Professor Carl Chinn MBE is to be Honoured with a Plaque at Birmingham’s Pen Museum.
A permanent plaque honouring Birmingham’s historian, author and broadcaster Professor Carl Chinn MBE will be unveiled at the Pen Museum on Thursday 6 August 2026, recognising his outstanding contribution in supporting and helping the past 25 years.
The plaque marks a significant moment in the museum’s silver anniversary year celebrations. The Pen Museum is possibly the only museum dedicated to the history of the steel pen industry when Birmingham produced around three quarters of the world’s pens in the 19th century.
Pen Museum Chair, Paul Lindsell said;
“We are delighted to recognise the support that Prof. Carl Chinn and his continued dedication to the Pen Museum. As a registered charity and relies on volunteers, visitor income and shop sales to continue its important work of caring for this unique part of Birmingham’s industrial legacy which contributes to the city’s tourism and heritage offer. “
The Pen Museum tells the remarkable story of an industry that dominated the pen industry for over a century and how the mostly female workforce produced more than 18,000 nibs a day. Birmingham’s pen manufacturers helped make writing affordable and available across the globe, transforming education, commerce and literacy.
Professor Carl Chinn, MBE said;
“I am delighted and honoured to have a plaque at the Pen Museum in my honour. The Museum owes everything to the dedication of a motivated band of volunteers who turned the idea of a pen room museum into a reality. Chief amongst them were the late Brian Jones MBE and Ray Handley, and Larry Hinks and Colin Giles.
I was privileged to learn from them and to be able to publicise their efforts on my then BBC WM show. As such, I’m honoured that a plaque will carry my name, but above all I pay tribute to the four inspirational founders.”
