Go Popular Tags

Posts

Let our community keep you entertained with regular articles that they would like to share with you.

Search our posts by passion or by type of post to find what you are looking for.

Elliott Brown History & heritage
11 Sep 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A Birmingham Heritage Week visit to St Alban's Church in Highgate

St Alban's Church in Highgate, Birmingham was open for free visits on Sunday 10th September 2023, as part of Birmingham Heritage Week / Heritage Open Days. The entrance was on Stanhope Street. The staff / volunteers were so welcoming, they gave you laminated information cards, including a map of the church. Plus you could have tea / coffee and biscuits in the church hall.

View feature View community

A Birmingham Heritage Week visit to St Alban's Church in Highgate





St Alban's Church in Highgate, Birmingham was open for free visits on Sunday 10th September 2023, as part of Birmingham Heritage Week / Heritage Open Days. The entrance was on Stanhope Street. The staff / volunteers were so welcoming, they gave you laminated information cards, including a map of the church. Plus you could have tea / coffee and biscuits in the church hall.


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.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20BCM%2010092023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Church%20Highgate%2010092023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pollock%20St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%2010092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Church%20Highgate%2010092023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The interior features stained glass east window by Henry Payne.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Church%20Highgate%2010092023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Church%20Highgate%2010092023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The bottom of the tower with blue plaque.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Church%20Highgate%2010092023%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Church%20Highgate%2010092023%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pollock%20St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%2010092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Church%20Highgate%2010092023%20(11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Church%20Highgate%2010092023%20(13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The High Altar is to the east of the church.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wooden pulpit.

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="St Alban's Church" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Albans%20Ch%20Highgate%20int%2010092023%20(20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
80 passion points
Elliott Brown History & heritage
10 Sep 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A visit to the West Midlands Police Museum on 999 Day

Thanks to Igers Birmingham UK organised a visit to the West Midlands Police Museum on 9am on the 9th September 2023. The former Victorian Lock-up on Steelhouse Lane. Three floors with former cells, and objects from the polices history, even going back to the Birmingham City Police days. Even as far back as Robert Peel in the late 1820s!

View feature View community

A visit to the West Midlands Police Museum on 999 Day





Thanks to Igers Birmingham UK organised a visit to the West Midlands Police Museum on 9am on the 9th September 2023. The former Victorian Lock-up on Steelhouse Lane. Three floors with former cells, and objects from the polices history, even going back to the Birmingham City Police days. Even as far back as Robert Peel in the late 1820s!


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.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMP%20Museum%20ext%2009092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMP%20Museum%20ext%2009092023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMP%20Museum%20int%2009092023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMP%20Museum%20int%2009092023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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!

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMP%20Museum%20int%2009092023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMP%20Museum%20int%2009092023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20block%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20block%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20block%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Horse%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Motorcycles%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PB%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PB%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In the cells

Ground floor cells

The Birmingham Black List and a Day in the Life. 

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cells%20A%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

First Aid. 

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cells%20A%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cells%20A%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Basement floor cells

Police Dogs

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20B%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

DNA Discovery is it human and DNA Sample matching.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20B%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20B%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

First floor cells

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

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RoO%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20C%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Road safety in action

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cell%20C%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Police history

Female office uniform 1930s and Traffic tunic 1930s

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pol%20Hist%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pol%20Hist%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A top hat, police rattle and police whistle.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pol%20Hist%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pol%20Hist%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A stop sign, stopwatch and other objects.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pol%20Hist%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Police Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pol%20Hist%20WMP%20Museum%2009092023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
70 passion points
Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
06 Sep 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Soho Loop Part 2: Asylum Bridge to Winson Green Junction

On the 31st August 2023, I got the 82 bus to Dudley Road to complete the Soho Loop in Winson Green. Ended up returning via Norman Street Park and rejoining at the Asylum Bridge. Just a short walk to the end of the Soho Loop to Winson Green Junction. That towpath closed on the BCN Mainline to the Winson Green Bridge was open again, it's been tarmaced.

View feature View community

Soho Loop Part 2: Asylum Bridge to Winson Green Junction





On the 31st August 2023, I got the 82 bus to Dudley Road to complete the Soho Loop in Winson Green. Ended up returning via Norman Street Park and rejoining at the Asylum Bridge. Just a short walk to the end of the Soho Loop to Winson Green Junction. That towpath closed on the BCN Mainline to the Winson Green Bridge was open again, it's been tarmaced.


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.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Loop%20BCNOML%2031082023%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Junction" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2031082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Winson Green Junction" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2031082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2031082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
90 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
30 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A visit to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery on the August Bank Holiday Monday

On the August Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August 2023, I travelled to Wolverhampton, by train, for a visit to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Free entry. The entrance now on the side via St Peter's Walk. One early highlight was seeing the Maquette of King Kong. There was also a see-saw sculpture on the first floor. After a look around, had coffee and lunch in the Glaze cafe.

View feature View community

A visit to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery on the August Bank Holiday Monday





On the August Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August 2023, I travelled to Wolverhampton, by train, for a visit to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Free entry. The entrance now on the side via St Peter's Walk. One early highlight was seeing the Maquette of King Kong. There was also a see-saw sculpture on the first floor. After a look around, had coffee and lunch in the Glaze cafe.


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.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lichfield%20St%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HWS%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HW%20Wolv%20AG%2028082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HWS%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HWS%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HWS%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/King%20Kong%20WAG%2028082023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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'.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EE%20SeeSaw%20Wolv%20AG%2028082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/SPW%20ent%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Football%20Wolv%20AG%2028082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CP%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OM%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Up%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Up%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Glaze%20Wolv%20AG%2028082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Hope you enjoyed this look around Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
70 passion points
Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
24 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The changing face of the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside

There is major changes in the area around the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside, Birmingham. Between the Ashted Tunnel south eastern entrance and the Curzon Street Tunnel northern entrance. Birmingham City University built there Eastside campus nearby during the 2010s. Now HS2 is underway and Glasswater Locks too.

View feature View community

The changing face of the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside





There is major changes in the area around the Digbeth Branch Canal in Eastside, Birmingham. Between the Ashted Tunnel south eastern entrance and the Curzon Street Tunnel northern entrance. Birmingham City University built there Eastside campus nearby during the 2010s. Now HS2 is underway and Glasswater Locks too.


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!

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%20(Feb%202011)%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Belmont%20Row%20(Mar%202018)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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).

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Eastside%20(Sep%202019)%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%2022082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%20(Feb%202011)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Eastside%20(Sep%202019)%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Eastside%2022082023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curzon%20St%20Tunnel%20(Feb%202011)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Curzon%20St%20(Apr%202017)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DGC%20Curzon%20St%20(Sep%202018)%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DBC%20Eastside%20(Sep%202019)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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.

dndimg alt="Digbeth Branch Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix%20HS2%20DGCE%2022082023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
70 passion points
Show more