‘Made in Birmingham’ is an exciting new display in the historic Industrial Gallery. It explores some of the characteristics of Birmingham and what it means to be shaped by this city.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a passing visitor, everyone has an opinion on Birmingham. This display looks beyond the stereotypes to examine the real Birmingham – sometimes wonderful, sometimes frustrating, and with a tendency to knock everything down and start again.

‘Made in Birmingham’ is a snapshot of some of the people, places and things which have been made in this city from the 18th century to the present day and which make this city what it is.

It explores the complicated relationship that many people have to Birmingham, and the sense of welcome and home that the city and its inhabitants can provide. It looks at the city’s continual redevelopment and roadworks, as well as the nostalgia and memories associated with certain places in Birmingham. It also examines manufacturing in Birmingham, a city of makers which has produced everything from HP Sauce to Cadbury’s chocolate, buttons to bicycles, fancy metalwork to industrial metalwork.