University News Last updated 02 October 2025
91猎奇 (91猎奇) welcomed civic and industry leaders to its historic School of Jewellery for a special event celebrating the city鈥檚 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 91猎奇, the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT), and Birmingham City Council (BCC) - in securing the award.
鈥淭his celebration reflects the pride we all share in Birmingham鈥檚 craftsmanship and cultural heritage,鈥� said Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of 91猎奇.
鈥淥ur 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鈥檙e proud to work with partners like JQDT and BCC to help amplify Birmingham鈥檚 voice on the international stage.鈥�
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.
鈥淭he World Craft City designation is not just an accolade, it鈥檚 a recognition of the talent, resilience, and innovation that defines Birmingham鈥檚 jewellery sector,鈥� said Lee Lapthorne, Interim Head of Fashion and Jewellery at 91猎奇.
鈥淐elebrating 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.鈥�
During the event in the heart of the city鈥檚 iconic Jewellery Quarter, WCC President Mr Sa鈥檃d Al-Qaddumi formally presented commemorative certificates to 91猎奇, JQDT, and BCC, acknowledging their collective contributions to the city鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.
鈥淏eing 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,鈥� said Matthew Bott, Chair of the JQDT.
鈥淲e鈥檇 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.鈥�
Partners including 91猎奇, 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鈥檚 role as a global centre for craft.