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Elliott Brown Green open spaces
21 Jun 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A visit to Perry Park at the end of May 2022

On the 30th May 2022, I got the train to the new look Perry Barr Station. After coffee at Costa at the One Stop shopping centre, I had a half hour walk up Aldridge Road to get into Perry Park. Managed to see the Perry Reservoir, but some paths blocked off due to the Alexander Stadium redevelopment for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and was a temporary path towards the canal.

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A visit to Perry Park at the end of May 2022





On the 30th May 2022, I got the train to the new look Perry Barr Station. After coffee at Costa at the One Stop shopping centre, I had a half hour walk up Aldridge Road to get into Perry Park. Managed to see the Perry Reservoir, but some paths blocked off due to the Alexander Stadium redevelopment for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and was a temporary path towards the canal.


This post will just be a photo gallery of Perry Park. I will do my May 2022, Alexander Stadium update in another post. At the time of writing, it is mid June 2022, and it is very hot in Birmingham.

The late May day visit to Perry Barr was much cooler.

I would think if people are going to the Alexander Stadium from Perry Barr Station, it would be faster to get a shuttle bus than take the long walk that I did last month.

 

This visit on Monday 30th May 2022.

 

Birmingham BMX Club

Entering Perry Park from the main entrance on Aldridge Road near the Birmingham BMX Club. The M6 motorway is beyond here.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham BMX Perry Park 30052022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the entrance is a skatepark for BMX riders, and behind that, the actuall BMX track.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham BMX Perry Park 30052022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Welcome to Birmingham BMX Club.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham BMX Perry Park 30052022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The path outside of the BMX Club, heading into Perry Park.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham BMX Perry Park 30052022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The start and finish line, the BMX track looks a bit bumpy.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham BMX Perry Park 30052022 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Holbrook

The Holbrook is a stream that flows through Perry Park. There was a high fence alongside the path, so could only take it at the time from this bridge.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Holbrook Perry Park 30052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Paths and trees in Perry Park

Paths in Perry Park. One leads towards Perry Reservoir (and the Alexander Stadium, but the paths are currently blocked off). The other leads to the Alexander Stadium Woodland Walk.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Park 30052022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

After a look at the reservoir, a quick look at the Canada geese and trees. As you can't go beyond this path (to the right). But there is a pedestrian diversion path.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Park 30052022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The diversion path runs to one side of the Perry Reservoir. The trees are lush and green here.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Park 30052022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The path takes you around the reservoir, and eventually to the steps up to the Tame Valley Canal. Where you can then take your exit towards Walsall Road. Many routes around the Alexander Stadium are closed, at least until after the games have finished.

dndimg alt="Perry Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Park 30052022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Perry Reservoir

One of the main reasons of this visit was at long last to get a proper look at the Perry Reservoir. Having only glimpsed it years ago from the Tame Valley Canal.

dndimg alt="Perry Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Reservoir 30052022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The reservoir was quite quiet, other than the usual ducks, geese and swans.

dndimg alt="Perry Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Reservoir 30052022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the opppsite side of Perry Reservoir was swans and Canada geese.

dndimg alt="Perry Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Reservoir 30052022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I then saw a family of Canada geese with their gosling. How cute!

dndimg alt="Perry Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Reservoir 30052022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The reservoir is surrounded by trees on at least two sides.

dndimg alt="Perry Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Reservoir 30052022 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

With part of the reservoir blocked off by the Alexander Stadium development site, I got the rest of my views from the pedestrian diversion path.

dndimg alt="Perry Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Reservoir 30052022 (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Alexander Stadium made for some nice reflections in the water. See more photos in my Alexander Stadium post.

dndimg alt="Perry Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Reservoir 30052022 (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

One last look at the reservoir, before leaving the park for the Tame Valley Canal, where I got more views of the Alexander Stadium on the walk back to the Walsall Road, and later Perry Barr Station.

dndimg alt="Perry Reservoir" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry Reservoir 30052022 (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Text and photos by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
20 Jun 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

"Foreign Exchange" by Hew Locke: reimagined statue of Queen Victoria in Victoria Square

As part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, artist Hew Locke has transformed Birmingham's statue of Queen Victoria in Victoria Square. The artwork is called "Foreign Exchange" and has certainly opened up a range of conversations. Unveiled on 14th June 2022, it will remain in the Square until August 2022. Photos taken by Elliott and Daniel.

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"Foreign Exchange" by Hew Locke: reimagined statue of Queen Victoria in Victoria Square





As part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, artist Hew Locke has transformed Birmingham's statue of Queen Victoria in Victoria Square. The artwork is called "Foreign Exchange" and has certainly opened up a range of conversations. Unveiled on 14th June 2022, it will remain in the Square until August 2022. Photos taken by Elliott and Daniel.


Birmingham's statue of Queen Victoria was originally unveiled in 1901. Made of marble by Sir Thomas Brock. It was the idea of the founder of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, who wanted to present a statue of the Queen to the City, during her Diamond Jubilee year of 1897. It was finally unveiled 12 days before the Queen's death.

50 years later, the statue had got quite weathered, and the orb was badly damaged during VE Day in 1945.

The statue was removed in 1951, and was cast in bronze by William Bloye. This was all thanks to the Birmingham Civic Society.

More recently, the missing tip of the sceptre was recast and added in 2011, then the Birmingham Civic Society had the statue fully cleaned in 2018.

Here are some photos of the work of artist Hew Locke called "Foreign Exchange" prior to the unveiling.

Saturday 11th June

Views from the 18th floor balcony of 103 Colmore Row.

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hew Locke QV V103 11062022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hew Locke QV V103 11062022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

In Victoria Squaredndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_2593b_VICR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_2731b_VICR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Daniel Sturley 

Sunday 12th June

By Sunday afternoon, workmen had installed a helmet on top of the original statue of Queen Victoria.

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hew Locke FE Queen Vic 12062022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hew Locke FE Queen Vic 12062022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hew Locke FE Queen Vic 12062022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hew Locke FE Queen Vic 12062022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hew Locke FE Queen Vic 12062022 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_2888b_VICR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_2919b_VICR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_2924b_VICR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_2939b_VICR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_2985b_VICR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3028b_VICR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Foreign Exchange Victoria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_3059b_VICR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Daniel Sturley

The unveiling of the statue has certainly created a stir and opened up a conversation, as no doubt intended by the artist and those commissioning the work.

Locke’s vision behind the art is to create “an object of veneration, leading a battalion of other statues to represent the home nation throughout the Empire.”

 

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Elliott Brown Transport
09 Jun 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Eastside Metro extension roadworks in Digbeth: August 2021 and May 2022

Views from the bus heading out through Digbeth during August 2021, and into town via Digbeth in late May 2022. In between it wasn't worth getting photo updates when there was just holes in the road, and Midland Metro Alliance were just moving pipes. By Spring 2022, they have installed curb stones, and temporary tarmacing the southbound road surface.

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Eastside Metro extension roadworks in Digbeth: August 2021 and May 2022





Views from the bus heading out through Digbeth during August 2021, and into town via Digbeth in late May 2022. In between it wasn't worth getting photo updates when there was just holes in the road, and Midland Metro Alliance were just moving pipes. By Spring 2022, they have installed curb stones, and temporary tarmacing the southbound road surface.


The major roadworks in Digbeth from July 2021 to July 2022 by the Midland Metro Alliance. They usually work during the week, apart from on Bank Holidays or at weekends.

The southbound lanes have been closed between Digbeth Police Station and The Rainbow, while the northbound bus lane has been closed and open to all traffic. The inner northbound lane has been used for southbound traffic. There is plenty of temporary traffic lights. Entrances from Heath Mill Lane, as well as the Zellig Car Park, and others that need access.

I've been getting the bus up and down it throughout, so not always wanted to get updates, when there was just big holes in the ground. Plus they will not be laying tracks on this side.

Sometimes takes 20 minutes to get through, if there is a lot of traffic. Longer if the traffic lights fail to work.

 

August 2021

On Monday 16th August 2021, the southbound lanes was closed by the Midland Metro Alliance, and they moved the southbound traffic into one of the former northbound lanes, close to Birmingham Coach Station. The northbound bus lane was open to all traffic.

Views from the top deck of the no 6 bus with National Express West Midlands Electric. Sitting at the time near the front, on the left, second window seat back.

Passing Digbeth Police Station. The first day that the traffic heading out of Digbeth would be diverted south onto one of the northbound lanes.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Fancy Fabrics on the left. Early stages of the road being dug up.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing the Custard Factory and Zellig.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Custard Factory Digbeth (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Custard Factory / Zellig and then the Clean Kilo.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Custard Factory Digbeth (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing the Clean Kilo, followed by The Old Crown. Heath Mill Lane would remain open to traffic into 2022.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Old Crown Digbeth (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Old Crown, early stages of the road surface being dug up.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Old Crown Digbeth (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

May 2022

Saturday 28th May 2022, views from the top deck of the no 6 bus, National Express West Midlands Electric heading into the City Centre via Digbeth. Window seat on the right at the front.

Midland Metro Alliance have started to tarmac the southbound road surface at long last. It will only be temporary, as it needs to be in place for the Commonwealth Games.

Near The Rainbow.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

New paving outside of The Old Crown. They recently discovered a long lost hole, though to be a coal entrance, it's now been covered over.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Old Crown EME Digbeth 28052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the right is the Custard Factory, Kilo Zero and The Old Crown. 

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At long last a tarmaced road surface. View towards Birmingham Coach Station, not far from the Custard Factory.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They will resume the work on Monday morning. This view not far from the coach station.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

On the right is the Big Bulls Head. Side roads such as Milk Street have been closed to traffic.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Big Bulls Head Digbeth 28052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up is The Kerryman. The pavement has been quite narrow while they widen it, you can see the new curb stones here.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Kerryman Digbeth 28052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This bit near the BCU Steam House (being demolished). View towards St Martin's Church and Digbeth Police Station. The eventual Metro line will come from HS2 via Meriden Street.

dndimg alt="Eastside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/EME Digbeth 28052022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
30 May 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Westside Metro Extension: Broad Street and Hagley Road - April and May 2022 update

Trams continue to be tested along Broad Street and Hagley Road via Five Ways. The roads will be reopened to buses from 5th June 2022, but trams will only be in service to Bull Street when it resumes again. 

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Westside Metro Extension: Broad Street and Hagley Road - April and May 2022 update





Trams continue to be tested along Broad Street and Hagley Road via Five Ways. The roads will be reopened to buses from 5th June 2022, but trams will only be in service to Bull Street when it resumes again. 


2nd April 2022

Broad Street

At Centenary Square, near Broad Street. Pink Midland Metro Alliance barriers near Library Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LoB Centenary Sq 02042022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

9th April 2022

Broad Street

The Midland Metro Alliance has installed an electricity substation at Five Ways Island, above  the Five Ways Underpass (between Broad Street and Hagley Road in Edgbaston). St Martin's Place and Park Regis Birmingham seen behind with a bus on the 23 or 24 bus routes via Harborne.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ESS Five Ways Island 09042022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Cones and pink Midland Metro Alliance barriers on Broad Street between The Mercian and The Bank. Towards the Five Ways Entertainment Complex.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WME Broad St 09042022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Cones and barriers on Broad Street between Brindleyplace and O'Neill's towards The Crown Reflex.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WME Broad St 09042022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

7th May 2022

Broad Street

Close to the site of Brindleyplace Tram Stop on Broad Street towards the Library of Birmingham. Pink Midland Metro Alliance barriers were in the middle of the road.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lob Broad St WMExt 07052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

25th May 2022

Hagley Road

Outside of Morrisons on the Hagley Road. What looks like green astroturf, with TRAM ONLY painted on this side. Towards Starbucks Coffee.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Hagley Rd 25052022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

To the Five Ways Underpass from Hagley Road. The barriers have been removed, but cones remain in place.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Hagley Rd 25052022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A Midland Metro Alliance worker is there to remove the cones when the test trams come through the Five Ways Underpass. View towards The Mercian and Hampton by Hilton Broad Street hotel.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM Hagley Rd 25052022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

28th May 2022

Broad Street

Cones line both sides of Broad Street between JD Wetherspoon: Solomon Cutter and The Crown Reflex, towards The Brasshouse. A car drives up the middle, while a yellow taxi cab is parked on the right.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WME Broad St 28052022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Cyclists have made good use of the closed roads. Here a cyclist is seen riding his bike through the middle of the cones up Broad Street and past The Brasshouse. Entrance to Brindleyplace and the canal on the right.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WME Broad St 28052022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Closest we've been able to get to the Five Ways Underpass from Broad Street. There is a Midland Metro Alliance worker who moves the cones and barriers when a test tram comes through. View towards the Marriott Hotel.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WME Broad St 28052022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It looks like the underpass will be for buses and trams only. All other traffic will have to use Five Ways Island from Broad Street. View near Park Regis Birmingham and Broadway Residences.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WME Broad St 28052022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For further photos click here for almost 400 photos: Westside Metro extension Broad Street to Hagley Road

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown History & heritage
11 May 2022 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is (partially) open again - the visit of 7th May 2022

It has been closed for a long time. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery partially reopened (five galleries) on the 28th April 2022. It closed during the pandemic, briefly reopened October 2020, then again (lockdowns etc). Then re-wiring works. The Round Room has We Are Birmingham, Industrial Gallery has Black history and nightclub history. Also one room on local cinema history.

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Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is (partially) open again - the visit of 7th May 2022





It has been closed for a long time. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery partially reopened (five galleries) on the 28th April 2022. It closed during the pandemic, briefly reopened October 2020, then again (lockdowns etc). Then re-wiring works. The Round Room has We Are Birmingham, Industrial Gallery has Black history and nightclub history. Also one room on local cinema history.


Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery reopened on the 28th April 2022. I didn't visit over the May Day Bank Holiday Weekend, but instead popped in a weekend later on Saturday 7th May 2022 (coming back from Cineworld and the Library of Birmingham).

The approach from Centenary Way into Chamberlain Square, at Paradise Birmingham (103 Colmore Row behind). Entrance of course to BM & AG from Chamberlain Square.

dndimg alt="BM & AG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG Chamberlain Sq 07052022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

We Are Open. Heading to the double doors of BM & AG, the Chamberlain Square entrance.

dndimg alt="BM & AG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG return 07052022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The ground floor entrance room is empty, but has 'Welcome to Museum & Art Gallery Birmingham' signs on panels around it. Seen here from the stairs heading down to the Chamberlain Square exit.

dndimg alt="BM & AG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG return 07052022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="BM & AG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG return 07052022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The stairs leads up to Level 2. There is a new Directory of what is open now, and what will be in Gas Hall (when it reopens on the 14th May 2022).

Round Room - Don't Settle: We Are Birmingham

1. Shop

2. Industrial Gallery - Birmingham Music Archive: In The Que

Fierce: SaVage K'Lub Va Tamatea

Kalaboration Arts: Blacklash: Racism and the Struggle for Self-Defence

3. Gallery
Flatpack Projects: Wonderland

4. Edwardian Tearooms

8. Bridge Gallery - Collection Stories

10. Gallery
Unprecedented Times

dndimg alt="BM & AG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG return 07052022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Round Room - Don't Settle: We Are Birmingham

Sir Jacob Epstein's Lucifer statue is the only original piece to return to the Round Room. The walls have been painted a cream colour, and their is an exhibition on called We Are Birmingham.

dndimg alt="BMAG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG Round Room 07052022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

We Are Birmingham: Our Journeys - The Past is Now.

dndimg alt="BMAG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG Round Room 07052022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

An image of Selfridges on the right.

dndimg alt="BMAG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG Round Room 07052022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

We Are Birmingham: Our City. As well as Cold War Steve's Birmingham collage, their is black & white photos on the wall of Indian families.

dndimg alt="BMAG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG Round Room 07052022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

We Are Birmingham: Our Joy. Indian related objects and a bicycle.

dndimg alt="BMAG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG Round Room 07052022 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading back into the Round Room from the Bridge Gallery.

dndimg alt="BMAG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BMAG Round Room 07052022 (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

1. Shop

From the Round Room to the Industrial Gallery. Plenty of gifts to buy here.

dndimg alt="BMAG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shop BMAG 07052022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The walkway above the Industrial Gallery was open, and found this view through a grill to the shop below (and Round Room beyond that).

dndimg alt="BMAG" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shop BMAG 07052022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

2. Industrial Gallery: Birmingham Music Archive and Blacklash

There is several exhibitions located in the Industrial Gallery. Coming in from the Round Room, on the left is: 'Birmingham Music Archive: In The Que'. On the right is: 'Fierce: SaVage K'Lub Va Tamatea' and 'Kalaboration Arts: Blacklash: Racism and the Struggle for Self-Defence'.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

You can head up the stairs to the upper level, but there is no objects upstairs, but there is tables to sit down on, study etc. The African exhibits including Blacklash are on the left, while In The Que (nightclubs) is on the right. This view towards the Shop and Round Room.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Some of the tables with benches that you can sit on. There used to be Ruskin pottery up here (or it used to be on the side near the stairs). I'm sure it will all be back one day in the future.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view towards Wonderland in Gallery 3. With In The Que (left) and Blacklash (right) below.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham Music Archive: In The Que

The exhibit on the left hand side of the Industrial Gallery is currated by Birmingham Music Archive, and is called 'In the Que'. Que Club posters from the 1990s.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading in, there is a display of magazine articles. Que Here - Lifestyle.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

QUE in big colourful letters, plus some black and white photos from the nighclub.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />


 

Kalaboration Arts: Blacklash: Racism and the Struggle for Self-Defence

In the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement during 2020. A history of Black protests and marches. Some posters as you head into the Industrial Gallery.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

No Justice No Peace! The visit of Malcolm X to Smethwick in the 1960s. Black People Alliance. Also the Asian Youth Movement in the 1980s.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

African drums and spears. Some objects used at demonstrations. 'No Justice - Just Us!'

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was more posters under the stairs.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 


Fierce: SaVage K'Lub Va Tamatea

The second Afro themed exhibition. This bit about the Empire Korero on May 25th 1918. Various costumes and something about Good Captain Cook Day.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The entrance to the SaVage K'Lub Va Tamatea seen from above.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The stairs between the SaVage K'Lub Va Tamatea and Blacklash exhibitions.

dndimg alt="Industrial Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IG BMAG 07052022 (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A quick look at the SaVage K'Lub Va Tamatea exhibition on passing it by.

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Gallery 3: Flatpack Projects: Wonderland

Located in the gallery between the Industrial Gallery and the Edwardian Tearoom is a Birmingham Cinema's themed exhibit called Wonderland, run by Flatpack Projects.

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Wonderland is Birmingham's Cinema Stories. Sign seen from the Industrial Gallery.

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Cinemas closed for months during 2020, briefly reopened in the summer, then closed again, bookended by two lockdowns, and then the tiered restrictions. They only reopened without closing again during Spring 2021 last year.

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Cinema related objects in glass cases to the left, and near the Edwardian Tearoom entrance.

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Pictures on the wall of Birmingham cinema's including some that have closed a long time ago.

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This section below focuses on The Electric Cinema on Station Street.

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The Xmas Crackers sign. I remember seeing it on a visit to The Electric, early in 2020 (few months before the first lockdown).

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Three red cinema seats. Was only an hour or so after I'd left Cineworld on Broad Street before I go to this exhibition.

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4. Edwardian Tearooms

After well over two years, you can now pop into the Edwardian Tearooms again. Buy your food and drink, cash or card is accepted. Plenty of tables like before. Access through Gallery 3 (currently Wonderland) via the large doors on the left (or right).

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The galleries above are closed, with no objects on display.

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8. Bridge Gallery - Collection Stories

You can either head into the Industrial Gallery first, or into the Bridge Gallery. Where they have objects from the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre under the title 'Collection Stories'. Just past through under the 'ART GALLERY EXTENSION AND FEENEY GALLERIS A.D. 1912' sign, and the blue plaque (for Bertha Ryland, unveiled back in 2018 by the Birmingham Civic Society).

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Art on the walls of the Bridge Gallery, some objects in glass cases.

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No entry to the Birmingham History Galleries upstairs, as it's closed, and the objects are still in storage, as the re-wiring works hasn't finished yet.

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In front of the stairs, and near the small cafe, is Souvenir 9 (Queen Victoria). Was made in 2019 by Hew Locke, and acquired for the City by the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

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Gallery 10: Unprecedented Times

Since the Museum & Art Gallery had been closed from 2020, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, various local artists had painted or created the art on display here. Art in response to being on lockdown. During the two lost years of the museum being closed.

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This small gallery is just beyond the Bridge Gallery to the right, and nothing else beyond here is open at the moment.

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The red shutter at the end was closed, as BM & AG still has a lot of work to do to re-wire the whole building.

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The steps to the Gas Hall & Exit was closed also. But I suspect it will reopen on the 14th May 2022, when an exhibit at the Gas Hall called 'Found Cities, Lost Objects, Women in the City' opens.

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Photography by Elliott Brown

 

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