Argent Centre

The Argent Centre, a Grade II* listed building located in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, is a historic site originally built in 1863 as the Albert Works for gold pen manufacturing. Designed by J. G. Bland, it features a unique layout of narrow workshops surrounding an open courtyard, allowing natural light to illuminate workspaces. The building showcases multicoloured brickwork reminiscent of Renaissance Florence and once housed a Victorian Turkish bath. After serving various scientific equipment suppliers, it was converted to office space in 1993. Today, it hosts the Pen Museum, the UK's only museum dedicated to the pen-making industry, highlighting Birmingham's significance in this trade. The Argent Centre is managed by the Midlands Industrial Association Ltd, which aims to support small businesses through innovative workspace solutions.