Victorian Radicals in the Gas Hall

There hasn't been a major exhibition in the Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in about 5 years (since the Black Sabbath one I think in 2019). Then BM & AG was closed on and off since 2020 (pandemic, later re-wiring and restoration works etc). The Gas Hall only reopened in February for the Victorian Radicals from February to October 2024. A late April 2024 visit.

Three generations of British artists, designers and makers revolutionised the visual arts in the second half of the nineteenth century. The Pre-Raphaelites, William Morris and his circle and the men and women of the Arts and Crafts movement transformed art and design.

Selected from the city of Birmingham's outstanding collection, Victorian Radicals presents vibrant paintings and exquisite drawings alongside jewellery, glass, textiles and metalwork to explore their radical vision for art and society. Fresh from an award-winning tour of the US, Victorian Radicals is the first comprehensive showing of the city’s Pre-Raphaelite and Arts and Crafts collections in Birmingham for over five years. Discover the story of the Pre-Raphaelites themselves and their influence on artists and makers well into the twentieth century – especially in Birmingham itself. Paintings made by artists including Kate Bunce, Joseph Southall and Arthur Gaskin combined the poetry and intensity of the Pre-Raphaelites’ work with a distinctive identity all their own. Open Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm. In the Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Pre-book to guarantee entry. Alternatively you can buy tickets on arrival (subject to availability). This exhibition is organised by Birmingham Museums Trust and the American Federation of Arts. Supported by the Friends of Birmingham Museums.

 

Book your Victorian Radicals ticket(s) at the link and go. Adults from £11 (can be more with gift aid etc). Note that if you buy anything from the shop in the Gas Hall, it's card payments only (no cash). February to October 2024.

 

This visit on the 27th April 2024.

 

The Victorian Radicals signs outside of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, as you pass through Chamberlain Square, and onto the part that was Edmund Street. Entrance at the Gas Hall. The rest of BM & AG remains closed for now.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Some general views of the Victorian Radicals inside of the Gas Hall.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Looking to the Future: New approaches to Victorian Art and Design at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The First Industrial Nation. Mid-Victorian Art and Design

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Various landscape paintings.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(26).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Gather the Rose of Love While Yet 'Tis Time, 1848. William Etty (1787-1849). Oil on canvas.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(24).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Work, 1859-63 Ford Madox Brown (1821-1893) Oil on canvas.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(27).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Long Engagement, c. 1854-59. Arthur Hughes (1832-1915). Oil on canvas.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(28).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Two Gentlemen of Verona (Valentine Rescuing Sylvia from Proteus), 1851. William Holman Hunt (1827-1910) Oil on canvas. Based on a play by William Shakespeare.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(29).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Portrait of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1882-83. William Holman Hunt (1827-1910). Oil on mahogany.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(30).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Portrait of John Everett Millais, 1853. Alexander Munro (1827-1910). Marble set in carved slate frame.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(31).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple, 1854-60. William Holman Hunt (1827-1910). Oil on canvas.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(34).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Last of England, 1852-55. Ford Madox Brown (1821-1893). Oil on wood panel.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(35).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Medea, 1866-68. Frederick Sandys (1829-1904). Oil on composite wood panel with gold leaf.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(36).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

La Donna della Finestra, 1881. Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882) Oil on canvas with underdrawing in chalk and graphite. Depicts Jane Morris as 'the lady at the window', unfinished, due to the artists death a year after it was started.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(37).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Morgan le Fay, 1864. Frederick Sandys (1829-1904). Oil on wood panel.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(38).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Beata Beatrix, begun 1877 (completed by Ford Madox Brown). Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882). Oil on canvas.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(39).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

May Morning on Magdalen Tower, 1888-91. William Holman Hunt (1827-1910), artist and designer Guild of Handicraft (London), frame maker Oil on canvas in original copper frame.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(41).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Musica, c. 1895-97. Kate Elizabeth Bunce (1856-1927). Oil on canvas.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(43).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Beauty and the Beast, 1904. John Dickson Batten (1860-1932). Tempera on canvas.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(44).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Stained glass window: Dante and Beatrice II: The Wedding Feast, 1910 Florence Jane Camm (1874-1960), designer T. W. Camm & Co. (Smethwick, Birmingham), manufacturer.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(18).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Tracery light from the east window of Holy Trinity Church, Grazeley, 1849-50. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-1852) and John Hardman Powell (1827-1895), designers John Hardman & Co. (Birmingham), manufacturer Stained, painted, and leaded glass.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(19).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Stained glass panel: Saint George Slaying the Dragon, 1872 (designed c. 1862). Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882), designer Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (London), manufacturer. Stained, painted and leaded glass.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Stained glass panel: Winter, c.1865 William Morris (1834-1896), designer Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (London), manufacturer. Stained, painted and leaded glass.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(21).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Stained Glass Panel: Saint Mark, 1883 (designed 1874) Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898), designer Thomas G. Bowman (1836-1917), glass painter Morris & Co. (Merton Abbey, London), manufacturer Stained, painted and leaded glass.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(22).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Pair of Stained Glass Panels: Sleepe after Toile, before 1905. Mary Jane Newill (1860-1947), designer and maker Stained, painted and leaded glass.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(23).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Day dress, с. 1865. Maker not recorded Silk, with black ribbon, braid and cord trim.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Another dress and a tunic.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Paolo and Francesca by Alexander Munro (1825–1871). Marble statue.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Chest: The Garden of the Hesperides, 1887-88. Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898), designer Charles Lumley (active 1887-89), cabinetmaker Osmund Weeks (active 1879-95), gesso moulder and gilder.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bedcover, c. 1908. Mary Jane Newill (1860-1947). Linen embroidered with wool.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(32).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Carpet: 'Old Master', c. 1851. John Crossley & Sons (Halifax, West Yorkshire), manufacturer. Woven wool.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(33).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wallpaper design: Jasmine. William Morris (1834-1896), designer, 1874. Graphite, red chalk, and watercolour on paper.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(40).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Floor tile, 1851. Minton & Co. (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire), manufacturer Earthenware, inlaid with coloured slips. Made for the Great Exhibition of 1851.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(25).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, now newly imprinted (the 'Kelmscott Chaucer'), 1896. William Morris (1834-1896), Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898) and co-workers at Kelmscott Press, designers and makers Kelmscott Press (London), printer Joseph Batchelor and Son (Little Chart, Kent), paper manufacturer Bound book with 87 woodcut illustrations on handmade paper.

dndimg alt="Victorian Radicals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Victorian%20Radicals%20GH%20BMAG%2027042024%20(42).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown. Some captions from Birmingham Museums.

Handsworth Park Arts Trail

Here is some of the main works of public art that you can find on the Handsworth Park Arts Trail, and some details on each piece. In no particular order. We recommend catching the no 16 bus from Birmingham City Centre to do the trail, find the pieces. Here and Now by Tim Tolkien installed in 2023. The Benjamin Zephaniah mural by I Create Not Destroy (Bunny Bread) unveiled in 2024.

Handsworth Arts Trail

SS Journey

It was sculpted in 2017 by Luke Perry as part of the Handsworth Arts Trail. Near the large lake.

dndimg alt="SS Journey" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Handsworth%20Park%20SS%20Journey%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Here and Now bench

Commissioned for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Resembles a fairground waltzer car. Installed August 2023, artist was Tim Tolkien.

dndimg alt="Here and Now" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Here%20and%20Now%20bench%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Here and Now figures

Commissioned for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Installed August 2023, artist was Tim Tolkien. Part of the same work as the Here and Now bench. Near a path opposite Handsworth Cricket Club.

dndimg alt="Here and Now figures" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Here%20and%20Now%20figures%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Hands and Minds Speak

Located on an island within the small lake at Handsworth Park. It was sculpted in Lawson Oyekan and made in 2010.

dndimg alt="Hands and Minds Speak" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hands%20Minds%20Speak%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Pyramid Tower by Veranda Stories

Located half way between the Sons of Rest building and small lake / pond at Handsworth Park. It was by the visual artists Pauline Bailey & Ola Brown, of Veranda Stories. It had many mandala patterns, which was then laser cut. It was designed with the Women's Sewing Group and Saathi House. Made in 2017.

dndimg alt="The Pyramid Tower" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Pyramid%20Tower%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Anchor

Located within the Handsworth Park Community Garden, near Holly Road. The artist was Katie Sturridge.  A symbol of the Birmingham Assay Office. Made in 2015.

dndimg alt="The Anchor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The%20Anchor%20KS%20Handsworth%20PCG%2020042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Sons of Rest Mosaic

Located next to the Handsworth Park Community Gardens. The artist wasClaire Cotterill. Based on stained glass windows found in the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park. The mosaic was made in honour of the centenary of the end of WW1 in 2018.

dndimg alt="The Sons of Rest Mosaic" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sons%20of%20Rest%20Mos%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Handsworth Revolution: Steel Pulse

The large mural at the entrance to Handsworth Leisure Centre was commissioned as part of Punch Records’ BASS Festival’s celebration of 50 years of Reggae and coincided with National Album Day and Black History Month.

dndimg alt="Steel Pulse" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Steel%20Pulse%20Handsworth%20LC%20(Sep%202019)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Benjamin Zephaniah mural

Located on a wall at the Sons of Rest Building in Handsworth Park. Mural in tribute to the late Benjamin Zephaniah (1958 - 2023), a Birmingham born poet. By I Create Not Destroy, aka Bunny Bread. It was unveiled on the 14th April 2024. Commissioned by the Black Heritage Walks Network (BHWN).

dndimg alt="Benjamin Zephaniah mural at the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BZ%20SoR%20Handsworth%20Park%2020042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

At least two of the painted bears can be still found in Handsworth Park, years after the trail had ended.

Sun Guardian Bear

It was created by Goosensi (Mat Barber) working with Friends of Handsworth Park and the Handsworth Community. In the Handsworth Park Community Garden.

dndimg alt="Handsworth Park Big Sleuth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Handsworth%20Park%20Big%20Slueth%202017%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Well Active Bear

It was created by Mark Copplestone and Jennie Saunders working with Birmingham Wellbeing Service. Seen outside of the Handsworth Wellbeing Centre. Also called Handsworth Leisure Centre.

dndimg alt="Handsworth Park Big Sleuth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Handsworth%20Park%20Big%20Slueth%202017%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

Open Day at the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick

I went along to the first open day of the year at the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick, on the second Saturday of each month between April and October, each year. Run by Sandwell Museums & The Friends of Galton Valley Pumping Station. Very friendly volunteers, as I had a look around getting photos. Well worth a visit when it's open. Train down to Smethwick Galton Bridge.

I scanned in this leaflet I was handed with the 2024 open day dates at the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick. Held on the second Saturday of each month from April to October, 11am to 3pm (last admission at 2:30pm). Free entry.

I went on Saturday 13th April 2024. The next dates are as follows: 11th May, 8th June, 13th July, 10th August, 14th September and 12th October 2024. Thank you to The Friends of Galton Valley Pumping Station and Sandwell Museums.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Smethwick%20GVPS%20open%20days%202024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Here's some of the usual outdoor views of the Galton Valley Pumping Station, that I retook, while I was in Smethwick again on Saturday 13th April 2024, similar to views I've taken before in the past. I approached from Smethwick Galton Bridge Station via the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline, you have to go up the steps to the BCN Old Mainline to go in the entrance, and see the volunteers.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The views on leaving the pumping station, from Brasshouse Lane over the old and new BCN canals, then over the footbridge that crosses Tollhouse Way.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell%20GVPS%20Smethwick%20OD%20ext%2013042024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A look around the inside of the Galton Valley Pumping Station in Smethwick. There was a Tangyes Birmingham engine on the upper floor.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Arthur Ross and several old signs on the floor here.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Into the next room then would be going downstairs.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A Fellows, Morton & Clayton narrowboat, registers at Birmingham, you could have a look inside, but not sure if there was room to climb on board.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Working life on the canals.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Down the bottom with large boiler engines.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On this wall A C Munford Engineer Colchester.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The back up more steps, one last look at the Tangyes Birmingham engine, before heading out.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Pumping Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Galton%20Valley%20PS%20OD%2013042024%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown 

Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on Kent Street at Sidewalk in Southside

The Dorothy street art popped up unexpectedly after Easter 2024, on Kent Street, with a ruby red slipper on the line above. On some doors of the Sidewalk gay bar. But by chance The Wizard of Oz will be playing at the Birmingham Hippodrome in June 2024. Is it Joe, as it's not Banksy? Photos from Birmingham We Are's Jack Babington and Elliott Brown. Who run our Instagram page.

The Wizard of Oz at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 11th to 16th June 2024, starring Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Witch of the West.

 

The owners of Sidewalk did not expect to find Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz on their building, on a pair of doors. It quickly got into the media, is it a Banksy? No. Who is it by? It is by Joe Lycett? We are not sure yet. Probably not by Disney B32. Perspex has been put over the artwork to protect it. There is also a pair of ruby red slippers on the phone line wire above Kent Street in the Gay Village (Southside BID).

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Kent%20St%20Jack%2006042024%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Jack Babington | Pro Photography Pictures

 

You will find Dorothy is you make your way to Hurst Street in Southside, when you find Sidewalk, then turn onto Kent Street. She is on the doors. This visit during Storm Kathleen so it was trying to rain, and was a bit windy, like Dorothy flying away in the house from Kansas to the Land of Oz!

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Dorothy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dorothy%20WoO%20Sidewalk%20Kent%20St%2007042024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown | Ell R Brown 82

 

Go here for our post on Facebook: Dorothy FB. And on Instagram: Dorothy Insta.

The first St Patrick's Day Parade in 5 years but on Bradford Street in Digbeth!

I previously got the St Patrick's Day Parade's in Digbeth in March 2015 and March 2018. Usually from a view outside Selfridges at the Bullring. But the 2024 St Patrick's Day Parade was on Bradford Street, due to the Eastside Metro extension works on the Digbeth High Street. It started at Camp Hill and went as far as Rea Street. I walked up Cheapside for extra views.

A few days before the St Patrick's Day Parade, I went to the Custard Factory to get the painted billboard wall on Gibb Street. It was advertising Shanky's Whip for St Patrick's Day.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Pats%20Digbeth%20CF%2015032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before noon on Sunday 17th March 2024, St Patrick's Day. The parade was waiting at the top of Camp Hill. Bus routes including the 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6 and 50 were diverted from Camp Hill Circus, Bordesley Middleway, Coventry Road and onto the Digbeth High Street. Until 2019, the previous parades always used to use the Digbeth High Street (consisting of High Street Bordesley and High Street Dertiend). The 2020 and 2021 parades were cancelled due to the pandemic, then 2022 and 2023 due to the Eastside Metro extension works and other factors. But was decided for 2024 to use Bradford Street instead.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20St%20Pats%20pre%2017032024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20St%20Pats%20pre%2017032024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I was thinking of going up to level 4 of Edgbaston Street Car Park for a view of the parade, but an alarm at the Bull Ring Indoor Market stopped that idea. So headed back to the Bullring then into Selfridges, and over the Parametric Bridge for a view from level 8 of Moor Street Car Park (which I was going to do anyway). But in the end, felt better just to leave the car park on Park Street and walk to Bradford Street in Digbeth for some views of the parade close up. There was no view from the balcony at the Bullring near Selfridges.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The view from Bradford Street, beyond Rea Street, looking up to Camp Hill. Very crowded. But at least the parade was back.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I left Bradford Street, and walked onto Barford Street then started going up Cheapside. A look up Rea Street towards The Anchor, Birmingham Coach Station and The Digbeth Institute.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Anchor%20SPDP%20BS%2017032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Continuing up Cheapside, the next road I popped up was Birchall Street, where you have a view of the Custard Factory (Devonshire House / Zellig Building). Modern flats on the right at Fabrick Square.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Custard%20Factory%20SPDP%20BS%2017032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

St Anne's Catholic Church could be seen from Alcester Street with an Irish flag. They held a service here that morning before the festivities began.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Annes%20Digbeth%20RC%20SPDP%2017032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Also on Alcester Street near St Anne's Catholic Church was this stall selling Irish flags, hats and scarves.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Further up Cheapside is Rea Place, between new apartment buildings, Rea House and Kinvara Heights, towards Abacus on Bradford Street. Bit hard to see anything from here, so continued walking up the hill.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now onto Moseley Road. The parade floats near A1 Clutches and Adam & Eve Evolve.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After Moseley Road, I then walked up Ravenhurst Street to Camp Hill, I did briefly look at one side from Lowe Street. The last parade floats on Camp Hill, as they were about to go onto Bradford Street. After this I walked around Bordesley Middleway, Coventry Street, Upper Trinity Street and Adderley Street, before getting a bus from the Digbeth High Street.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown