West Bromwich Corporation 248

248 NEA

I got to Station Approach near Solihull Station (closed due to ASLEF industrial action on Saturday 30th September 2023), to find West Bromwich Corporation 248 broken down, there was an engineer with the heritage bus at Station Approach bus stop A. I was thinking of riding it, until I realised it wouldn't go into service, so ended up walking into Solihull Town Centre instead.

I'd previous seen West Bromwich Corporation 248 at The Transport Museum Wythall back on the August Bank Holiday Monday of 2022, and had a look inside of it (both decks).

WM Travel 6835

WDA 835T

Metrobus

I first saw WM bus 6835 on the walk up Station Road towards Touchwood in Solihull Town Centre, as a fire engine went past.

The 6835 bus was waiting outside of Touchwood, normally where the no 6 buses end their service from Birmingham, close to the entrance of Touchwood.

I then went up to Starbucks in Touchwood, and from the first floor, saw 6835 come back around 20 minutes after I'd last seen it. Then a 6 arrived behind it.

Later after a walk around New Road and Warwick Road, I got this view of it one more time from Poplar Road, before walking to the Solihull Town Centre bus stop near John Lewis to catch the 6 home. This was around half an hour after I got it from Starbucks above.

After leaving Starbucks, I walked through Touchwood, and was able to see 6835 arriving at New Road close to The Masons Arms public house. Was a lot of traffic around here.

I walked up New Road, then onto Warwick Road, when eventually 6835 passed me, before it would turn onto Poplar Road to the next stop.

I previously saw 6835 back at the Birmingham Bus Bash at Cannon Hill Park, during September 2017. It was the second bus from the left. The one that said route 52, Beeches Estate via Walsall Road.

And last saw 6835 at The Transport Museum Wythall during the August Bank Holiday Monday 2022 visit. It was the third bus on the left.

Photos by Elliott Brown

Mali Morris Calling

You can see some of Mali Morris Calling art outside of the IKON Gallery from Oozells Square, in Brindleyplace. The exhibition opened on 20th September, and will run to 22nd December 2023.

Head up the stairs for a look at the Mali Morris Calling art exhibition on Level 1.

A major solo exhibition by British artist Mali Morris. Calling has nearly 30 works from the last 25 years.

Morris's first solo exhibition was held at the Ikon Gallery on John Bright Street in 1979, so she returns to the Ikon now at Brindleyplace, some 44 years later to transform the galleries space into fields of colour and light.

Dean Kelland Imposter Syndrome

For Dean Kelland Imposter Syndrome, just head up to Level 2 of the Ikon Gallery to see it.

An exhibition of Pop Art and Prison Art by Dean Kelland, with new films, prints and sketchbooks, since the 1960s. Referencing popular figures such as Elvis Presley and David Bowie. 

Kelland had a four year residency at HMP Grendon (2019-2023).

He chose the title Imposter Syndrome, reflecting his experience at an all male prision.

Photos by Elliott Brown

2013: Reference Works

3rd September to 29th December 2013.

The very first exhibition in The Gallery at the Library of Birmingham, from September 2013 was Reference Works. Birmingham Central Library in 2010 commissioned four photographers - Michael Collins, Brian Griffin, Andrew Lacon and Stuart Whipps to make individual creative responses to the emergence of the Library of Birmingham. The four artists also mentored students and graduates from Birmingham City University. There was also an exhibition outside of the Library of Birmingham at the time in Centenary Square, with historic images of the old Central libraries from the 1882 to 2013.

2014: Voices of War

29th September to 31st December 2014

Voices of War: Birmingham People 1914-19 transports us back to Birmingham during the First World War and tells the stories of local people.

2015: Mat Collishaw - In Camera

18th September 2015 to 10th January 2016.

The room was dark with this art installation by Mat Collishaw. In Camera means Camera Obscura (Latin for dark chamber). It features a series of 12 crime scene negatives made for the Birmingham City Police Force during the 1930s and 1940s. Collishaw discovered the uncatalogued images. Using flashing bulbs.

2016: Our Shakespeare

22nd April to  3rd September 2016.

It commemorated the 400th anniversary of the death of the bard William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616). Also relating to the Shakespeare Memorial Room and George Dawson.

2017: Pavel Brázda is Here! 

1st June to 1st July 2017.

Didn't go to this one, just saw the signs from outside of the library at the time.

2017: Connecting Stories

Around October 2017 there was an Indian tricycle (Rickshaw) in front of The Gallery. Behind was an exhibition at the time called Connecting Stories (didn't go into that one).

2018: Wholesale Memory

29th January to 7th April 2018.

Friction Arts presents the Wholesale Memory Exhibition. The Smithfield Wholesale Markets have been on their present site for 900 years but they moved later in 2018 to Witton to make way for the Smithfield redevelopment.

2018: The Empire Windrush Generation Exhibition

24th May to 30th June 2018.

Celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Empire Windrush ship with Black Britions who emigrated to the UK from the Caribbean, in 1948.

2019: Watt in the World

12th July to 2nd November 2019.

Commemorated the bicentenary of the death of James Watt (1736 - 1819). As well as his life and legacy.

2022: Everything to Everybody

22nd July to 5th November 2022.

Was part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Was about creating the Shakespeare Library.

2023: The Birmingham Allotment Project. Wotta Lotta Culture!

Saturday 16th September to Saturday 25th November 2023.
A snapshot of Birmingham's vibrant allotment culture from the 1960s to the present day.

Photos by Elliott Brown

They were having tours of the Bell Ringing Chamber at St Martin in the Bullring for Birmingham Heritage Week, from Thursday 14th, Friday 15th and Saturday 16th September 2023, starting at 1pm, they should last around 45 minutes to 1 hour per tour.

I went on the 1pm tour on the 14th September 2023, I waited for around 20 minutes in the prayer chapel below the spire tower, and signed a form with my name while I waited.

Since 1991, there has been 16 bells in the spire, before that there was previously 12 bells. The current bells cast by Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London.

The main guide was pointing to the two tablets, the first one marking the 81st birthday of Queen Victoria in May 1900, and the second one after her death, they rang bells in February 1901.

There is tablets all around the room, recording when the rang the bells for over 3 hours for special occasions.

The two ropes here, one of the guides showed us how he rings the bell, it starts in an upright position.

Made a video of him bellring here.

Hand bells

These are the hand bells, we later had a go with. Got to try ringing two bells, which was easier said than done. We rang them in a loop, then Queens (right bell everyone, then left bell everyone).

Model bell

A model of what a bell in the tower above would look like. They usually leave it in an up position. And there is wooden break at the bottom which stops it going all the way around. The wheel has a hole in it which is usually attached to the rope.

The Taylor Trophy

Every year there is a bell ringing competition across the country, and since 2011, Birmingham has won it 8 times! Congratulations St Martin's bellringers!

Some wall tablets of note

On the occasion of Queen Victoria's 81st birthday, 12 members of the  St Martin's Guild of Change Ringers rang a peal of Stedman Cinques for 3 hours and 41 minutes, on Thursday 24th May 1900.

A year later, after Queen Victoria's death on the 22nd January 1901. St Martin's Guild of Change Ringers, on Tuesday 26th February 1901 rang a peal of Stedman Cinques for 3 hours and 50 minutes.

On the occasion of the coronation of King George V & Queen Mary on 22nd June 1911, the St Martin's Guild of Church Bell Ringers rang a peal of Stedman Cinques for 3 hours and 57 minutes (a ladder was in the way).

On the occasion of the coronation of King Georve VI & Queen Elizabeth on the 12th May 1937, St Martin's Guild of Church Bell Ringers rang a peal of Stedman Cinques for 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Two blanks panels here, left to record the ringing of the bells in 2022 to mark the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

16 new bells were installed in 1991, and the St Martin's Guild of Church Bell Ringers rang them for the first time on Tuesday 16th November 1993 for 3 hours and 44 minutes. It was the 5000th peal for the guild.

In November 2008 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of St Martin's Band. The first peal was rung on 19th November 1758 for 3 hours & 22 minutes with 5040 Grandsire Caters. On the 19th November 2008 they rang the bells for 3 hours & 20 minutes with 5040 Grandsire Caters. Then on the 22nd November 2008, they rung the bells for 3 hours & 55 minutes with  5250 Bristol Surprise Sixteen.

Other objects of note

Royal coat of arms looking golden.

A clock in memory of George E Fearn (1906 - 1974). Secretary of St Martin's Guild of Bellringers from 1949 to 1968. Ringer at this tower for 45 years and tower master warden and ringing master from 1961 to 1874. Leading peal ringer with 2667 peals.

A black and white photograph of Roderick W Pipe (1940 - 2011). A member of St Martin's Band, composer, conductor, innovator and visionary. A memorial peal of Stedman Cinques was rung here on Monday 11th April 2011. The room was renovated in his memory in 2013.

Photos by Elliott Brown

St Paul's Belfry 2016 post from 2019.

St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter was open most days of Birmingham Heritage Week during September 2023. This visit was on the 12th September 2023. Just a quick look around. Noticed a group on a guided tour.

Royal Coat of Arms at the west end of the church, above the balcony.

The east window was was made by Francis Eginton in 1791 and modelled on an altarpiece painted about 1786 by Benjamin West, representing the Conversion of Saint Paul.

There is two stained glass windows on one side of the church. And one panel from the year 2000 on the other side.

The stained glass window with angels on it, is near the bust and memorial of William Hollins, architect and sculptor.

This more modern stained glass window from the year 2000, as we entered the new millennium.

As you head into St Paul's Church, on your right is a sculpture of John B. Surman, architect of the restoration, from 1949 to 1951.

This small chapel area on the far left of the east window, there is a cross inside, which they probably use at Easter to recreate the Crucifixion parade through the streets. Also candles to light.

A golden eagle lectern and a piano.

Near the organ was these flags from the regiments who served in various conflicts.

The organ next to the flags and east window.

Two brass floor plates / plaques. The first was in memory of the members of this Parish who fell in the First World War (then known as the Great War) 1914 - 1918, and later the Second World War 1939 - 1945.

Another brass plaque in memory of a boy called Ralph Andrew Watkyn Stevens, who was born on the 22nd September 1944 and died aged almost 15 on the 25th August 1959. He was the son of Ralph Stevens (the then Vicar of this Parish) and of Gwen Stevens.

Near a stained glass window is a marble bust of the architect and sculptor William Hollins (1763 - 1843). He remodelled St Paul's Church in 1820.

As well as William Hollins, there is a memorial for his wife Catherine (1764 - 1831).

As well as a memorial to Thomas Hollins (died in 1821), an artist, plus members of his family, who passed away during the 19th century. Many members of the Hollins family became artists. 

Photos by Elliott Brown

I caught the 50 bus up to Moseley Road in Balsall Heath, getting off near Moseley Road Baths, before walking to Highgate via Balsall Heath Road, then crossing at the lights near Birmingham Central Mosque. St Alban's Church was not that far away.

You can compare and contrast the church tower completed in 1938 at St Alban's Church to the new domes at the Birmingham Central Mosque extension completed in 2022.

History of St Alban's Church

The church located at Conybere Street and Stanhope Street in Highgate was built from 1879 to 1881, and was designed by  John Loughborough Pearson.

Both this church and Ark St Alban's Academy grew from a religious and educational mission started by the brothers James and Thomas Pollock in 1865.

This was a developing area on the edge of Birmingham of factories and poor housing.

A tower and spire was added in 1938 by Edwin Francis Reynolds.

The interior features stained glass east window by Henry Payne.

In the south chapel is a copper Arts and Crafts triptych with painted panels by local artists Kate and Myra Bunce, and donated by them in 1919 in memory of their sisters and parents.

The roof was completely renewed in 2020.

It has been a Grade II* listed building since 1952.

The church is open for heritage visits during Birmingham Heritage Week every September.

Exteriors of St Alban's Church

The approach to St Alban's Church from Highgate Street, then walked up Thomas Benson Place and James Samuel Place (cul-de-sac's named after the Pollock brothers, bollarded in the middle), to Conybere Street.

The Birmingham Civic Society blue plaque for Kate Elizabeth Bunce was unveiled on Conybere Street in 2015. She crafted fine reredos for a chapel in this church with her sister Myra.

The bottom of the tower with blue plaque.

Main entrance on Stanhope Street, just up the steps, then open the door in the porch on the left.

There is a memorial cross outside in memory of the founders of this church,  James Samuel Pollock and Thomas Benson Pollock. Which started in 1865, and finished by 1897.

From Stanhope Street. The church also known as Saint Alban and St. Patrick Anglican- Catholic Tradition. But usually just as St Alban's Church.

The church hall is to the rear of the church. Some heritage lampposts down this path.

Church interiors

Just after entering, first look at the Victorian gothic architecture. Volunteers were to the right of here, they give you laminated information cards to read as you go around.

A statue of St Alban the Martyr, whom this church was named after.

A golden eagle lecturn for the vicar to give sermons from. Currently that is Dr Gerald Sykes (from 2017 to present).

The High Altar is to the east of the church.

The organ to the north side of the church, and close to the door, that leads to the church hall at the back.

Wooden pulpit.

Stained glass rose window to the west side of the church.

Photos by Elliott Brown

The West Midlands Police Museum is located on Steelhouse Lane, next to Coleridge Passage in the former Victorian Lock-up, which opened in 1891. It was in use until 2016. Was between the now former Steelhouse Lane Police Station and the Victoria Law Courts. Prisoners would be kept here overnight before going on trial at the court next door.

The museum moved here in 2020, and was fully open by 2022.

Entrance hallway

Just on the way into the museum was this mural next to the bars and gate that leads into the museum reception. Was also a flag up for Emergency Services Day aka 999 Day.

Igers Birmingham UK group photo on Instagram

Visitor reception

On an ordinary visit, you would probably buy your tickets from the desk here. Various old Police Station objects in here including a sign formerly at Shard End Police Station!

Cell blocks

The ground floor cell block. You can go into some of the cells, the staircase in the middle was out of use, but there was two sets of modern staircases to the left and right that you could use, as well as a new lift.

The basement cell blocks. There was a Mounted Branch horse in front of the out of use stairs. You could get refreshments down here if you wanted them, just ask the staff.

On the first floor cell blocks, there was a couple of old West Midlands Police Norton motorcycles, plus a Police Box.

Police transport

The Mounted Branch existed in Birmingham and parts of the wider West Midlands from 1923 to 1999, when the unit was disbanded. Police horses were used for ceremonial duties, but to also for crowd control.

The was horse seen on the basement floor.

When the West Midlands County Council existed, the West Midlands Police had these Norton motorcycles during the 1980s.

A couple of Norton Police motorcycles on the first floor.

Police Box

No The Doctor has not visited Steelhouse Lane in his TARDIS, anyway this Police Box is not bigger on the inside! There was a telephone inside, and a stool to sit on if you needed to call the police. They were used in the 1920s. They were phased out by the 1960s and 1970s following the introduction of personal radios.

In the cells

Ground floor cells

The Birmingham Black List and a Day in the Life. 

First Aid. 

Birching and Capital Punishment. Death Mask, Birching Rod, Cat o Nine Tails an a Birching Stool.

Basement floor cells

Police Dogs

DNA Discovery is it human and DNA Sample matching.

CID Office. Evidence Board with a desk and typewriter. The map of the City of Birmingham as it was in 1899.

First floor cells

Roll of Honour. In memory of those police officers who lost their lives during the Second World War (1939 - 1945).

Locked up with the Peaky Blinders. Was a razer sharp peaky cap on the bench.

Road safety in action

Police history

Female office uniform 1930s and Traffic tunic 1930s

Helmet plates from Birmingham City Police and Walsall Borough Police. A cap badge from Wolverhampton Borough Police. Also handcuffs and other objects.

A top hat, police rattle and police whistle.

A telegram from David Lloyd George MP, which he left in his coat which he switched with a police officer during the Birmingham Riots of 1901, following his speech at Birmingham Town Hall (more objects to this can be found at the David Lloyd George Museum in Wales). Also a tea cup and saucer, Birmingham Workhouse coin and Walsall anarchist bomb.

A stop sign, stopwatch and other objects.

Marble bust of Robert Peel who founded the first Metropolitan Police force in 1829. He was MP for Tamworth, his statue is currently on the Pershore Road outside the Tally Ho! facility of West Midlands Police in Edgbaston.

Photos by Elliott Brown

The main entrance to the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

The map and location of all the animals in the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Bell's dabb lizard

Meerkat

Chinese crocodile lizard

Ring-tailed Lemur

Goeldi's marmoset

Blue crane

Turtles

Varanus kordensis

Photography by Jack Babington

For part 1 follow this link to the post Soho Loop walk on the BCN Old Mainline

From the Costa Coffee at Utilita Arena Birmingham, I walked to the bus stop on Summer Hill Road, waiting for an 87, bus an 82 came first, so caught it up Spring Hill to Dudley Road. Got off and crossed over near City Hospital, then walked up towards Norman Street Park, and got on at the Asylum Bridge, just over a month since I left the Soho Loop in July 2023.

The Asylum Bridge

The Asylum Bridge is on the Revolution Walk from the Canal & River Trust.
Nearby was a Madhouse, Badhouse and the Workhouse. The Birmingham Union Workhouse and Infirmary was there from 1834, but by 1889 had space for over 2000 inmates. This is now part of Birmingham City Hospital.
Also here was the Borough Lunatic Asylum and Fever Hospital, from the 19th century. This is now the site of Birmingham Prison.

Winson Green Prison Bridge and Winson Green Bridge (Soho Loop)

The next bridge is the Winson Green Prison Bridge, which you walk over, followed by the Winson Green Bridge (Soho Loop) which you walk under. This is as close as you get to Birmingham Prison, but you hardly notice it walking past.

Winson Green Bridge (Soho Loop)

There is two bridges named Winson Green Bridge. This one is on the Soho Loop of the BCN Old Mainline. The other one is much higher crossing the BCN New Mainline. This is the last road bridge.

Winson Green Railway Bridge

Next up is the Winson Green Railway Bridge. Behind you can see the yet to open Midland Metropolitan Hospital. When it opens in 2024, parts of City Hospital in Winson Green will close, and the site will be developed for housing.

Winson Green Junction Bridge 

The end of the Soho Loop at Winson Green Junction and you get to the Winson Green Junction Bridge. The bridge is Grade II listed and is a Horseley type cast-iron roving bridge dating to 1828.

Winson Green Roving Bridge

Leaving the Soho Loop at Winson Green Junction, you leave the Old Mainline for the New Mainline. The Winson Green Roving Bridge dates to 1828, and is a Winson Green Roving Bridge is a Horseley type cast-iron roving bridge dating to 1828.

Winson Green Junction

Since my last visit to the canals here, the towpath between Winson Green Roving Bridge and the Winson Green Bridge (Winson Green Road) has been reopened. Last time it was closed for resurfacing works. The Winson Green Junction Bridge is to the left and the northern end of the Soho Loop.

View from the Winson Green Bridge

A look from Winson Green Road, on the Winson Green Bridge towards Winson Green Junction. From here, the Soho Loop starts to the right under the Winson Green Junction Bridge, while the BCN New Mainline continues north west towards Wolverhampton under the Winson Green Roving Bridge.

Winson Green Road has bus stops for the 11A and 11C. If getting the 11C, it would take you towards Erdington. From the 11A, you can go towards Bearwood, Harborne, Selly Oak, Bournville etc.

You need the Dudley Road for the 82 or 87 bus routes.

Photos by Elliott Brown

Wolverhampton Art Gallery was funded and built by Philip Horsman (1825-1890). It opened in 1884. The two storey building was designed by Birmingham architect Julius Chatwin (1829-1907). The Victorian building is Grade II* listed, and a modern extension later built in 2006-07, along with a refurbishment.

As of 2023, the main entrance on Lichfield Street is closed, it is an emergency exit only. The entrance is now near St Peter's Gardens on St Peter's Walk.

A portrait of local businessman, Philip Horsman, who founded Wolverhampton Art Gallery in 1885. It was painted by George Phoenix (1863-1935).

The main staircase from the hallway, has a mixture of art from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. It leads up to the galleries on the first floor.

Likeness Guaranteed by David Mach (b.1956), made in 1995. Welded metal coathangers.

Standing Relief VI 1958 by Frederick Edward McWilliam (1909-1992), made in 1972. Bronze.

St Cecilia by Atri Cecil Brown (1906-1982) dates to the 1940s. Bronze.

King Kong by Nicholas Monro (1936 - 2022). Fibreglass maquette of King Kong made in 1971. 

The full-sized replica stood for six months in Birmingham City Centre, during 1972, before being sold. A replica of the 20ft full-sized sculpture could be seen in the pop-up 'King Kong Park' during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The replica was created by 3D scanning this maquette.

End of Empire, 2016. By Yinka Shonibare CBE (b. 1962). Mixed media. Commemorates one hundred years since the First World War. Two figurative sculptures dressed in clothing of 19th century aristocrats sit on a 'see-saw'.

This is the new main entrance from St Peter's Walk. Straight ahead is the gift shop. Plus a lot of helpful staff.

Adam by Sir Charles Wheeler (1892-1974). Dates to the mid 1900s. Bronze.

Rock Form (Porthcurno) by Dame Barbara Hepworth DBE (1903-1975). Made in 1964. Bronze, Edition of 6. Cast No. 5. On loan from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

This is our Love and it Knows no Division. An exhibition presenting works by fifteen British artists in response to ‘the beautiful game’. Art in this room related to football.
Some objects from Joe Lycett. Including a magazine with David Beckham on the cover that he shredded on TV.

Community Picks. Things in this room for kids to play with on their visit. Saw a large Campbells Condensed Tomato Soup can. Was also a frieze on the wall to the right.

Old Masters. 18th century paintings, on this room on the first floor. Was also a piano in here. Probably used for functions or events.

Another gallery on the first floor. Various objects, and paintings dating to the 19th century. One in the middle had an image of Dante on it.

A mixture of modern art in this first floor gallery. One painting from 2020 reminds you of the pandemic with the face masks.

After a look around the art gallery, it was time to check out Glaze the Eating Space at the Gallery. I first had a coffee, as it was before 12pm, wasn't too busy then. Then after noon I ordered a sandwich, which came with salad. Got a bit more busier with families by then.

Hope you enjoyed this look around Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Photography by Elliott Brown

Yes it was disappointing that Birmingham didn't win the rights this time to host the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine, that honour went to Liverpool. You might remember that 25 years ago, Birmingham was the host for the Eurovision Song Contest: United Kingdom - Birmingham 1998, at the National Indoor Arena.

Had Birmingham won the right to host it in 2023, it would have gone to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC, but it wasn't to be.

In May 2023, ahead of Eurovison in Liverpool, London Northwestern Railway (the brand name for West Midlands Trains between London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Crewe and Liverpool Lime Street), unveiled a special yellow livery on 350104.

The branding has BBC, Eurovision Song Contest, Ukraine and United by Music all over the four carriage set.

I was waiting at platform 2 at Wolverhampton Station, after my visit to Wolverhampton Art Gallery (on the August Bank Holiday Monday), as the Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street train arrived in Liverpool livery! As well as the Eurovision 2023 train, the one behind had Liverpool John Lennon Airport on it (I sat in a carriage on that one at the back).

After waiting in a tunnel waiting for a platform, at a signal (I was still in the Liverpool John Lennon Airport train), the train headed to platform 5 at Birmingham New Street Station. I headed down the platform for some more views at the A end of the platform. I was unable to get a photo of the Liverpool John Lennon Airport livery on the other train (which I had got off). As was so many passengers getting off with the luggage.

Photography by Elliott Brown

Birmingham Weekender returned again over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 26th and 27th August 2023.

I almost thought I'd miss seeing it, as was unable to come up on Saturday, but had free time on Sunday morning. And I got to Rotunda Square to see a group in interesting looking costumes, and popped up to Costa Coffee in Next for some views over coffee.

Young Advocates Stage are young ladies aged between 14 and 22, and they had these green leaf outfits on.

Best views from Costa at Next above.

From Costa, I spotted some in zebra and deer costumes.

They were waiting outside Nationwide and Sunglass Hut.

Photography by Elliott Brown

I noticed that the 'Forward in Unity' mural, painted by Gent 48 back in the summer 2020, during the pandemic had been painted over. So I travelled to Digbeth during the August Bank Holiday Weekend 2023 to see it up close.

The location as before is at Nortons Digbeth.

The wall now reads I ♥ BRUM, GUINNESS PLEASE BAB! also My My GUINNESS

A giant King Kong, the same one as the recration that was at King Kong Park last year from July to about October 2022.

The Rotunda resembles the way it was from the mid 1960s until before it was refurbished in the 2000s.

The top of the BT Tower has some satellite dishes, all of which are now removed from the top of it.

King Kong can be seen from passing buses on the Digbeth High Street if looking up Meriden Street (near the Eastside Metro extension).

Photography by Elliott Brown

High Vis Street Culture Festival during the weekend of the 12th and 13th August 2023 celebrated the 50th annivesary of Hip Hop.

Here are some the great street art found in Digbeth on the 15th and 22nd August 2023.

Don't Sleep by Poser on Floodgate Street, Digbeth

In the Ether by Rude Brown Dude on Little Ann Street, Digbeth

A starfield with a planet on Bordesley Street in Digbeth

The street art house at 82 Fazeley Street, corner of Andover Street, had been completely repainted, for the first time since 2015.

This is now called The Printmaker's Arms according to the High Vis Street Culture Festival.

About a week later the Andover Street side of The Printmaker's Arms was looking finished.  You could even see it from the Digbeth Branch Canal!

Most of the street art was to be seen on Fazeley Street in Digbeth.

The main piece was the Tempo 33 face that he normally paints all over Birmingham.

A week later, Annatomix had added some art.

The Annatomix crab.

Woman by Crysista Sim Simma.

A week later, the space had been filled below NFAZ and High Vis 50 years of Hip-Hop! Annatomix to the right.

Container with eyes and rep lips with lipstick?

Caravan painted by Scotford Wilds.

The Print Makers. The caravan from the week before had now moved.

A cartoon cat with a mask on by Pojek.

First look at Miscfit on the shutter.

Miscfit again, one week later.

On the shutters of William Marston Ltd on Fazeley Street was a ghost with a torch.

On the William Marston Ltd building on Fazeley Street as a green headed figure with purple top by VCT.

Purple grapes and more art on William Marston Ltd, corner of Fazeley Street and New Canal Street.

Purple grapes on William Marston Ltd again a week later, this time from New Bartholomew Street.

Rude Brown Dude on the railway viaduct between New Canal Street and New Bartholomew Street. HS2 has now fenced off the road towards Curzon Street.

Photography courtesy Elliott Brown

Ashted Tunnel south eastern entrance, Ashted Lock's 2 and 3

The February 2011 view from Belmont Row. There was bulrushes growing next to Ashted Lock no  3. The land towards Lawley Middleway, had probably had demolition on it during the 2000s. Nothing would happen there until 2023!

By March 2018, on the section towards the Belmont Row Bridge, near Ashted Locks 2 and 3, you could see the completed Birmingham City University buildings, University Locks, Curzon B, and the Curzon Building. The Lock Keepers Cottage was also restored. The towpath entrance / exit to Belmont Row was still open from this side, but still quite narrow. Wide enough for horses and people.

By September 2019, half of the brick wall on the right had been demolished, with fencing up. Meanwhile, it was before Belmont Row Works got restored, and you could also see the Unite the Union / Eastside Rooms building (later completed in 2020).

As of August 2023, Glasswater Locks is under construction between Jennens Road, Lawley Middleway and Penn Street, with the Digbeth Branch Canal on one side. The towpath entrance from the Belmont Row Bridge is closed.

Belmont Row Bridge, Ashted Lock's 4 and 5 to Curzon Street Bridge

The view from the Belmont Row Bridge in February 2011. You could clearly see the pool of water to the right of Ashted Lock's 4 and 5. Work on the Curzon Building wouldn't begin to the right until about 2013, two years later. Curzon Street was still visible ahead.

The new steps from the Digbeth Branch Canal to Belmont Row and University Locks of Birmingham City University was open by September 2019.

There is a new entrance to the Digbeth Branch Canal from Belmont Row. To the left is student accommodation at University Locks (built 2015-16). To the right is the Curzon Building (built 2013-15), along with Curzon B (built 2016-18), all part of Birmingham City University. Seen during August 2023.

Curzon Street Bridge, Ashted Bottom Lock to Curzon Street Tunnel northern entrance

This was what the Digbeth Branch Canal looked like between Curzon Street and the Curzon Street Tunnel in February 2011, long before HS2. There used to be a modern towpath exit up the the road near the railway, above the tunnel, this was open as late as 2018.

There used to be a circular area with benches, close to Curzon Street, as seen below in April 2017. It could have been used to move horses around in a circle with their rope attached to the narrowboat. Also the towpath exit used to lead to the road above the Curzon Street Tunnel. HS2 had closed this off by 2019 or 2020.

A now impossible shot from September 2018, I went up the towpath to the land above the Curzon Street Tunnel to look at the Birmingham City University buildings beyond Curzon Street. Access up here was still open into 2019, before HS2 eventually hoarded if off. Wasn't much up there, with land fenced off. This was before HS2 demolished the Curzon Gate student accommodation, in the way of the line in 2019.

By September 2019, the land above the Curzon Street Tunnel had been hoarded off by HS2, although the towpath ramp was still open, it didn't lead anywhere any more, other than above the tunnel.

As of August 2023, Annatomix is working on finishing her mural for HS2 on the left, not far from the Ashted Bottom Lock. No longer access to the towpath exit above the tunnel now. But the towpath through the tunnel towards Fazeley Street is still open.

Photography by Elliott Brown

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is located at Jordan Well in Coventry, between Bayley Lane, Priory Street and University Square. It can be approached from Earl Street, if walking past the Coventry Council House.

The art gallery & museum was founded by Sir Alfred Herbert (1866 - 1957). Who ran his company Alfred Herbert Ltd, one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of machine tools. He donated funds for the building of a museum in 1938, work began in 1939, but was stopped by the outbreak of WW2. After the war he donated more funds, then laid the foundation stone in 1954. But had died three years before it opened in 1960.

A modern extension was built from 2005 to 2008 as part of a refurbishment programme. The covered court is where from 2023, Dippy the dinosaur is staying for three years (from the Natural History Museum, London). Dippy in Coventry opened in February 2023.

I booked in to see Dippy at 12pm on 17/08/2023. Although was upstairs before this point, spent a few minutes getting more photos of the Diplodocus life cast skeleton, that I'd seen back in June 2018 at Gas Hall in the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

Work on Walls

There is several rooms over the summer of 2023, with street art on the walls, part of the Work on Walls exhibition.

Coventry Dinosaur

One room has art by Andy Council in tribute to Dippy the Dinosaur's stay in Coventry. The Coventry skyline as Dippy. The Coventry Dinosaur.

Scribbleffiti

The first room by Scribbleffiti, red monsters, with objects from The Herbert.

Annatomix

Birmingham's own Annatomix has the second room, with her distinct origami style fox, bird and bull. Plus knives out!

Philth

Next up is Phill Blake aka Philth. With flowery style art. That was similar to wallpaper.

Window Artists

The final room by Window Artists. Luke Thrush and Anna Davies. They doodled on windows. And was commissioned to do a mural in Birmingham City Centre in 2020.

Sir Alfred Herbert

Plaster bust of Sir Alfred Herbert by William Bloye, in the modern extension hall, dates to 1956.

Portrait of Sir Alfred Herbert by Leonard Boden, dating to 1957.

Bronzes

Female Head, 1959 by William Chattaway (1927 to 2019). Chattaway was born in Coventry and attended Coventry School of Art.

Yehudi Menuhin, 1963 by David Wynne (1926 to 2014). Yehudi Menuhin was a celebrated American violinist.

Figure (Walnut), 1964 by Barbara Hepworth (1903 to 1975). Acquired by the Herbert in 1966

Peeping Tom

What is now Peeping Tom, was originally thought to have been a statue of St George dating to 1500. Later it became known as Peeping Tom, who spied on Lady Godiva as she rode naked through Coventry. The figure was placed in a window overlooking Broadgate where it could watch the Godiva processions. At various times it was painted and given a hat to wear! Until recently this figure was on display in the Cathedral Lanes shopping centre.

Seen below at Cathedral Lanes shopping centre in 2014, and at The Herbert in 2023, where it is today.

Painting of Lady Godiva, dating to around 1898 by John Collier.

Modern art

Action Stations.

Yellow and red flag thing with stars and a large i.

Swings with a yellow background.

Coventry history

City of Dreams.

Hillman.

London Midland Railway poster, the rebirth of Coventry Cathedral.

Electric guitar.

Wheels of fortune. Old bicycles including a penny farthing.

Statue of King Henry VI. From the Tudor Coventry Cross of 1544. The new Coventry Cross of 2023, is a 3D printed version of the statue, which is now at what was Trinity Street near Broadgate (Trinity Street Gardens).

Carving of St George and the dragon. According to local legend St George was born at Caludon Castle near Coventry. However the real St George was a Christian Roman soldier in Turkey. He was executed on 23 April 303 for refusing to persecute Christians.

Photography by Elliott Brown

The 2018 Shakespeare Express post. Shakespeare Express and Polar Express.

The 2019 Polar Express post: Polar Express 2019.

7029 Clun Castle

For the 2022 Polar Express season, I first spotted 7029 Clun Castle, with the Polar Express at Birmingham Moor Street Station on the 27th November 2022. This view below taken from the no 35 bus.

After various attempts to see the Polar Express between November and December 2022, I finally got a photo of 7029 Clun Castle with the Polar Express at Birmingham Moor Street Station, platform 4 on the 11th December 2022.

I next saw 7029 Clun Castle, this time with The Shakespeare Express passing Solihull Station at speed on the 12th February 2023. Usually I'd expect The Shakespeare Express to run in the summer, not winter! Was a bit unexpected, as was going to Birmingham Moor Street one way that day (I did not see it at Moor Street, as by then it was at Birmingham Snow Hill).

Carriages at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

On the 31st July 2022, I spotted these carriages of The Shakespeare Express at Birmingham Snow Hill Station, but did not see the steam locomotive. Initially from the Jewellery Quarter near Lionel Street, then from Great Charles Street Queensway, the car park near Ludgate Hill (the Great Charles Street construction site in 2023) and from the top of Snow Hill Car Park. They stretched to the end of platform 2. Was during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, so the station had wraps all over for the event.

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe

For a few Sunday's I kept thinking of seeing The Shakespeare Express again. There was one Sunday when I spotted a steam locomotive at Birmingham Moor Street, platform 1 before it returned to Birmingham Snow Hill (from the top of a bus). Then another Sunday, I was waiting for a bus in Solihull, when I saw The Shakespeare Express whistle at speed past Solihull Station.

So this time I kept checking Real Time Trains, and it said it would be at Birmingham Snow Hill on the 13th August 2023 around 13:40.

The view from platform 3, as 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe leads The Shakespeare Express into platform 2, through the Snow Hill Tunnel.

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe had decoupled from the carriages, heading to the Jewellery Quarter end from platform 2, then passing platform 3, then through the Snow Hill Tunnel to Birmingham Moor Street. Was a West Midlands Metro tram nearby at St Paul's Tram Stop.

One of the carriages, Charter Train Coach E, shows the route: Birmingham - Tyseley - Henley-in-Arden - Stratford-upon-Avon - Tyseley - Birmingham. Although it does also go via Dorridge, as well as via Shirley and Whitlocks End.

After waiting for a West Midlands Railway Class 172 to come out of the Snow Hill Tunnel to platform 1 at Birmingham Snow Hill, shortly after, 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe emerges from the tunnel to re-couple onto the other end of the carriages waiting at platform 2.

See 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe with The Shakespeare Express on my YouTube Channel: Shakespeare Express 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

Or on my Facebook page: Shakespeare Express 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

Photography by Elliott Brown

The Birmingham Canals in the City Centre have seen a lot of regeneration over the last 30 plus years, on both sides of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline. From Brindleyplace to the National Indoor Arena (now Utilita Arena Birmingham). But in future years, the Government wants to cut the money they give to the Canal & River Trust to keep maintaining the network of canals around the country.

This view from Arena Birmingham South Car Park. National Sealife Birmingham on the left, with Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham below.

Narrowboats seen between Old Turn Junction and Gas Street Basin on Sunday 13th August 2023.

The Keep Canals Alive Canal & River Trust campaign, the banner on a bridge near The Malt House, from Old Turn Junction, to the left is the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.

Brindley Cruises narrowboat passing Old Turn Junction and National Sealife Birmingham.

More narrowboats heading under the Brewmasters Bridge.

Near the Brewmasters Bridge at Three Brindleyplace, a new venue The Park: Virtual Reality Experience.

A look back to Utilita Arena Birmingham.

From Brindleyplace, saw a group of kayakers near The ICC. So I crossed over the Brindleyplace Bridge, then went to the Black Sabbath Bridge.

A narrowboat comes out of the Broad Street Tunnel below the Black Sabbath Bridge near Brindleyplace.

Entering the Broad Street Tunnel / Black Sabbath Bridge, towards Gas Street Basin. More narrowboats coming through.

Now at Gas Street Basin, the end of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline. Beyond was the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, with more narrowboats waiting.

The other side of the Worcester Bar at Gas Street Basin, more narrowboats on the start of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

Exiting Gas Street Basin near what was Old Wharf. Another narrowboat moored that day for the Keep Canals Alive campaign for the Canal & River Trust.

Photography by Elliott Brown

I didn't use my Westside BID prize for the 2022 calendar until the 13th July 2022. I first won it around November 2021, but that was not the right time to use it, coming out of restrictions from the pandemic. It was much better though to use it last summer. My voucher code was for The Canal House on Bridge Street in Birmingham, near Gas Street Basin.

It was also called the James Brindley.

We got a table on the balcony overlooking Gas Street Basin, here you can see what was Jurys Inn (now Leonardo Royal Hotels). There was also a outdoor drinking area on the level below outside.

After finishing the meal, on leaving I took these photos on my phone camera on the way out.

Some views to The Canal House from Gas Street Basin, close to Regency Wharf. Old Wharf was formerly to the left, where Arena Central is now.

Photography by Elliott Brown

On the evening of Monday 7th August 2023, was the launch of the Westside BID Brummie photography exhibition at The Flapper. These were the 12 photos used in their Westside BID 2023 calendar, and this was the event to see the photos on display for the first time. Images below are just a general look around The Flapper inside and out on the evening.

From the balcony of The Flapper, a view of Cambrian Wharf and Farmers Bridge Locks. With the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal on the left, as well as the Lockside Wharf development. And you can also see the BT Tower from here.

There is a lower drinking area to sit at overlooking the canal, with these Beavertown parasols. This was where I met up with Jack.

Inside The Flapper. They gave us beer tokens to get a free drink (was added to Westside BID's tab, I think they were going to pay).

Some posters of the Sex Pistols, The Clash and David Bowie. Plus a skull of a bull.

A pool table with The Flapper bags on it. The exhibition was on the walls in this corner of the pub.

Heading out, saw this mirror with the Flapper & Firkin name on it (established in 1993). Plus more posters.

Outside the entrance to The Flapper.

Seating area inside close to the entrance.

One last look inside before I left.

Saw a Beavertown head-in-the-hole thing below. 'Destination Planet Summer'. 'Wish you were here!' If only it wasn't raining so much in summer 2023!

Heading out with Damien before we parted ways.

Photography by Elliott Brown

The National Sea Life Centre Birmingham opened at Brindleyplace, near the Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline not far from Old Turn Junction in 1996. The building was designed by Sir Norman Foster.

The building houses various fish species, turtles, penguins and more.

In Victorian times, the site was the location of two canal basisn in Oozells Street Wharf.

Birmingham We Are contributor Elliott Brown remembers going at least twice after it opened in 1996. The first visit had a long queue going towards the NIA! But didn't take any photos 27 years ago! (he only had a compact film camera back then).

On the 11th August 2023, Jack Babington joined the Nechells POD for a visit to the National Sea Life Centre, some of his photos taken that day are below.

The main entrance to the Sea Life Centre from near Central Square in Brindleyplace.

One of the tanks with a penguin swimming inside of it.

Beware of pirates! A skeleton and pirate flag.

A LEGO pirate ship, with a LGBTQ+ flag flying proud.

A member of staff feeds the fish as visitors watch on.

A Gentoo penguin pokes it's head above the water.

Papuan toby fish.

Chinese pond turtle.

Did you know .... we were born in 1996! Our Cylinder Tank is one of our oldest tanks here. Are you older or younger than our tank?

The gift shop. Buy 3 for £15.

The underwater tunnel tube with a man dressed as a pirate!

Actinia.

Photography by Jack Babington

The Gothic dates to the late 1870s, built of polychrome brick and Ruskinian dressed stone. The Gothic public house included two shops. A prominent corner site looking down Constitution Hill. The building has an octagonal turret. The building was Grade II listed in July 1982. It remained a pub until it closed down around 2001-02.

Cordia Blackswan took over the building and restoration work took place from 2019 to 2022.

The Gothic seen back in September 2016, a few years before restoration. The previous owners thought it was a good idea to paint the ground floor units in pink! Looking on Google Maps Street View, it has been like this since the 2000s.

By February 2022, all of the scaffolding had come down and restoration of The Gothic and the other buildings was almost complete. I was heading up Great Hampton Street to check out The Blue Orange Theatre at the time. Was wet rainy weather. The Quality Works buildings to the far left.

March 2022, and I saw this view of The Gothic from Birmingham Snow Hill Station, waiting for my train at platform 3. That modern building to the right is Hampton by Hilton Birmingham Jewellery Quarter (next to St Paul's Tram Stop).

The Gothic and King Kong Park, July 2022. The recreated statue of King Kong was next to The Gothic from July 2022, at the beginning of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, on Great Hampton Row. I'd caught the tram that day up to St Paul's Tram Stop.

The last we saw of King Kong at King Kong Park was during October 2022. This view from The Orelle at 103 Colmore Row, with The Gothic seen on the left.

Early August 2023, and I approached The Gothic from Kenyon Street to Great Hampton Street. It looks like all the buildings renovations are now complete. It looks good! Also King Kong Park is long gone, and Great Hampton Row is once again open to local traffic.

Photography by Elliott Brown

Selly Manor is run by the Bournville Village Trust.

The building was re-built at Bournville from 1912 to 1916 by W. Alexander Harvey for George Cadbury. The building dates back to the 15th century in the sub-manor of Selly.

Henry VIII teddy bear.

Cuddly toy cat on a bed.

Food on the kitchen table.

The Kitchen.

A boars head in the kitchen.

Civil War helmets.

Shields / coat of arms inside of Minworth Greaves.

An old clock.

A view of Minworth Greaves.

It was re-built here in 1932 by Lawrence Cadbury. It was formerly located in Minworth near Sutton Coldfield, and dates to the 14th century. Restoration overseen by W. Alexander Harvey.

Photography by Jack Babington

A selection of photos I took at St Chad's Cathedral on 5th August 2023. More from me and others can be seen at this hashtag on Instagram IGBUK Meet St Chads.

First view inside of St Chad's after arriving for the meet.

Under the large organ.

View to the large organ.

This chapel contains relics of St John Henry Newman.

The relics of St John Henry Newman along with a picture of him.

St Edward's Chapel. The chapel was built from 1931 and opened in 1933.

One of the stained glass windows.

The Archbishop's throne on the alter.

Statue of St Chad, holding a model of the three spired Lichfield Cathedral. His relics were saved from Lichfield after the Reformation, and hidden, then moved to St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham 300 years later, once it was safe to do so.

One of many places to light a candle. But don't light them during a mass as they will be a distraction! Also donate below.

Monument of Bishop Thomas Walsh (1776 - 1849).  The founder of St Chad's Cathedral, he is buried in this Crypt. It was designed by A.W. Pugin, carved in Bath stone by George Myers and exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851.

And now for some photos taken in the rooms underground.

The robe of Pope John Paul II. He was the first Pope since the reformation to visit the UK in 1982. While he didn't visit Birmingham, he did go to Coventry. But he met the then new Archbishop of Birmingham Maurice Couve de Murville.

Robe of Pope Benedict XVI. He came to Birmingham in 2010, and held mass at Cofton Park, and also beautified John Henry Newman, and visited the Birmingham Oratory on the Hagley Road in Edgbaston.

This room is called the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Another interesting looking room with yellow walls and ceilings.

More photos in the gallery.

Photography by Elliott Brown

All views here taken from the Secret Garden, Level 7 at the Library of Birmingham.

13th August 2021

First visit to the Secret Garden after all the lockdowns and closures of the library.

4th September 2021

The Reflective Pool getting a good use, in the months before Ice Skate Birmingham returned.

15th July 2022

The Birmingham 2022 Megastore a couple of weeks before the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

13th August 2022

The Birmingham 2022 Megastore, this was a few days after the end of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (the terraces were closed during it).

16th September 2022

Empty again after the Birmingham 2022 Megastore had been dismantled. But preparing for the Conservative Party Conference next.

24th September 2022

The marquees being put up for the Conservative Party Conference.

29th October 2022

Ice Skate Birmingham begins to be built in Centenary Square, including the big wheel, Star Flyer and Air rides.

26th January 2023

Centenary Square returned to normal after Ice Skate Birmingham had been dismantled again.

25th April 2023

Centenary Square between events, this was a week or so before the King's Coronation celebrations.

1st June 2023

The Reflective Pool was turned off, while a bus stop in Centenary Square was getting done up at Library Metro Tram Stop.

14th June 2023

The Reflective Pool was on for most of June, with the dancing water jet fountains, kids enjoying the summer heatwave that month.

29th July 2023

Birmingham Festival 23 on from 28th July to 6th August 2023, depending on the weather.