Sensing the JQ
Sensing the JQ
Sensing the JQ is a research-led project to reimagine the unique character of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter through sound, scent, touch, taste and visuals in a creative celebration of its histories, people, and places.
Let us imagine what the JQ might taste, smell, sound, feel and look like? We will use conversation, workshops and presentations to excavate public opinion, from which we will reflect on the findings and develop a bespoke sensory experience at GULP:
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The R&D phase of Sensing the JQ is being supported by a Microgrant from JQ Commons, Birmingham City Council and Enterprise Zones
Events…
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Sensory Walk & Sniff
Sunday 21 September 2025, 10am–12pm
Meet at GULP, 58 Spencer Street, Jewellery Quarter - 9.45am
Free, booking essential
Join us for the first event in Sensing the JQ, a new project by artist Kaye Winwood exploring the unique character of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter through the senses.
This participatory workshop invites you to experience the JQ in a new way – not just through sight and sound, but by noticing its smells, both past and present. Together we’ll walk, sniff, record, and discuss how scent shapes our connection to place.
The walk will be co-led by Dr Jieling Xiao (Birmingham City University), a leading expert in sensory experiences, who will share insights into the science and artistry of smell in urban environments. Her research on smellscapes and soundscapes explores from a spatial design perspective with a focus on human experiences and wellbeing in everyday living. She is the creator of the “sensing beyond the Roundhouse” sensory trail and the “sensing around the Anglesey Column” trail.
The findings from this and other sensory workshops will help shape a bespoke sensory dining experience at GULP in 2026.
Draft Timetable
9.45
Meet outside GULP, 58 Spencer Street
10.00–11.00
Sensory Walk & Sniff around the Jewellery Quarter
11.00–12.00
Group discussion with light refreshments at GULP (*)
Access Notes
We will endeavour to make the walking route as accessible as possible.
Please contact us with any access requirements and we will do our best to accommodate.Refreshments take place at GULP (*), located on the first floor and only accessible by staircase.
Sensing the JQ is supported by a JQ Commons Microgrant and BCC Enterprise Zone.
Thoughts & Inspiration…
Chocolate cast from metal objects found beneath GULP's floorboards, giving a hint of industry and previous occupiers.
A common feature in the JQ - the seagulls have made a home for themselves in the JQ.
An unattended drip created a wall of moss and plant growth on Spencer Street. This is how I reimagined it in food - Charcoal Cracker, Miso/Tahini, Nori, Matcha.
THANK YOU!!
An edible re-imagining of ‘jewels’ - opalescent jellies served on vintage silver spoons in a nod to Elkington’s silver plating in the JQ (1840-still going strong).