The Black Country is often seen as a collection of 20 or so towns falling within the four Metropolitan Boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. While no one quite agrees on the exact boundaries of the region, there is one thing we know for certain: Black Country folk changed the world.

They built the world’s first successful steam engine; put the first steam train (the Stourbridge Lion) on US soil; fuelled the introduction of the first minimum wage; produced the anchor for the Titanic; practically built the Crystal Palace; and so much more.

From the early 20th century onwards, the Black Country region became one of the most industrialised parts of the UK with coal mines, iron foundries, glass factories, brick works and more dominating the landscape.

The sheer intensity of industry earned the Black Country a worldwide reputation and its goods were shipped around the globe. But industry at such scale came at a huge cost, and the landscape was turned inside out for its resources. In 1862 the American Consul to Birmingham Elihu Burritt famously described the region as “black by day and red by night” because of the ubiquitous black smog by day and the fiery glow of the furnaces by night.

Up until the 1950s and 60s, the Black Country preserved the physical, economic and social landscape of the earlier part of the century, but eventually the pace of change began to erode the essential character of the region. Following two major waves of industrial development, the last mine in the Black Country closed in 1968, bringing about the end of a unique area, one that is preserved at the Black Country Living Museum for you to explore.

Our Statement of Intent: we believe Black Country Living Museum must reflect the diversity of the Black Country, to ensure the Museum, its collections and its programmes remain relevant and valued by our communities.

We are committed to creating and sustaining a staff, volunteer and audience community where everyone feels valued, where their contribution matters and where they can reach their full potential, irrespective of their background, identity or circumstances.

The Museum has a responsibility to its communities (inside and outside the Museum) to challenge the perceived status quo.