By Victoria Ries
Birmingham, pronounced by "Brummies" with a hard "g," boasts more canals than Venice; many are still in use. The center of the industrial revolution, Birmingham, was once a dirty, rundown city that, through much effort, has been given a drastic facelift. Now Birmingham is a bright city, home to many thriving businesses and a favorite for conferences.
The Pen Room
The Pen Room was once the center for the world pen trade. The Pen Room is situated in a former pen factory, The Albert Works. It is housed in a historical Grade II building, which means the building is protected from alteration and demolition due to its architectural or historical value. In its heyday in the late 19th century, the pen factory employed thousands of people, providing employment opportunities for men and women. In turn, the availability of inexpensive pens throughout the world promoted literacy and education. The Birmingham Pen Trade Heritage Association ensures that the history of Birmingham is not soon forgotten.
The Pen Room,
Unit 3, The Argent Centre
60, Frederick Street
Hockley Birmingham B1 3HS
011 (+44) 121 236 9834
pentalk@penroom.freeserve.co.uk
http://www.penroom.co.uk
St. Paul's Gallery
St. Paul's Gallery is a leading global retailer in signed, limited-edition album cover fine art. It invests and trades in rare fine art prints and originals, including art from Andy Warhol, Bridget Riley, Picasso and Salvador Dali. St. Paul's Gallery hosts exhibitions and also hires out a gallery accommodating up to 100 people. The gallery has a catalog from which to browse for favorite artists' album covers, including Donovan, Yes, 10cc, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Black Sabbath, Genesis and Eric Clapton, to mention but a few.
St. Paul's Gallery
94-108 Northwood Street
Birmingham B3 1TH England
Phone: 011 (+44) 121 236 5800
info@stpaulsgallery.com
http://www.stpaulsgallery.com/
14 Lodge Road
14 Lodge Road, located in the Birmingham suburb of Aston was once the home of Ozzy Osbourne, famous founding member of Black Sabbath. Ozzy was kicked out of Black Sabbath, which, ironically, spiraled downhill after its decision to give Ozzy Osbourne the boot. Devastated by the break-up with Black Sabbath, Ozzy spent six months in a hotel room getting high and drunk, until Sharon Arden called on Ozzy to collect an old debt. Seeing the sorry state he was in, she picked Ozzy up, dusted him down and put him on the road to fame and fortune in his own right. Ozzy found phenomenal fame almost overnight. Sharon was destined to become Ozzy's wife.
14 Lodge Road
Aston
Birmingham England
http://www.angelfire.com/darkside/icurus/Biography.html
About the Author:
Victoria Ries is a freelance writer whose work has been published in print magazines including Guideposts, BackHome and Mother Earth News. Ries enjoys working on diverse topics such as travel, animal rescue, health, how-to and home business.
