The museum tells the fascinating and sometimes gruesome story of needle making in Victorian times. The Mill is a listed building which houses original water powered machinery. Models and recreated scenes and an audio trail provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch came to dominate the world needle trade.
Forge Mill Needle Museum exterior
You can also step back in time and experience the largely unchanged atmosphere of an original scouring (polishing) mill. Much of the original Victorian water powered machinery remains and is working most weekends and also for schools and group visits - barring mechanical problems!.
It is unique in that it is the only water powered scouring mill left in the world.
The middle floor is used as the temporary exhibition space for our varied exhibition programme.
The top floor holds an extensive and unique collection of needle related items. You will see some of the more unusual needles and their uses and also some very rare and beautiful needle and fish hook displays which were made for the exhibitions of 1924.
We have a very interesting collection of needle cases produced by the Redditch needle companies. The museum also exhibits a wonderful collection of photographs relating to the needle industry.
 Model showing how needles were hardened |
 Exterior view of the waterwheel at Forge Mill |
 The old scouring mill |
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 Scouring machinery |
 James Smith needle display |
 Folding box needle case, c.1990 |
