Made in Birmingham will showcase 200 years of Midlands science and industry© Courtesy Thinktank Trust
The “experimental thematic” gallery will provide “cutting edge heritage interpretation” in five themed displays which are expected to put up to 1,200 objects on show when they open in December 2012.
They include zoology, flora and fauna from the region, gemstones from 200 years of technology and industry in the Midlands and a button shank making machine made by local innovator Ralph Heaton in 1794.
“We are thrilled that the Heritage Lottery Fund is helping us to develop this extraordinary new addition to the museum,” said Councillor Len Clark, the Chairman of parent body the Thinktank Trust.
“Birmingham has a rich and diverse heritage of manufacturing, and it’s fantastic that we are able to better showcase this to our visitors.”
Anne Jenkins, the Head of the HLF in the West Midlands, said the development would “transform the experience of visitors of all ages.”
“This exciting project means that Thinktank can now further bring to life its nationally important Science and Industry Collection as well as the Natural Science Collection,” she added.
“When complete it will expose the fascinating tale of Birmingham’s manufacturing heritage as the ‘workshop of the world’, and show how innovations in materials and manufacturing from the past are paralleled in industrial developments today.”
The five new displays:
- Orientation – Introducing the gallery and showing that all the materials we use ultimately come from the Earth
- Gadgets – Displaying artefacts for home and leisure made from wood and plastics, from toys to telephones
- Tins and Things – Exploring how glass and aluminium is processed and used in packaging and cookware
- Treasure – Revealing the beauty and value of gemstones and precious metals such as gold and silver
- Nuts and Bolts – Exposing the use of iron and steel in Birmingham machines, components, and products from pen nibs to the Mini
