Walsall

Walsall, town, administrative centre of Walsall borough, in the metropolitan county of West Midlands, central England. Walsall is an industrial centre known internationally for the manufacture of leather goods, especially saddles and harnesses. The leather-working industry became prominent in the 17th century. There are coal mines and limestone quarries in the area, although both industries are in decline and much of the land is being reclaimed. Walsall received its first charter in 1159, and in the Middle Ages it was a busy market town. There is now a wide range of light industries, a brewery, and a growing shopping centre. Walsall Leather Centre Museum charts the development of leather-working in the area. In February 2000 the New Art Gallery opened in Walsall. It houses the Garman Ryan collection, an extensive permanent exhibition of European art including works by the 20th-century sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein. Jerome K. Jerome was born in Walsall. Population 253,300 (2001 estimate).