University unveils new exhibition of pen used by Queen Elizabeth II

The pen used by the late Queen Elizabeth II when she first visited Aston University was unveiled at a special event to highlight the role of history and archives held at the University’s headquarters, John Cadbury House, in Birmingham city centre.

The event, organised by the department of history at Aston University and the Aston University archives team, brought together invited representatives of cultural heritage organisations from across the city and wider region.

The programme included a talk by Dr Ilaria Scaglia, senior lecturer in modern history and chair of the Aston University Archives Committee, during which she explained the history of the Parker 51 pen, the day on which it was used during the royal visit to Aston University (then the College of Technology, Commerce and Art) on 3 November 1955 and the role of history and archives in bringing the past to life.

The pen exhibit was then unveiled by the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands Sir John Crabtree CVO OBE, assisted by Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University and professor of Higher Education Learning and Management and associate dean of Aston Business School, Helen Higson.  

Speaking after the event, Dr Ilaria Scaglia said: “We were delighted to welcome guests to this special occasion to celebrate Aston University’s long tradition of technology and craft in Birmingham and beyond and to provide an opportunity to meet old and new friends interested in working together in the fields of history, archives and culture.

“The event was a celebration of the historical and archival disciplines that allow for the preservation of the institution and the values it represents for current and future generations.”

Dr Scaglia teaches on the BA (Hons) History programme at Aston University which offers an engaging exploration of the past during the modern and contemporary period (since 1789).

The course is designed to cultivate critical thinking, research skills and a deep understanding of historical contexts and includes an archive module with practical experience in various repositories in the city and region.

Pictured (L-R): Sir John Crabtree CVO OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands and Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University