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What were Birmingham ‘toys’? |
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DESCRIPTION Pocket Watch
MANUFACTURER Thomas Brown, Birmingham, British
DATE 1790
MATERIAL Silver, copper, brass, steel, enamel, glass
DIMENSIONS 85x65x30
PROVENANCE Transferred from Cannon Hill Museum, Birmingham in 1952
LOCATION Thinktank
CAT. NO 1952.S.00215 | |
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Pocket watch | © Thinktank Trust | Come and see it in the Making Things gallery at Thinktank
As well as arms, Birmingham was known for making ‘toys’ - small metal items like buttons, buckles and steel jewellery.
Before 1800 it was recorded that ‘such a spirit of industry reigns [in Birmingham]…that even the women and children earn their living by fabricating of toys, trinkets, etc.’
The town’s industrial development led to growing prosperity and the prosperity of the town led to demand for valuable and sophisticated things, like this gentleman’s watch.
At this time some larger industries were also developing... MORE |
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