University News Last updated 02 October
Birmingham City University (BCU) welcomed civic and industry leaders to its historic School of Jewellery for a special event celebrating the city’s designation as a World Craft City for Jewellery and Allied Trades by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC).
While the title was officially conferred earlier this year, the ceremony served as a formal recognition of the efforts made by key partners - including BCU, the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), and Birmingham City Council (BCC) - in securing the award.
“This celebration reflects the pride we all share in Birmingham’s craftsmanship and cultural heritage,” said Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of BCU.
“Our School of Jewellery has stood at the heart of this community for over a century, supporting both tradition and innovation in equal measure. As a civic university, we’re proud to work with partners like JQDT and BCC to help amplify Birmingham’s voice on the international stage.”
The World Craft City designation is awarded by the WCC to cities demonstrating excellence in preserving and promoting traditional crafts while embracing innovation, education, and sustainable development.
“The World Craft City designation is not just an accolade, it’s a recognition of the talent, resilience, and innovation that defines Birmingham’s jewellery sector,” said Lee Lapthorne, Interim Head of Fashion and Jewellery at BCU.
“Celebrating this moment within the School of Jewellery, where so many future makers are trained, felt especially fitting. It highlights the deep connection between our heritage and the new generations carrying it forward.”
During the event in the heart of the city’s iconic Jewellery Quarter, WCC President Mr Sa’ad Al-Qaddumi formally presented commemorative certificates to BCU, JQDT, and BCC, acknowledging their collective contributions to the city’s craft culture.
Guests also heard reflections from Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands Derrick Anderson CBE, and historian Professor Carl Chinn, whose stirring closing remarks offering a heartfelt tribute to Birmingham’s proud past and creative future.
There was also a captivating performance from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire soprano Millie Royle, whose stunning voice left a lasting impression on the audience.
“Being formally recognised as a World Craft City for Jewellery and Allied Trades is a proud moment for Birmingham and reflects exactly why the JQDT exists - to safeguard traditional skills, support innovation, and ensure the Quarter remains a centre of craft for generations to come,” said Matthew Bott, Chair of the JQDT.
“We’d like to thank the World Crafts Council president, the delegation, and the local community for making the award ceremony at the School of Jewellery such a historic and memorable occasion.”
Partners including BCU, JQDT and BCC are now exploring opportunities to build on this international recognition - through new cultural initiatives, skills programmes and collaborative projects that reinforce Birmingham’s role as a global centre for craft.