A history and colouring book aimed mainly at primary school children was launched on Thursday 25th February at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.

The book was written by Pauline Roberts, Founder of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery and illustrated by John Scott Martin, President of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists.  The project was funded by Awards for All and progressed in conjunction with the Jewellery Quarter Regeneration Partnership and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter.

The purpose of the book is to increase awareness of Key Hill Cemetery and encourage school groups, children and their families to visit the Cemetery.  Three thousand books and 300 Teaching Aid discs have been produced for distribution to Birmingham schools primarily for educational visits to this historic cemetery, where Alfred Bird (inventor of eggless custard) and the Chamberlain family are some of the many important and famous people buried. 

Andy Munro, Operations Director for the Jewellery Quarter Regeneration Partnership said: -

‘This was the brainchild of Pauline Roberts, Founder Member of Friends of Key Hill Cemetery; and will be a wonderful asset both for schools and families visiting the Quarter and enable them to enjoy a walk around this unique part of the area.  We are very grateful to the National Lottery ‘Awards for All’ fund for their support.’

The books will be distributed to local primary schools throughout March, and are available to visitors to the Quarter free of charge from the Jewellery Quarter Information Centre and Museum of the Jewellery Quarter (Vyse Street), The Pen Museum (Frederick Street) and St Paul’s Church and the RBSA Gallery (Sty Paul’s Square). 

For more information about the book contact Claire Hill on 0121 464 7016 or claire.hill@birmingham.gov.uk.