Walsall

Walsall is a town within the Birmingham metropolitan area in England, forming part of the West Midlands conurbation. The town center combines Victorian buildings with modern shops and St. Matthew's Church, whose limestone tower rises about 60 meters (197 ft).

During the Industrial Revolution, the settlement grew from a small town of around 2000 people into a manufacturing center that reached roughly 86000 inhabitants by the early 20th century. Leather industry and saddle making drove the town's growth over several generations.

Local artisans continue making leather saddles and riding equipment using traditional methods passed down through generations. Some workshops still craft pieces for the British Royal Family and specialty orders from around the world.

The Saddlers Shopping Centre houses around 40 stores and offers direct access to the bus station with parking for roughly 700 vehicles. The central area is easy to walk through, with most routes flat and suitable for wheelchairs.

The New Art Gallery displays contemporary exhibits across multiple floors, featuring permanent collections of local artists and rotating international shows throughout the year. The building itself is a modern structure with bright spaces designed to make art accessible.