Carl Chinn MBE Ph.D.F.Birm.Soc. is Professor of Community History at the University of Birmingham, and history advisor for the schools of Perry Beeches The Academy and St. Paul’s School for Girls in Edgbaston. He is a social historian with a national profile, newspaper columnist, public speaker, writer and charity fundraiser. Professor Chin is the author of 32 books that include studies of working-class housing, urban working class life, working-class women’s lives, manufacturing, Birmingham, the Black Country and ethnic minorities and his latest book is ‘The Real Peaky Blinders’.
Carl is a passionate and proud Brummie and West Midlander who began his teaching career in adult education and who believes strongly in the importance of life long learning and of opening up educational opportunities to everyone.
Carl Chinn was awarded the MBE by her Majesty the Queen in June 2001 for his services to local history and his fund-raising for local charities. In 2004 Carl was made Chair of Community History at the University of Birmingham; and in 2010 he was awarded a Gold Medal by the Institute of Sheet Metal Engineering for his ‘commitment, enthusiasm and support for our manufacturing heritage. In November 2012 he was awarded a special Local Heroes Award by the Birmingham Mail for championing the City and for his work in uncovering its past; and in June 2014, he was made a Master of the Open University for his work in community history.