Collection theme: Other Industries
Important Black Country industries were based not only on the processing of iron and other metals, but also on the rich natural resources of coal, limestone and fireclay. Coal and limestone are represented through the preservation of original mine shafts and limekilns. The first successful atmospheric steam engine in the world was established outside Dudley in 1712 for the drainage of mines on the Earl of Dudley’s estate, and there is a working replica of that first engine at the Museum.
Brick making and fireclay products are also represented in the collection, including local firms such as Gibbons of Dudley, Baggeridge Brick Company and George King Harrison of Stourbridge. The Museum cares for a number of International Exhibition medals, awarded to G. K. Harrison in the 1800s.
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Box
Glass Plate
Glass Plate
Limekilns
Medal
Printing block
Racecourse Colliery
Rufford Brick
