Willenhall, in the West Midlands, was once the centre of the English lock-making industry which exported its products around the world. Although a small number of large companies eventually predominated, for many years small family businesses flourished. Richard Hodson and Son was typical of these businesses and, through good fortune, the family home and attached works became a lock museum, called The Locksmith's House.In December 2008, regular public opening of the museum at The Locksmith's House in Willenhall ceased. Representations by various groups to the present owners, the Black Country Living Museum, have not succeeded in averting the closure. The museum claims that it will continue to open, as required, for party bookings. See the Official Website.
I visited the museum shortly before regular opening ceased to make an informal photographic record. It's a fascinating site, full of interest, conveying a real sense of the history of lockmaking in Willenhall and the lifestyle of the owners at the end of the Victorian era. It's sad that it can only be seen by pre-booked parties now.
