A mysterious door…

[Godber]

As a lad in the 1980s I worked in the Jewellery Quarter for a small manufacturer on Hilton Street. As I was the youngest it usually fell to me to make deliveries and collections around the area, often among the dilapidated Victorian buildings that housed several small businesses within them. Inside one old building, which I think was on Branston Street but I could be wrong, I would pass a door marked “The Quiet Music Society“ or something similar. Even back then it seemed strange, like it was a Harry Palmer-esque front for a spy organisation perhaps, but I never presumed to knock and ask. Does anyone else have any knowledge or memories of this peculiar place?

 

[John L]

As a lad in the 1980s I worked in the Jewellery Quarter for a small manufacturer on Hilton Street. As I was the youngest it usually fell to me to make deliveries and collections around the area, often among the dilapidated Victorian buildings that housed several small businesses within them. Inside one old building, which I think was on Branston Street but I could be wrong, I would pass a door marked “The Quiet Music Society“ or something similar. Even back then it seemed strange, like it was a Harry Palmer-esque front for a spy organisation perhaps, but I never presumed to knock and ask. Does anyone else have any knowledge or memories of this peculiar place?

Interesting, I know all about it, but I'm afraid... Sorry, I couldn't resist it...I've had a quick look and haven't been able to find anything on this society. Others on this site, may well have the local knowledge to help you. I know there were many businesses that traded from the quarter back then (as you have mentioned) and there are music venues currently around there (which may have a connection with the sign).

 

[Godber]

Ha!!

 

[Astoness]

thats interesting gober...we like a mystery so hopefully someone will be able to help you

lyn

 

[Godber]

Thank you Lyn, I wish I could be certain it was on Branston Street but it’s so long ago now. I was traipsing all over the place back then, going into so many old buildings, up so many creaky old stairs, past so many old doors…I enjoyed my time working there, though.

 

[Astoness]

Thank you Lyn, I wish I could be certain it was on Branston Street but it’s so long ago now. I was traipsing all over the place back then, going into so many old buildings, up so many creaky old stairs, past so many old doors…I enjoyed my time working there, though.

dont give up just yet..something may turn up...i started work in vyse st in the early 70s

lyn

 

[Janet Hunt]

Hi Godber, Just a thought could it have read "Musical and Amicable society" This was a choral society founded by a James Kempson and a Michael Broome in 1762. Most members were from St Phillips Church choir, Birmingham Cathedral as it is now. They used to meet at a coffee shop in Cherry Orchard back then. It may be possible the Society was in Branston Street in the 80's. Could not find much on them, but I believed it continued for may years. They still exist in some form or other in the UK and specialise in early 18th century music and song.

Found this from 2021

Biennial Baroque - Musical and Amicable Society

As part of the 19th Biennial Baroque Conference

www.bcu.ac.uk

 

[Godber]

Hello Janet, thank you kindly for your research. That name isn’t immediately familiar but it may well be correct. I’ll try and contact them and see if they had some sort of establishment in the Jewellery Quarter back then.

 

[Janet Hunt]

Hello Janet, thank you kindly for your research. That name isn’t immediately familiar but it may well be correct. I’ll try and contact them and see if they had some sort of establishment in the Jewellery Quarter back then.

You are welcome, Let us know how you get on.

 

[Godber]

You are welcome, Let us know how you get on.

I‘ve contacted them via email, they say it wasn’t their office. The mystery continues.