeeping friends!

🐟 #birmingham #westmidlands #fishkeeping #meetup #fishkeepinguk

🍻 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.

Lino Reduction Printmaking Workshop with Jenny Mason-Gunning ARBSA.

Participants will learn lino reduction plate making and printing, exploring multi-layer colour techniques using safe, professional methods suitable for home or studio practice.

Learners will develop the ability to carve multiple layers from a single lino block, understanding how to plan and sequence colours, register each layer accurately, ink and roll consistently, and print both by hand and using a press. They will gain confidence in controlling colour, detail, and alignment across several print stages.

Age group and abilities to be taught      

• 18 years and above
• Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• Gain a clear understanding of the full reduction printing process, from design and block preparation through to multi-layer printing
• Explore tools, carving techniques, safe handling, ink mixing, rolling methods, and professional registration systems
• Learn to use registration pins and tabs, and how to maintain accurate alignment throughout the reduction process
• Produce a small edition
• Leave with the knowledge and confidence to continue lino reduction at home, using either hand printing or a press

Course outline for the day

Morning activity

• Short introduction and talk on reduction linocut, tools, ink, papers, and registration
• Demonstration of designing and carving the fist layer of the lino block
• Participants will begin carving their own lino block and preparing for the first colour layer

Afternoon activity

• Demonstration of inking, rolling, registration pins/tabs, and printing the first colour
• Participants will print their first layer by hand and on the press, then carve and print subsequent layers
• Final prints completed, with guidance on sequencing, troubleshooting, and how to continue working at home
• A press will be available during the workshop, but participants will also be shown hand-printing methods so they can continue working confidently at home. Registration pins used in the workshop are chargeable if students wish to take them home. Students are welcome to bring their own registration pins or use the tutor’s own band and Ternes Burton systems can be discussed.

What you need to bring with you:

• A selection of drawings or photographs you would like to develop into a reduction linocut
• An apron
• Marigold or nitrile gloves
• A pack of baby wipes
• Students may bring their own registration pins if they already use a system at home

What we will provide:

• Lino blocks for reduction printing
• Water-washable and oil-based inks
• Rollers
• Printing paper
• Newsprint
• Lino carving tools
• Registration pins and tabs (available to use during the workshop; learners may purchase these if they wish to take them home)
• Example’s of the tutor’s work
• Etching press and blankets, plus hand-printing barens
• Nitrile gloves
• Scrim and muslin
• Cotton buds
• Ink scrapers and palette knives
• Paper fingers
• A copy of the tutor’s book for reference

Methods of assessing outcomes

• Feedback from tutor
• Group discussion
• Completion of evaluation form

Leaded Panel Stained-Glass Workshop with Vix Brown.

Participants will create a stained-glass panel using traditional leading techniques. The finished panel will be approximately 12cm x 34cm in dimension.

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ANYONE WHO IS PREGNANT, TRYING TO GET PREGNANT, OR BREASTFEEDING.

Age group and abilities to be taught    

• 18 years and above
• Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• Participants will be guided through creating their very own stained-glass heart panel
• Participants will cut glass, assemble with lead and solder, then cement to form the finished piece

Course outline for the day

The day will include the following activities

• Select a design from the selection brought by the tutor
• Choose glass from selection brought by the tutor
• Cut and refine
• Build panel
• Solder
• Add hanging wire
• Cement
• Pick, clean, and polish

The tutor will demonstrate each stage and will be on hand to help each participant as much or as little as required.

What you need to bring with you:

• An apron/overall
• Participants MUST wear solid soled, closed toed shoes
• ‘Work clothes’ are advised as the process is very messy

What we will provide:

• Gloves and masks will be provided, participants may bring their own if preferred
• All specialist material will be provided

Methods of assessing outcomes

• Feedback from tutor
• Group discussion
• Completion of evaluation form

Tree of Life – Madhubani Folk Art Workshop with Studio Kavachi by Swati Sinha.

Discover the charm and tradition of Madhubani art, one of India’s most celebrated folk-art forms, known for its intricate patterns, vibrant detail, and storytelling, through symbolism.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the traditional techniques of Madhubani painting, adapted for modern expression using fine pens and paper. Explore how simple lines, rhythmic patterns, and expressive motifs come together to create a striking visual narrative.
By the end of the session, participants will leave with a finished artwork and deeper appreciation for the elegance and storytelling behind Madhubani folk art.

Age group and abilities to be taught     

• 18 years and above
• Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• Learn the history and cultural significance of Madhubani folk art
• Practise traditional linework and decorative pattern making
• Experiment with composition and balance using pen and ink
• Create a unique Madhubani-inspired artwork to take home

Course outline for the day

Morning activity

• Introduction to Madhubani Art
• Understanding the composition
• Sketching the base drawing

Afternoon activity

• Outlining the drawing
• Creative repetitive patterns
• Final detailing and finishing

What you need to bring with you:

An apron/overall

What we will provide:

• All materials required will be provided
• Pens
• Pencils
• Erasers
• Paper

Methods of assessing outcomes

• Feedback from tutor
• Group discussion
• Completion of evaluation form

Life Drawing Studio Workshop with Paul Bartlett RBSA.

Spend the day drawing from a professional life model with guidance from an expert tutor.

Age group and abilities to be taught        

18 years and above
Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Produce life drawings working from a model
Learn dry media life drawing techniques for line and tone

Course outline for the day

Morning activity

Combined introduction and overview of options for the day via the tutor’s own work
Basics about measurement, proportion, etc, with examples of line
Set up a long pose that will be maintained (with breaks) for the rest of the day
Working from the same pose, students may produce several studies or one resolved work
At an appropriate time, the tutor will introduce tone methods on which paper using graphite pencil combinations
The tutor will balance out advising students individually, while working on his own drawing throughout the day

Afternoon activity

Introduction of option for drawing with black and white on mid-tone grey paper using combinations of pastel pencil, charcoal pencil, willow charcoal, chalks, etc.
Depending on working pace, resolve long study started in the morning, or produce a new study with supervision from the tutor

What you need to bring with you:

A folder to take you work home
A selection of drawing materials including graphite pencils, willow charcoal, charcoal pencils, white chalk or similar, plastic and putty rubbers

What we will provide:

A2 sheets of white cartridge paper
Grey paper for pastels
A selection of drawing materials

Methods of assessing outcomes

Feedback from tutor
Group discussion
Completion of evaluation form

Celebrate the golden days of late summer with a relaxing and creative jewellery-making workshop at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. Choose up to 16 laser-cut acrylic pieces, designed and made in Birmingham by Rebecca Cowley of Working Clasp Jewellery, and learn how to transform them into beautiful wearable art.

With bright sunflowers, frosted leaves, honey bees, honeycomb and honey pots to mix and match, you’ll create a unique piece inspired by the abundance and beauty of the harvest season. Inspired by Lughnasadh, the Celtic festival that marks the first harvest, this 90-minute workshop is a chance to slow down, get creative and make something truly special.

Held in the beautiful new Craft & Culture Café Bar at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to enjoy a drink while you craft.

Good to know 

• No experience is needed – just bring your imagination.
• If you normally use reading glasses or other visual aids for detailed work, please bring them along so you can enjoy the workshop comfortably.
• You’ll leave with up to three handmade pieces to celebrate the magic of late summer.
• Spaces are limited, booking is recommended.
• A themed cocktail is included in the price

PRICE: £65

Character Heads in Clay Workshop with Paul Brown RBSA.

Design and sculpt your own characterful face in clay. Using a variety of sculpting techniques, learn to create features and expressions with a range of tools and modelling methods.

Age group and abilities to be taught    

• 18 years and above
• Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• Learn the basic sculpting methods to create a head and features in clay
• Learn how to handle clay, creating a simple block shape onto which sculpt a head and face
• Learn how to use a range of sculpting tools and techniques to create features, texture, and expression

Course outline for the day

Morning activity

• Introduction and examples
• Create basic shapes in clay
• Begin to build up simple features and expressions

Afternoon activity

• Review progress
• Refine features, look at embossing and texture
• Discussion as to possibilities for hollowing and firing work

What you need to bring with you:

• Reference images of friends, family, and any other inspirational images of faces
• Plastic box, tray, or board for transportation of finished work
• Plastic bags
• Apron
• Any pottery sculpting tools

What we will provide:

• Wooden boards
• Clay
• Sculpting tools
• Range of stamps for embossing/creating texture
• Examples of tutor’s work for reference

Methods of assessing outcomes

• Feedback from tutor
• Group discussion
• Completion of evaluation form

ONE MORE TIME — DAY PARTY

Birmingham, it’s throwback o’clock.

One More Time is a 90s & 00s bottomless brunch day disco packed with Britney, Usher, Destiny’s Child and all the bangers your teenage self still knows every word to.

Bottomless drinks. Dancefloor chaos. Zero shame.Free entry, with brunch tickets available for those who like their nostalgia served with unlimited prosecco.

This is a daytime party for people who still love a night out… just a bit earlier.

Saturday 29th August 1PM – 7PM (day party supremacy)

• Expect wall-to-wall 90s & 00s bangers
• Dance like it’s a Year 6 disco but with better drinks.
• FREE ENTRY (yes, actually free)
• Bottomless Brunch tickets £32 per person (£10 deposit per person) – because unlimited drinks deserve commitment.

Come for a bop, stay for as long as you’re able to make regrettable choices and leave questioning your step count and your voice.
Low-rise jeans optional. Good vibes mandatory.

Birmingham’s world-famous Jewellery Quarter has been Britain’s main seat of jewellery and silver manufacture for at least the last 150 years.

It has been described as a ‘National treasure, a place of unique character and a particular combination of structures associated with jewellery and metal working that doesn’t seem to exist anywhere else in the world.’

Join us on a lively guided walk looking at the people, places and themes that have helped to shape this singular working district.

Please Note: This guided walk begins outside St Paul’s Church in St Pauls Square B3 1QZ and ends at the Museum of the Jewellery quarter.

Please arrive in good time with your pre-booked ticket as the walk will begin promptly at 2pm.

Pre-booking required.

🍻 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.