Hinks Collection

WW2 Poster -- ENSA Entertainments, Swing Vogue
Photolithograph poster inscribed NaFI presents ENSA Entertainments for HM Forces. Its modern, its new, its bright, its Swing Vogue

Front cover of Hinks Lamps catalogue
Hinks lamps, a hardback catalogue with fold-out pages and black and white illustrations of paraffin lamps, shades and accessories manufactured by James Hinks & Son Ltd

Page from Hinks Lamps catalogue
Inside cover of an illustrated hardback catalogue of Hinks Lamps manufactured by James Hinks & Son Ltd. of Birmingham and London, printed c.1901-1902. Date: 1901-1902

Mickleover Hinks Corner Shop early 1900s

The slitting room for steel pens, at Messrs Hinks, Wells and Co. in Birmingham. Date: 1851

Rolling the steel for pens, at Messrs Hinks, Wells and Co. in Birmingham. Date: 1851

Bronzing steel pens, at Messrs Hinks, Wells and Co. in Birmingham. Date: 1851

At Full Throttle - two cartoon mice on their motorbike
At Full Throttle - two cartoon mice (rather similar to their more famous cousin in the USA...) zoom along on their motorbike, hinking the horn and transporting a pot plant! Date: 1922

Oil lamp with brass and glazed earthenware body and glass chimney, made by George Jones in Birimingham c.1885. Date: 1885

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"Hinks: A Legacy of Innovation and Entertainment Through the Ages" Step back in time to the early 1900s, where Mickleover Hinks Corner Shop stood as a beacon of community and convenience. This quaint corner shop served as a gathering place for locals, offering an array of goods that catered to their everyday needs. Fast forward to the mid-19th century, and we find ourselves amidst the bustling steel industry in Birmingham. Messrs Hinks, Wells and Co. , renowned for their expertise in pen manufacturing, showcased their dedication to precision craftsmanship. Witnessing the slitting room for steel pens at this esteemed establishment was like stepping into a world where artistry met functionality. Rolling steel for pens became an intricate dance between man and machine at Messrs Hinks, Wells and Co. The rhythmic movements echoed throughout the workshop as skilled workers transformed raw materials into instruments of written expression. Bronzing steel pens added another layer of elegance to these writing utensils. The meticulous process involved infusing them with a touch of opulence while maintaining durability—a testament to Hinks' commitment to quality. But it wasn't just about practicality; it also embraced entertainment during wartime. In World War II, ENSA Entertainments enlisted Swing Vogue—an ensemble that captivated audiences with their infectious melodies—to lift spirits amidst adversity. Hinks' innovation extended beyond pen manufacturing; they illuminated homes with brilliance through their iconic lamps. Their catalogues showcased an array of designs that blended style with functionality—each page inviting readers into a world bathed in warm light. One such lamp caught our attention—the timeless oil lamp by Hinks exuded nostalgia while providing reliable illumination even in times when electricity was scarce or nonexistent. As we turn each page from the Hinks Lamps catalogue, we are transported through time—witnessing how lighting technology evolved over generations but never compromising on beauty or efficiency.