JEWELLERY QUARTER www.jewelleryquarter.net LIVE LEARN WORK VISIT
ISSUE NINE
MADE IN THE JQ
A one stop shop for all your gift needs
READY PLAYER ONE
VIVA LA VIDA
ALL THAT GLITTERS
SPIELBERG HITS THE JQ FOR LATEST BLOCKBUSTER
COCKTAILS, TAPAS AND ANTIQUES
TOP PICKS TO PUT UNDER THE TREE THIS CHRISTMAS
QUARTER LIFE – THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE JEWELLERY QUARTER
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Hello
WELCOME TO THE NINTH ISSUE OF QUARTER LIFE
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR THE JEWELLERY QUARTER.
“M
aybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Whilst I am a fan of Dr Seuss, I can’t help but think that maybe the Grinch just didn’t shop in the Jewellery Quarter.
ON THE COVER
Hasret Brown is an artist inspired by geometric patterns. Read our Made In the JQ supplement to find out more.
Luke Crane, JQBID manager
With Christmas right around the corner, issue nine takes a look at just a few of the hundreds of shopping opportunities available right here in the Quarter. If you need some inspiration, turn to page 14 for our special guest feature by Jewellery Quarter-based fashion blogger Emily-Jayne (warning: you’ll want to buy it all). Speaking of Christmas, our JQ illuminations will be bigger and brighter than ever this year and we can’t wait for you to see the new lights. Join us on Friday, November 18 from 5pm, for food, fun and festivities on the Golden Square. You may have noticed that Caroline Street is starting to look very different. We’re in the process of constructing a beautiful new tree-lined boulevard, with a brand new footpath. Work is expected to continue until early January, so be sure to pop down and have a look when it is finished. The JQ Business Improvement District has been working closely with volunteers from local businesses to clean up the JQ and we’d like to extend our thanks to all that have taken part so far.
NEXT ISSUE
If you’ve got an interesting story you’d like us to consider for the next issue of Quarter Life, please email chris@barquespr.co.uk
We managed to fill 67 bin bags of rubbish in just two hours, showing just how much of an issue litter in the area really is. Despite this, it really is an amazing achievement and shows a real pride in the area – well done, team! A date for all levy payers’ diaries is June 2017 – this is the month that you’ll be invited to cast your vote in the JQBID renewal ballot. We always welcome your feedback and ideas here at JQBID, so if you have any ahead of the upcoming ballot, please get in touch. It looks like 2017 is shaping up to be bursting with activity, and we’re already looking ahead into the New Year – but for now, Happy Christmas from all of us at JQBID.
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NEWS The JQ Clean Up The Eight Foot Grocer shortlisted for Good Food Award JQ Fusions
ISSUE NINE
Food for Thought
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SOME LIKE IT HOT - RAJDOOT As restaurant Rajdoot celebrates 50 years, we take a look over its last half a century in the JQ. CHANGING SPACES Former pro-heavyweight boxer Neil Perkins opens his doors to us at his new gym on Henrietta Street. READY PLAYER ONE
A one stop shop for all your gift needs.
Lights, camera, action! Steven Spielberg turned our streets into a Hollywood film set this summer, and we've got the pictures to prove it. I
JQ
Editor: Chris Brown chris@barquespr.co.uk 0121 233 2080 Advertising: Luke Crane luke.crane@jqdt.org 0121 233 2814 Design & Art Direction:
BBC presenter Dr David Gregory-Kumar tells us what he loves about the Jewellery Quarter, and what it has to offer couples.
Lee Haynes Photography: Fellows Auctioneers Lee Allen Contributors:
MADE IN THE JQ A one stop shop for all your gift needs.
Emily-Jayne Hallsworth Suzie Matthews
A sneak peek behind the scenes of some of the JQ's favourite designer makers CONTACT US
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For Jewellery Quarter BID enquiries:
ALL THAT GLITTERS Special guest stylist and blogger Emily-Jayne has hand-selected her top picks to put under the tree this Christmas. LIFE THROUGH A LENS Capturing the highlights of the Jewellery Quarter in a flash.
info@jqdt.org 0121 233 2814
Designed and produced by:
VIVA LA VIDA AT ANA ROCHA Welcome to the wonderful world of Ana Rocha. Antiques gallery by day, club by night.
www.barques.co.uk
ARTISTS AT THREE We revisit Artists at Three: a fast-paced programme of art installations held within the loading bay of BPN Architects.
A magazine by:
MERRY AND BRIGHT Warm up the reindeer: Christmas is coming! WHAT’S ON Dates for your diary.
www.jewelleryquarter.net
QUARTER LIFE – ISSUE NINE
NEWS
JQ FUSIONS A new type of networking event took the JQ by storm this summer, when the BID launched JQ Fusions – a series of events that sees two Jewellery Quarter based businesses showcase their work every month. It gives residents and visitors a new way to experience the best that each business has to offer in a fun and sociable way.
The JQ Clean Up
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he JQ had a bit of a spruce up in September as businesses, residents and members of the community came together as part of the JQBID’s Your JQ: Keep It Clean campaign. After a call out for volunteers, the BID was joined by local businesses and residents from the Quarter who all worked together to help create a cleaner, safer JQ. The volunteers cleared 67 bags of rubbish from the Quarter in areas surrounding St Paul’s Square, the Chamberlain Clock and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. Luke Crane, manager of the JQBID, said: “It’s amazing to see the whole community come together and volunteer their own time towards cleaning up the Jewellery Quarter. “The combined effort of all has resulted in a visible difference on our streets and shows just how much can be achieved in a short space of time when members of the community join forces.”
In August, Dale’s Hairdressing salon was full to the brim with people learning how to weave flowers into their hair, thanks to help from In Bloom Flowers.
The Eight Foot Grocer shortlisted for Good Food Award Independent eatery The Eight Foot Grocer has been shortlisted for the title of Midlands Best Deli by the teams at the BBC Good Food Show and BBC Good Food. Located on Caroline Street, the micro-grocer champions fellow independent brands and locally sourced produce, including goods from JQ’s, Peel & Stone. The Eight Foot Grocer will compete against nine other delis from across the region for the prestigious title. The winner will also have the opportunity to exhibit free of charge at the BBC Good Food Show Winter, which takes place November 24-27 at the NEC. Judges will visit all the shortlisted delis and will look at the range, quality and value of produce, staff product knowledge and enthusiasm, customer service, available services, facilities and community involvement.
QUARTER LIFE – ISSUE NINE
In September, the Artfull Expression studio played host to Two Towers Brewery, giving people the opportunity to purchase engraved tankards in which to drink their JQ-brewed beer. The next JQ Fusions event on Wednesday, December 7, will be hosted by St Paul’s Gallery and Rock & Roll Brewhouse. For more information visit jewelleryquarter.net/fusions
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NEWS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT It’s been an incredible few months for foodies in Birmingham, and here in the JQ we have our fair share of the best bars and restaurants in the city, with new delights being added to our long list of eateries all the time.
Body Balance Therapy, Frederick Street Dolls of Decadence, Vyse Street Fine Jewels, Graham Street Fishylicious, Pitsford Street Grosvenor St.Paul’s, St Paul’s Square
August saw the arrival of FISHYLICIOUS in Pitsford Street – the city’s first fish and chip shop to have its own mural painted by world-renowned artist Temper. Run by Sarah Thornton, the former manager of The Lord Clifden pub, Fishylicious serves traditional chip shop grub in a nautical setting.
Heps Architecture, Vyse Street Holts Academy, Moreton Street Karina’s Cafe, Caroline Street Konya’s Gold, Pitsford Street
A taste of Turkey arrived in September with the opening of KONYA’S GOLD. Located next door to Fishylicious in Pitsford Street, this is owner Kilbria Ghulam’s second restaurant following the success of Konya Grill in Perry Barr. Paying tribute to its new location, Kilbria added gold to the name of the restaurant and has adorned the walls and ceiling with chandeliers and tiles imported from Turkey.
Parfait Homes Ltd, Vyse Street Quality Diamonds, Spencer Street Refugee & Migrant Centre, Frederick Street Rock & Roll Brewhouse, Regent Place
In October, the sister eatery of awardnominated Eight Foot Grocer OTTO arrived with its authentic pizza oven delivered straight from Italy. The name comes from the Italian for the number eight, which is the number of pizzas that will be on the menu at any one time to ensure optimal quality.
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WELCOME TO THE NEW JQ BUSINESSES
Rose and Rainbow Photography, Warstone Lane School of Master Jewellery, Vyse Street Soda Bread Cafe, St Paul’s Square
Birmingham was once dubbed ‘the city of a thousand trades’, now it’s home to 1000 TRADES – a craft beer and wine bar on Frederick Street. It serves craft beers, artisan spirits and wine. If you’re hungry, tuck into a 30-day aged organic beef burgers or Coney Island fries and a long list of mouth-watering hot dogs.
Spanishouse, Regent Place
The BUTTON FACTORY has opened in the same historic building that was once home to Vertu. Located on the corner of Frederick Street and Regent Street, the characterful building is thought to date back to 1824. Vertu aficionados will be delighted to know that the popular rooftop terrace remains and while it’s not quite the season for it yet, you can still enjoy a chilled cocktail or a pint of beer outside.
The Hylton Café, Hylton Street
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Stephen Arthur Fashion Ltd, Mary Street Thames Williams Accountancy, Vyse Street The Brown Lion, Hall Street
Utility Team, Vyse Street Yourhealthyourbeauty, Branston Street To find out more about these businesses and the many more which call the Quarter home, visit www.jewelleryquarter.net/directory
Some like it hot WE’RE NOT SHORT OF GOOD RESTAURANTS IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER, BUT VERY FEW OF THEM HAVE BEEN MAKING AUTHENTIC CUISINE FOR HALF A CENTURY. THIS YEAR RAJDOOT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF AWARD-WINNING NORTH INDIAN CUISINE. WE JOINED OWNER MANJIT GILL FOR LUNCH TO FIND OUT WHAT HIS RECIPE FOR SUCCESS IS.
T
he Rajdoot story began in 1966 when Des Saradr opened the UK’s first tandoori restaurant in London. There had been a dramatic rise in the number of Indian restaurants opening in the UK in the 1960s, thanks to the more easily available spices. But what made Rajdoot so special wasn’t so much the ingredients being used, but how the food was cooked. Tandoori cuisine is traditionally cooked at high temperatures in a tandoor or clay oven – not something you find in your average restaurant kitchen. Manjit joined as a part-time waiter whilst he was studying at university. Over the years, he climbed the ranks and moved to Birmingham to take on the role of assistant manager at the new restaurant. In 2000, Manjit bought out the former owner and took full control of the Rajdoot brand before moving the Birmingham restaurant to its current location on George Street. Located on one of the main gateways into the Jewellery Quarter, Rajdoot is an escape from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham. There’s always a warm welcome – as soon as you enter the restaurant, staff guide you to the Dancing Girl Lounge, an area filled with solid bronze statues and hand-painted works of art. It’s here where customers begin their culinary journey as they wait for the rest of their party, enjoy a few drinks and, of course, order their food. When your food is ready, you are whisked through to the main dining area, which seats up to 84 people. Everything about Rajdoot is authentic: from the wooden carvings adorning the walls to the camel saddles used for seating in the lounge – all hail from the Indian subcontinent. Looking over diners and staff is Tara, the goddess of peace and protection, who features prominently in the main dining room. For Manjit, Rajdoot is all about family. There are 14 staff who work at the restaurant, either full or part time. The head chef, who is retiring later this year, has been working for the business for 45 years – a true testament of the loyalty that the staff have towards Manjit. It’s not just the staff who are loyal though: the award-winning establishment has many regular diners, including residents of the Quarter and local businesses, while visitors to the city often dine there, thanks to word-of-mouth and online recommendations. It’s for this reason (and many others) that Rajdoot has stood the test of time. Long may it continue to do so.
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CHANGING
SPACES A former press works has had a new lease of life after one of Birmingham’s premier boxing gyms found a new home. We popped down to the newly opened Henrietta Street Gym to have a look round and see how good our right hook is.
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onstructed in the late 1800s for pressings firm Taylor & Challen, 6 Derwent Works is steeped in history. The building was one of many that Taylor & Challen occupied in the Quarter, with others including a large factory on the corner of Livery and Mary Ann Street and another at the end of Water Street.
Despite having sustained heavy fire damage in 2013, the building still retains its heritage, making it the perfect home for a 1920s style boxing gym. The owners of the former Fighting Fit Gym on Lionel Street, have joined forces with developers Javelin Block to transform the ground floor into an authentic boxing training arena. Championing the benefits of authentic boxing training, the style is reminiscent of 1920s American heritage boxing gyms, but with all the mod-cons. The gym benefits from recycled original features, including a 1920s lift shaft, which complements the custom-built conditioning equipment, Woodway Curve treadmill and the feature boxing ring. Run by former pro-heavyweight boxer Neil Perkins, Henrietta Street Gym has quickly become one of the top boxing gyms in the region. The new facility specialises in getting people fit through effective and fun training methods that deliver results and challenge participants both physically and mentally. Home to the Jewellery Quarter Amateur Boxing Squad, the same training methods are used by both the elite-level athletes and ‘everyday’ gym members. Sessions are delivered by expert trainers, who ensure every member maximises the time spent in the gym and help to make training accessible to all. As a special offer to readers of Quarter Life, Henrietta Street Gym is giving away a free three-class pass to residents and businesses in the Jewellery Quarter. All you have to do is email info@henriettastreetgym.com and quote Quarter Life.
Mon-Thu 6.30am – 9.30pm
Henrietta Street Gym is open: Fri 6.30am – 8.30pm Sat-Sun 9.00am – 2.00pm
For more information visit www.henriettastreetgym.com or telephone 0121 233 3696.
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F
or two weeks Lionel Street, Water Street and Livery Street were transformed into run-down slums for the sci-fi fantasy Ready Player One, which is based on the 2011 book by Ernest Cline. Eighties-inspired temporary graffiti littered walls, featuring cult-characters such as Lion-O and Snarf from Thundercats, The Flash and various monsters from Dungeons & Dragons lore. Ready Player One is set in dystopian 2044, in a world gripped by global warming. Much of the population live out their lives in a virtual world called OASIS. When James Halliday, the founder of OASIS, dies, a global online treasure hunt begins for a digital Easter egg. Whoever finds the egg will inherit both Halliday’s fortune and OASIS. Many of the roads around Livery Street were closed for a series of high-speed car chases, burnt out cars and smoking rubbish bins. Plenty of OASIS players lined the streets as Spielberg himself oversaw filming of the movie, which stars Simon Pegg, Mark Rylance, Tye Sheriden and Olivia Cooke.
READY PLAYER ONE THE JEWELLERY QUARTER HAS SEEN MANY A TV CREW HEAD TO ITS STREETS OVER THE YEARS BUT THIS SUMMER, TRUE HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY PAID THE QUARTER A VISIT WHEN OSCAR AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER STEVEN SPIELBERG AND HIS CREW TOOK UP RESIDENCY TO FILM HIS LATEST BLOCKBUSTER, ‘READY PLAYER ONE’.
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Some of the area’s more recognisable buildings took on leading roles, too, with Telephone House converted into Columbus North High School and St John’s Ambulance building becoming a United States Postal Office. Visitors to the area may have become a tad confused when navigating the streets because a number of American signs popped up and futuristic cars, all bearing Ohio licence plates, filled parking spaces down Ludgate Hill. The Quarter is no stranger to film crews, of course. Over the years, its historic streets have been a hot spot for filming, with BBC’s Hustle, Doctors and Line of Duty all being shot here. We’ve even featured in the Danish version of Wish You Were Here. Fans have to wait to see the film on the big screen, because it’s not scheduled for release until March 2018. You can guarantee that we’ll be at the front of the queue, trying to spot the Jewellery Quarter streets.
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Whilst the Jewellery Quarter has increased in popularity amongst the city’s young professionals over recent years, there are plenty of couples who have settled down and made it a home as well. BBC Midlands Today and BBC Farming Today presenter, Dr David Gregory-Kumar, and partner Suraj are one such couple. We caught up with David to see what he loves about living in the JQ.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER? I moved here way back in 1999 and then about 10 years ago I met my future husband, Suraj, and we’ve both made our home here. We’ve seen plenty of change in that time. It’s a cliché but we love our loft apartment, bare bricks, open plan, the works. It even has a little bit of outside space which is really special. Suraj has created a wonderful garden out there. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE JEWELLERY QUARTER? The history and the architecture. But what’s been great is seeing things change over time and redundant buildings being brought back to life. It’s clearly not easy balancing the needs of existing businesses with demands of developers but so far it seems to be working out. What’s really nice is that so many people can experiment and get ideas off the ground here, be it young jewellers, small companies and, of course, new places to eat and drink. IF SOMEBODY WAS VISITING FOR THE FIRST TIME, WHERE WOULD YOU SUGGEST THEY VISIT? There’s so much to do and it keeps changing. My mum can’t wait to visit and see what’s going on. A particular favourite is The Pen Museum; it's such a vital part of the history of the JQ and will make you look at the streets where you live in a different way. The Coffin Works is also a firm family favourite. And of course we always try and pop into Bicknells where Suraj and I picked out our wedding rings. Keep an eye out for their “big rocks”!
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WHERE ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EAT/DRINK? Too many places to mention. All the usual suspects: The Church, Downstairs, 1000 Trades (the music on a Saturday is great), St Paul’s House and The Button Factory (try their sharing rum baba where you get to pour the rum!). But special mention to Ana Rocha because it’s just such a crazy concept but now I can’t imagine life without a cocktail/tapas bar in an antiques shop.
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A one stop shop for all your gift needs.
Paul Burbage and model Sy-Anne Taylor
BurboK’ture A
s the saying goes, “You either know fashion or you don’t”. There’s no doubt that designer, fashion director and stylist Paul Burbridge, aka Burbo K’ture, knows fashion.
At his studio boutique, at 81 Vyse Street, Burbo K’ture creates bespoke pieces for all occasions. Using texture, print, form and embellishment, he draws upon myriad multicultural influences for an array of unique designs. Burbo K’ture has been designing clothes for more than four years, so it is surprising to learn that he entered the industry completely self-taught, with no training or fashion qualifications. He describes himself as an artistic director who works with fabric as a point of communication. He uses customisation to re-structure fabric and revels in breaking down the components, combining and piecing them together to create wearable art. Taking the materials apart allows Paul to learn the structure of a garment and what it can be used for. Burbo K’ture is not just a designer: he’s also a stylist who works on photoshoots, short films, catwalks and live events. He also holds one-to-one styling sessions. It’s important for Paul to understand a person’s body when styling and the studio offers a private space for personal shopping, which enables visitors to wear what they want, how they want to, a statement which Paul believes in strongly. www.burbokture.net
MADE IN THE JQ
07494 538134
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It wasn’t until she was stopped in the street and asked about her designs that she thought she might be able to turn her ideas into a business.
f diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then her handbag is her deputy. Unlike the precious gems, a handbag is functional, more affordable and always on your arm. Enter Gosia Weber.
In 2005, she made the decision to leave Poland and move to the Jewellery Quarter – something she saw as more of an adventure than a business plan at the time.
Gosia’s studio in Frederick Street is a veritable Aladdin’s cave for handbag lovers. Step over the threshold and you’ll find an array of beautifully handcrafted handbags, purses and accessories hanging on the walls. So many, that you may find it hard to know where to start, or, more accurately, where to stop.
Each of her individually designed leather handbags are handmade and Gosia prides herself on making the most of off-cuts and remnants of leather and upholstery fabric. It means anyone buying one of her creations has a one-off.
It’s surprising to learn that Gosia Weber is self-taught and began her trade by making her own clothes in her native Poland. She was never interested in following the latest fashions; instead, she focused on forging her own identity through her designs.
Gosia travels across the country to sell her handbags at craft fairs and her unique goods are also available to buy online, we’re lucky enough to have her on our doorstep. If you’d like to arrange a bespoke appointment at her JQ studio, email her at gosia@bagshandmade.co.uk.
www.bagshandmade.co.uk
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Ricky Harvey and Matt Hawkins
Now, dresses by Sequin Showstoppers can be found as far as the Canary Islands and it is the only supplier of bespoke drag attire this side of London.
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hat do you buy the drag queen who has everything? Look no further than Sequin Showstoppers: a no-holds-barred bespoke dressmakers in Vyse Street, launched by long-term friends Ricky Harvey and Matt Hawkins.
By day, Ricky hand makes contemporary silver jewellery at his Vyse Street shop below Sequin Showstoppers. By night, the upstairs becomes a glittering catwalk for drag queens, burlesque dancers and women who are searching for something extra special for glitzy parties and balls.
A jeweller by trade, Ricky started the business in 2015 when Matt Hawkins, now business partner, approached him to make a dress for a friend who was a drag queen.
Ricky and Matt have since teamed up with Pure Joy pole dancing studio in the Jewellery Quarter to create bespoke parties for birthdays, brides-to-be and for special occasions, where you can dress up and try your hand at burlesque.
Through word of mouth on Birmingham’s thriving drag scene, Matt’s unique sense of style began adding a dash of extra sparkle to the frocks of drag queens across city, before Matt found himself in demand across the country.
MADE IN THE JQ
www.sequinshowstoppers.co.uk
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Kate Gilliland
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illiam Morris once said: “The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.” This is the ethos that Kate Gilliland, a jewellery designer and natural history enthusiast, lives and breathes. Kate describes her work as ‘wearable natural history’, designing and making elegant jewellery – everything from unique bird claw engagement rings to tiny delicate mouse femur bones. Her work is a celebration of life, by casting pieces of nature in precious metal she preserves these tiny fragments of life for generations to come. She spent a great deal of her childhood exploring the Welsh coastline near her grandparents’ home and collecting natural curiosities – a fascination that can be seen in her jewellery designs today. Kate discovers her ‘finds’ on various adventures in England and on travels abroad – and she often gets unusual parcels in the post from friends. She studied Jewellery and Silversmithing at De Montfort University in Leicester and six years ago moved to the Jewellery Quarter after being awarded a place on Design Space in 2010, a scheme set up in the Quarter to support emerging jewellery designers. Here she developed her skills with mentoring and business advice from successful local jewellers. Since then, Kate’s career has soared. Her work has brought the world to her studio in Caroline Street; it is home to a monkey skull from Tanzania, dolphin vertebrae that was washed up on the coast of Scotland and a field mouse, which has since toured the European exhibition circuit. She now designs and makes her jewellery from her workshop. Kate sells her pieces online through her website and can be commissioned to make bespoke engagement and wedding rings and all manner of weird and wonderful creations. www.kategilliland.com
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Hasret Brown
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irmingham is known for its iconic and varied architecture, from the brutalist concrete lines of the old central library to the fashion-inspired curves of Selfridges. It’s only when we return to the city after an absence that we realise just how important these buildings are to us.
It was only after artist Hasret Brown left her native Turkey did she appreciate the forms, colours and shapes of her homeland’s architecture and art. Hasret arrived in Birmingham 19 years ago, with just £150 in her pocket and a goal to improve her English. After attaining an HND in Business and Marketing at Solihull College, which was followed by a marketing degree at Wolverhampton University, she went on to become a successful product manager. However, four years ago she decided to follow her dreams of becoming a full time artist and she now makes Islamic-inspired artwork using geometric patterns. Spending so much time away from Turkey has developed her strong appreciation for Islamic architecture and her creations bring a little piece of Turkey in to the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. Using her own colours made from earth pigments and real gold, Hasret can spend up to 500 hours on a piece of art, using only a pencil, ruler and a compass as her guide. She strongly believes that everybody has the capability to be creative and, in addition to creating her art, she runs workshops, with a weekend course costing £80. For more information, visit www.hasretbrown.com.
MADE IN THE JQ
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Ellie Ingram
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rom your Great British Bake-Off obsessed best friend, to your budding bedroom DJ boyfriend, Bug’s got it covered. Ellie Ingram has carved herself a career making jewellery based on our nostalgia, and she knows what makes us tick. As far back as Ellie can remember, she’s had a creative obsession. Her designs take inspiration from a huge range of subjects, from baked beans to teapots, and from wishbones to farm animals. Bug’s pieces are silver storytellers that are destined to bring happy memories rising to the surface. These delicate pieces may look simple, but don’t be fooled – Ellie can spend a whole day (and more) crafting intricate details such as a satellite dish & TV aerial for a miniature chicken house and layering up sheets of silver to create a rubber duck for her latest collection, Summer Farm (a ‘happy haven’ for farm animals that helps to raise money for Animal Aid). All of Bug’s unique pieces are handmade from silver and forged using traditional silversmithing techniques including piercing, soldering and enamelling. Many of these unique trinkets have working mechanics, such as a toaster with popping toast and SMEG fridges with hinged doors. On the rare off-chance that you haven’t seen something that strikes a chord with your inner child, Bug will take your wildest dreams and turn them into a beautifully bespoke adaptation: no dream is too wild. Prices vary, ranging from £30-£300. www.bugliveshere.com
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David-Louis
David-Louis I
f you’re looking for an individual gift for the man in your life, look no further than gift designer David-Louis. David has found a way to individualise the gifts that you probably hadn’t even thought of – solid silver chopsticks, solid silver plectrums, engraved tankards, quirky bottle openers, and personalised hipflasks are just a few of the products that he has designed, produced and now sells within Artfull Expression.
Birmingham to complete a silversmithing course at the School of Jewellery, before working at the Assay Office in 1994. With his passion for design and a nose for business, David went on to work for Gifts of Distinction: a silver gifts company based in Rugby, but soon discovered that being so far away from the main source of stock was bad for business. Spotting a resolution for their supply chain problem, David bought the business and moved it to the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.
Catering for the man who has everything, David’s products are stylishly practical. Take, for example, the Godfather Spaghetti Measuring Device, which has carefully sized holes to allow you to measure the perfect spaghetti portion.
David’s passion for entrepreneurship earned him the NatWest Entrepeneur of the Year Award in 1998. He spent the winnings on a PC, which changed his working life, giving him the competitive edge he needed at the start of the digital age. He now works closely alongside the School of Jewellery to help develop the entrepreneurial skills of students.
For those with a slightly bigger budget, David designs traditional Swiss watches, many of which can be customised with monograms, personal messages and straps.
All of David-Louis’ products are made to order and a selection can be found on display at Artfull Expression on Warstone Lane. For the full collection, please visit www.david-louis.com.
David’s career started in Dublin, where he trained as a watchmaker. In order to broaden his offering, he moved to
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THE JQBID DEMONSTRATED ITS PASSION FOR FASHION ONCE AGAIN THIS AUTUMN AS ITS ANNUAL QUARTER LIFESTYLE EVENT RETURNED TO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM’S MCINTYRE HOUSE.
The city’s fashionistas perused the work of top JQ designers; enjoyed canapés prepared by the college’s students and revelled in live music from Alison Noonan & Co at this year’s Quarter Lifestyle event. From jewellers such as James Newman, Julia Ann Davenport and Rita Patel through to fashion designers Dolls of Decadence and Stephen Arthur, there was plenty on offer to tempt those looking to treat themselves or a loved one. The highlight of the evening was a glamorous fashion show hosted by stylist Beth Goodrham who demonstrated exactly how to dress to impress. Fashion retailer John Lewis once again supported the event, providing a range of outfits from its Autumn/Winter 2016 collection for inspiration. The JQ’s jewellers added some extra sparkle to the catwalk as models showcased an array of luxurious pieces – all of which had been made in the Quarter. To see a full list of those who exhibited and the items featured in the catwalk, visit the JQBID website at www.jewelleryquarter.net
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EMILY-JAYNE IS A FASHION BLOGGER AND STYLIST WHO LIVES IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER WITH HER HUSBAND. WE INVITED HER ALONG TO UNWRAP SOME OF HER FAVOURITE GIFT IDEAS, SO IF YOU’RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ON EMILY-JAYNE’S CHRISTMAS LIST, WE SUGGEST YOU TURN AWAY NOW.
£998 BOND & MARTIN
£1800 CLASSIC DIAMONDS
bondandmartin.com
classicdiamonds.co.uk
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£59 KENSINGTON JEWELLERY birmingham-jewellery-quarter.net/ listing/kensington-jewellery
£550 KENSINGTON JEWELLERY birmingham-jewellery-quarter.net/ listing/kensington-jewellery/
£555 SAMSON GOLD samsongold.co.uk
£269 J&M JEWELLERS
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There wasn’t a soggy bottom in sight this September as the world’s biggest coffee morning returned to the Jewellery Quarter. Businesses from across the area threw everything they had into the mixing bowl to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause close to many people’s hearts. Whilst some held their own bakeoffs, others opened their doors to attract the sweet-toothed passersby. The JQBID’s Ambassadors were on hand to taste test the cakes on offer, however it was too difficult to pick a winner. We’ve put together a picture gallery of just some of the delectable morsels and their bakers.
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VIVA LA VIDA AT ANA ROCHA
Walking down the red carpet towards Ana Rocha on Frederick Street, it is hard to imagine what lies on the other side of its grandiose doors.
T
he sign above reads ‘bar & gallery’, and the smiling doorman leads you to believe that all may not be as it seems inside... Edgar Vera and Ana Rocha are the co-owners of Ana Rocha. They came to England from Spain two years ago with plans to launch a new bar-restaurant with a significant twist. The pair had initially intended to take their business to London, but fell in love with the Jewellery Quarter’s rich history and well blended mix of old and new. They now own the only antiques shop/tapas bar in Birmingham, where guests can be amazed by the beautiful gadgets, trinkets and furnishings on display whilst they wine and dine, enjoying an extensive selection of luxury food. The historic Grade II listed former watch factory dates back to 1870 and is full of history. It had played host to a jewellers, paper merchants, gold ring manufacturers and metal processors, before being left vacant in 2010. When Edgar and his wife Ana first visited the building it was little more than a disused warehouse, in need of a lot of attention. Since undergoing major redevelopment, the bar has affectionately
been named after Edgar’s wife, and her Brazilian heritage has even inspired a whole day dedicated to serving Brazilian dishes on Sundays. Priding themselves on the quality of their food, Edgar and Ana import only the finest quality ingredients from Spain, most of which can be seen at a deli counter behind the bar. Cured meats, cheese, fried chorizo, meatballs and patatas bravas are just a few of the options on the mouth-watering menu, available all day, every day. They can be washed down with anything from Sangria to a bottle of Dom Pérignon. When Edgar isn’t at Ana Rocha, he spends much of his time travelling the world in search of inspiring antique pieces of furniture, art, jewellery and gadgets to adorn the space. Some of his finds come from as far as Africa, China and Japan. It’s not all about the decor, though. By day, Ana Rocha serves as a gallery and restaurant but, by night, the lights dim, the mood changes and the stage clears for live bands, DJs and dancing. Tuesday night is Ladies’ Night, where female guests can indulge in two-for-one cocktails all evening. Friday nights are for jazz lovers, with a live band from 7pm every week. Saturdays welcome a mix of Ibiza classics and deep house, and Sunday is Brazilian Day - diners are treated to a Caipirinha cocktail, Brazil’s national cocktail and Feijoada, a delicious homemade traditional dish, for £15. Ana Rocha is open from 11am-11pm Sunday to Thursday, and noon-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. For more menus, events and information, visit www.anarocha.co.uk or call 0121 236 6222.
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Photo: Lorna Parsons
The Jewellery Quarter has a history of turning ordinary spaces into something extraordinary. Local business BPN Architects created something special when they curated Artists at Three, a fast-paced programme of art installations, all set within the building’s loading bay.
DAV I D F P O O L E
AT THREE
In just one month, four artists transformed the front of 3 Mary Street, which is predominantly used as a car park, into a public gallery. An often dark and gloomy interior, it was turned into an inside/outside space where members of the public could enjoy the work of four very different artists, each of whom explored what space means by using a multitude of mediums. In a building that many people walk past every day without giving it a second thought, Artists at Three aimed to raise awareness of the value of artists working alongside architects; enhance the Jewellery Quarter’s cultural offering and allow an ordinary building to have a relationship with passers-by. During the month each artist had the loading bay to themselves for just one week where they had free reign to demonstrate different skills, styles and media to create four different works of art. T H E A RT I S T S Photo: Alexi K
Photo: Alexi K
Alexi K
Photo: Alexi K
ALEXI K
“My initial inspiration started with comicbooks. From them, I learned to draw, to read, to appreciate art, movies and literature. I progressed to cubism, futurism, Bauhaus and constructivism - all art forms with a strong sense of balance and design. “I love architectural drawings. To me, it is often the best art I’ve ever seen. So I enjoy being around architects to see how they work and come up with concepts. For the loading bay, a line drawing has been expanded, resembling a stylised city-scape with weird, otherworldly dimensions, inspired by a 7am bike ride around New York’s Battery Park in July 2013.”
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Photo: David F Poole
ARTISTS
Photo: Rich White
Photo: Jacqui Dodds Photo: Rich White
Photo: Jacqui Dodds
RICH WHITE Photo: Rich White
J AC Q U I D O D D S
Photo: Jacqui Dodds
David F Poole “My video and installation practice focuses on the ‘cinematic’, creating immersive environments in which video pieces can inhabit, rethinking traditional projection methods and reconsidering the cinema screen as a sculptural object. “Working with architects, a different but related creative discipline to art, has been invaluable in providing fresh perspective on my practice and potentially opening up further collaboration opportunities in future. ‘Loading… Bay’ playfully transforms the space from functional to fun. Creating a virtual beach environment through video and sculptural elements, the piece references video games and classic construction toys.”
Jacqui Dodds
Rich White
“I retrace, relive images and feelings of these spaces and with these ideas in mind, create an essence of the places in print and painting.
“Through working with architects, I hope to learn more about how buildings are made. This feeds into my work, which is about the spaces we inhabit and create for ourselves. My work in the loading bay is a response to the space based on the thoughts and opinions of BPN staff.”
“For BPN’s loading bay, I proposed a series of prints themed ‘Reveal, Conceal’, referencing the changing landscape of building work interspersed with glimpses of iconic buildings around the Jewellery Quarter.”
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More images are available at www.bpnarchitects.co.uk
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what’s on For all the details of what’s on locally visit jewelleryquarter.net/whatson JQ FESTIVAL LIGHT SWITCH ON Friday 18th November 5pm – 7pm The Golden Square
BIGGEST BRAIN IN THE BAR PUB QUIZ Monday 21st November 7pm – 9.30pm The Rose Villa Tavern
Santa’s got one foot in the chimney and Rudolph is chomping at the bit. This can only mean one thing: Christmas is just around the corner. JQBID invites you to celebrate it in style this year at the JQ Christmas light switch-on. The Golden Square will be at the heart of this year’s celebration, which takes place on Friday 18 November from 5pm. Every year, we line the streets with specially crafted Christmas illuminations to shine a light on our jewellerymaking heritage. This year is set to be the biggest and brightest yet, with more streets being lit up than ever before. Seasonal street food and drink will warm the masses, with hearty favourites Esmies’ Carribbean & Seafood and flippin’ fantastic sweet treats from Platinum Pancakes. The festivities will see live music including the Glamophones, fireworks from the roof of the Big Peg and a special local guest to flip the switch on our monumental 30-foot Christmas tree. This year, for the first time, the tailor-made lights, which include the Assay Office anchor, jewellery boxes and diamond rings will extend as far as George Street and Northampton Street.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Saturday 3rd December All day
JQ FUSIONS: ST PAUL’S GALLERY AND ROCK & ROLL BREWHOUSE Wednesday 7th December 6pm – 8pm St Pauls Gallery
SOLID SOUL Friday 16th December 9.30pm – 1am The Jam House
THE WIZARD OF OZ Saturday 17th – Saturday 31st December Blue Orange Theatre
NEW YEAR MASQUERADE Saturday 31st December 10pm – late Mechu
To tell us about an event email mat.lovell@jqdt.org
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