Learn Fascinating Facts About Birmingham With This Tea Towel
The Library of Birmingham opened in September 2013, replacing Birmingham Central Library. Along with The Bullring and Birmingham New Street Station, the library was rebranded as part of the ongoing regeneration project taking place in the city. Now, the library is part of Birmingham’s new skyline and has become one of the top 10 popular tourist attractions in the UK. With over 2 million visitors in 2015, this library is also one of the most visited tourist attractions outside of London.
When I came to visit Birmingham with some friends, we wanted to bring a piece back with us… So, we decided to visit the Library of Birmingham’s gift shop on the Ground Floor to find some unique gifts here. The gift shop sold a selection of souvenirs such as prints on postcards and items of clothing. There was also hand- made jewellery, crafted by local artists.
The Birmingham Facts Tea Towel caught my eye
After looking at the different gifts here, I decided to purchase a Birmingham Facts Tea Towel by Dot Moth Studio (£9) after it caught my eye. Instead of drying dishes with it, I felt it was better to frame it and use it as wall art.
The towel had a very simple design, with blue printed text on it. I loved the addition of the detailed Birmingham skyline on top of it as well, featuring landmarks such as The Town Hall, Library of Birmingham, and the Bullring. Additionally, the towel had loads of fascinating facts about Birmingham, named as ‘The City of a Thousand Trades’ because of its industrial heritage.
For instance, did you know The Bullring got its name in the 16th century, because bull baiting took place there? In 1972, you could go on a tour of the famous Spaghetti Junction with a coach company from Burton- on- Trent for just 65p. And the first ODEON cinema opened in Perry Barr in 1930… It can be very time consuming trying to find out about a city’s history by surfing the web. So, it helps having the most interested facts presented in one place such as this cotton tea towel.
A brief history of DotMoth Studio
DotMoth Studio was founded by Angela Tomlinson and Annie Jenkins, two mothers who used to do the school run together. After seeing tourist products on their outings in London, they realised Birmingham didn’t have anything like this. So they brought the London experience right on Birmingham’s doorstep with DotMoth Studio… With inspiration from these souvenirs, they produced 50p postcards with various prints. Overtime, DotMoth Studio extended the range to posters, mugs, and tea towels. Don’t forget to also check out their Height Chart to check your height against various local celebrities! How does your height compare to Adrian Chiles?
Verdict on the DotMoth Studio Birmingham Facts Tea Towel
Overall, I’d give this tea towel a 7/10. It has loads of fascinating facts about ‘The City of a Thousand Trades’ all presented in one place. And personally, instead of using it to dry dishes, I think it is better to frame it and use it as wall art. As well as visiting the Library of Birmingham, don’t forget to visit the nearby Town Hall and Bullring, which are both in walking distance…
