Tributes have been paid to Birmingham Pen Museum founder Brian Jones during the official launch of his final book at the Jewellery Quarter tourist attraction.
Brian collapsed in the street on January 31, only minutes after being interviewed by ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent about his book “People, Pens and Production”.
He was being filmed by the television producers as part of a section on what Birmingham has to offer, as auditions for the show were held in the city.
Those present at the launch of the book, which took 77-year-old Brian three years to compile, included Jasper Carrott, patron of the museum, and Birmingham's Lord Mayor Mike Leddy.
Brian’s daughter Lynne represented the family at the event, which attracted 100 people.
Jackie Hancox, a member of the Jewellery Quarter museum’s executive committee, said: “Brian’s death was such a shock. He was not only a friend for 50 years, but he was also my boss at the Royal Institute for the Blind.”
Brian, from Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, helped to set-up the Pen Museum in 2001. He received an MBE for his services to the voluntary sector seven years later.
A spokesman for the museum said: “The book took three years to research and write and, as a mark of respect and taking into account the views of Brian’s family, the team of volunteers decided to go ahead with the book launch.”
Brian is survived by wife Edna - the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary two years ago - son Malcolm, daughter Lynne and four grandchildren.
Malcolm said: “My father had a tremendous appetite for life and approached everything with a relentless positivity that the rest of us could only wonder at.
“Working with like-minded people and armed only with a zest for life, a sharp mind and a friendly smile, he would cheerfully achieve what, to others, looked impossible.”
The Library of Birmingham is also planning a special event for the launch of the new book on March 1 .
• People, Pens & Production is published by Brewin Books and is available direct from the Pen Museum , priced at £14.95.
