This is the first Birmingham Assay Office and Centre for West Midlands History, University of Birmingham day school. The Assay Office was formed in 1773 as a result of a successful campaign led by Birmingham industrialist, entrepreneur and silversmith Matthew Boulton. It is the largest assay office in the world and continues to carry out its statutory duty of hallmarking articles manufactured in platinum, gold, silver and palladium. Four speakers explore the Quarter’s history, heritage, contemporary crafts and jewellery and silver manufacturing.