British Decorative Art and Design

Art and Design Collection

Focussing on objects made in Birmingham or the Midlands, this collection dates from the medieval period to the present day. It includes the largest and most comprehensive collection of internationally renowned jewellery, metalwork and glass made in Birmingham between the 18th and early 20th centuries held anywhere in the UK.

Includes:

  • Matthew Boulton metalwork
  • glass by John Hardman & Co and Hardman Powell
  • F & C Osler & Co. Ceramics
  • porcelain objects from manufacturers Worcester and Ruskin
  • jewellery, metalwork, ceramics and stained glass by later 19th and early 20th century British Arts and Crafts makers, particularly those from Birmingham
  • furniture commissioned from James Newton by Matthew Robinson Boulton comprises the largest holding of this important Regency maker in public ownership.

Image gallery

  • Stained glass window trefoil of an angel with multicoloured wings holding a scroll with the Latin word 'Filus'
  • Ceramic vase with a mottled blue pattern
  • Bright red ceramic vase with lid
  • Silver container shaped like half an egg, ornately decorated with four claw feet and two handles
  • A round silver plate with decorated edge
  • Silver container for liquid tea, shaped like an urn with a tap on the front
  • Two ornate jugs with gold coloured spouts, handles and bases, the middle parts are made of a polished blue stone