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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
04 May 2022 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

The return of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch to Centenary Square after almost 5 years!

It's been a long time in waiting, but William Bloye's 1939 statue of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch is back. Now located in Centenary Square next to Symphony Hall. They were formerly on what was part of Broad Street from 1956 until 2017. By then the land behind them was Arena Central, and they had to move for Library Tram Stop. Back in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

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The return of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch to Centenary Square after almost 5 years!





It's been a long time in waiting, but William Bloye's 1939 statue of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch is back. Now located in Centenary Square next to Symphony Hall. They were formerly on what was part of Broad Street from 1956 until 2017. By then the land behind them was Arena Central, and they had to move for Library Tram Stop. Back in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.


The history of the Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statue by William Bloye

The gilded bronze statue of Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch was by the sculptors William Bloye and Raymond Forbes-Kings and it stood on a plinth of Portland stone, (formerly) outside the old Register Office on Broad Street in Birmingham (later the House of Sport after the Register Office moved to Holliday Street).

It is known locally as The Golden Boys after its colour, or The Carpet Salesmen after the partially-rolled-up plan of a steam engine which they are examining.  

All three men were members of the Lunar Society.  

Sponsored by an £8,000 bequest from Richard Wheatley in 1939, and £7,500 from the City Council, it was unveiled in 1956, from preliminary designs drawn up in 1938.  

The statue was restored and re-gilded, and replaced in its old position in September 2006. 

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton%20Watt%20Murdoch%202009.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Views of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch in 2009

While I initally first took the statue on my first digital camera around April 2009, by the time I got my first bridge camera in June 2009, I headed to Broad Street, and took the follow photos below outside of the House of Sport. This was only about 3 years after the bronze statue had been re-gilded in 2006, now making it shiny and golden!

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Jun 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Jun 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Jun 2009) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Jun 2009) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Jun 2009) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Jun 2009) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Boulton, Watt & Murdoch from 2011 to 2017

More occasional photos in the years following my initial shots of the statues, such as when the Library of Birmingham opened, or when Arena Central started.

January 2011 - a (then) new information sign about the statue, and details about Matthew Boulton, James Watt & William Murdoch.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Jan 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

July 2013 - red flowers were planted in front of the Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statue on what was then still a part of Broad Street.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Jul 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

September 2013 - the Library of Birmingham is now open, and at the time, a view down to the Bouton, Watt & Murdoch statue, still surrounded by red flowers.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Sep 2013).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

April 2015 - early work begins to fence of the House of Sport (the old Birmingham Register Office) on Broad Street. As Arena Central got underway, but Boulton, Watt & Murdoch remained in place. Traffic was being diverted onto Bridge Street.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Apr 2015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

May 2015 - Hoardings had gone up in front of the House of Sport ahead of it's demolition later in 2015. But you could still see the Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statue.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (May 2015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

October 2015 - demolition on the former Register Office / House of Sport was well underway, just a section near Bridge Street to come down. You could still get close up to the Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statue at the time.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Oct 2015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

November 2015 - a view from the Library of Birmingham. DSM Demolition had a lot of rubble to clear of the House of Sport, while scaffolding had gone up the Boulton, Watt & Murdoch statues to protect them.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Nov 2015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

April 2016 - by this point the demolition behind Boulton, Watt & Murdoch had been complete, and it was now the site of One Arena Central. Library of Birmingham view.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Apr 2016).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was plant machinery in front of the statue.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Apr 2016) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

And there was a temporary path between Arena Central and where Boulton, Watt & Murdoch were.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Apr 2016) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

February 2017 - a night shot of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch from Centenary Square. You could now see views to the hotels behind including Crowne Plaza and the newly built Holiday Inn Express (TETRIS building) at Arena Central.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Feb 2017).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

April 2017 - a rear view of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch, taken from Bridge Street, looking over Arena Central towards the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Apr 2017).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

August 2017 - the last views of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch for 5 years before they went into storage. One Arena Central hoardings still behind them, and Midland Metro Alliance hoardings in front of them.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Aug 2017) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A daylight view towards Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express. This was my last actual photo of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch for almost 5 years (before they went into storage). This view on the 10th August 2017, the statue was removed on the 23rd August 2017 (ahead of the building of the Westside Metro extension). Library Tram Stop would open on their old spot by December 2019.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Boulton Watt Murdoch (Aug 2017) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Return of Boulton, Watt & Murdoch - late April 2022

While the Portland stone plinth was back in place by St George's Day, the actual gold covered bronze statue was lowered into place on the 29th April 2022. Just in time for the May Day Bank Holiday Weekend. Although there is still fences around it, and more paving work to do. As well as the installation of a future plaque, about Boulton, Watt & Murdoch's slavery links (post Black Lives Matter).

With Library Tram Stop (opened end of 2019).

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen outside of Symphony Hall, their new home.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

With the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Lookig towards Paradise Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking towards HSBC UK - One Centenary Square and The Exchange | University of Birmingham at Arena Central.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking towards Three Arena Central (One Arena Central aka Five Centenary Square still hasn't been built yet).

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking towards the Hyatt Regency Birmingham and near the new foyer of Symphony Hall.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The view of Centenary Square on the 30th April 2022. Boulton & Watt & Murdoch now join The ICC, Symphony Hall, The REP, Library of Birmingham, Baskerville House and Hall of Memory. As well as Library Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

From the other side of Centenary Square in this wide panoramic (centred on the Library of Birmingham). Bit hard to see Boulton, Watt & Murdoch but they are on the far left near Symphony Hall, while Edward VII is near Baskerville House. From HSBC UK to the old Copthorne Hotel (which will be demolished in the next few years).

dndimg alt="Boulton, Watt & Murdoch" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BWM Centenary Sq 30042022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Welcome back lads, you have been missed!

For other monuments of Matthew Boulton, James Watt & William Murdoch, see the post on St Mary's Church, Handsworth.

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
10 Mar 2022 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

Iron: Man returns to Victoria Square

Sir Antony Gormley's Iron: Man had been in storage since September 2017 until late February 2022. Initially to make way for the Westside Metro extension past Victoria Square. With Public Realm works going on before the Commonwealth Games, they have installed Iron: Man outside of the Town Hall. Unveiled on 8th March 2022 by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Council Leader Ian Ward.

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Iron: Man returns to Victoria Square





Sir Antony Gormley's Iron: Man had been in storage since September 2017 until late February 2022. Initially to make way for the Westside Metro extension past Victoria Square. With Public Realm works going on before the Commonwealth Games, they have installed Iron: Man outside of the Town Hall. Unveiled on 8th March 2022 by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Council Leader Ian Ward.


Iron: Man Returns

It has been almost five years since anyone had seen Sir Antony Gormley's Iron: Man. Removed to storage back in September 2017. This was to make way for the Westside Metro extension, built from 2017 until 2019 (Grand Central Tram Stop on Stephenson Street to Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square).

But in the years since then, we have asked the question: Where is the Iron: Man?

That was in 2020, then no news at all in 2021. Then out of the blue overnight between 23rd and 24th February 2022, photos emerged online (from Midland Metro Alliance) of Iron: Man being back.

 

Photos taken on the 28th February 2022

Iron: Man with Big Brum and BM & AG

dndimg alt="Iron: Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AG IronMan Vic Sq 28022022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Iron: Man, Queen Victoria statue and 103 Colmore Row

dndimg alt="Iron: Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AG IronMan Vic Sq 28022022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro trams, Victoria Square House and the Iron: Man

dndimg alt="Iron: Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AG IronMan Vic Sq 28022022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photo taken on 3rd March 2022

Iron: Man and the Town Hall

dndimg alt="Iron: Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 03032022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken on 5th March 2022

Iron: Man and the Town Hall on a busy Saturday afternoon

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 05032022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 05032022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 05032022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Iron: Man and the Council House in Victoria Square on a busy Saturday afternoon

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Vic Sq 05032022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken on 9th March 2022

The day after West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Birmingham City Council Leader Ian Ward officially unveiled the statue. But Sir Antony Gormley was unable to attend.

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Iron Man Vic Sq 09032022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Town Hall Iron Man Vic Sq 09032022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photos taken by Elliott Brown 

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Your Place Your Space Art; Culture & creativity
01 Feb 2021 - Your Place Your Space
Introducing

'Forward in Unity' mural - Brilliant initiative in so many ways

The 'Forward In Unity’ mural was started on Friday 22nd May 2020. It was completed by artist Gent48 on Monday 1st June 2020. Not only has the project in Digbeth received some fantastic media coverage, it has helped raise awareness of the virus and its devasting impact on the community as well as raising a vast amount for local charities.

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'Forward in Unity' mural - Brilliant initiative in so many ways





The 'Forward In Unity’ mural was started on Friday 22nd May 2020. It was completed by artist Gent48 on Monday 1st June 2020. Not only has the project in Digbeth received some fantastic media coverage, it has helped raise awareness of the virus and its devasting impact on the community as well as raising a vast amount for local charities.


'Forward in Unity' is a great example of how to bring people together in a massive shared effort against a common enemy, as the Covid-19 virus must continue to be regarded.

The project has helped raise awareness.

The 'Forward in Unity' initiative has raised awareness of the virus and brought people together in recognition of the front-line heroes fighting the virus for the protection of our community.

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/covid image.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

'Forward in Unity'.  Photography by Paul Cadman.

The project has helped bring people together.

The initiative and the significant coverage it has received has attracted the attention of people, not just in Birmingham but across the UK. 

This and other initiatives all have a vital role in tackling the views of those who, despite clear evidence of the devastation caused by the virus, still act and behave in a way that is not in the interests of their community. 

The project has enthused and inspired others to be creative.

During a time when people have been asked to make huge sacrifices and stay at home, the project and the media coverage received has inspired many to check out their own creativity.

Whether through photography, art, craft-making or the written word, such creativity has become hugely important for people's mental health.   

As an example, the Birmingham Gems Charity Calendar for 2021 dedicated a page on the mural in recognition of the city's amazing artists and creative talent. 

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BirminghamWeAre_BMT_Calendar_2021_MASTER_PRINT_DESIGN_FILE20.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The project has raised much needed funds for local charities.

Prints of all sizes can be purchased in order to support local charities, 

In addition to the prints, a book in celebration of those behind the initiative and across community has also been produced.

Connect HERE and get hold of your very own print (signed, limited edition or unlimited) or your 'Forward in Unity' book.  Help support local Birmingham charities. 

'Forward in Unity' A0 Limited Edition Print

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/print.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

'Forward in Unity' Print (A1 or A2)

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/poster 2.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

'Forward in Unity' Video/Book Folder

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Forward book.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

'Forward in Unity' Book (2nd edition)

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/book.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Connect HERE to make a donation to Art4Charity and support local charities.

Paul Cadman, one of the founders of Art4Charity, was the inspiration behind the 'Forward in Unity' mural. Paul is active across the City and involves himself in many charities that need our help during these challenging times.

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Paul Cadman message 1.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
04 Dec 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The Annatomix Birmingham street art trail

Annatomix is one of Birmingham's most well known street artists with her unique style of foxes done in origami. Her pieces can be found around Digbeth and Southside. There is also a Birmingham mural in Grand Central, just as you exit or enter from the ramp. She is also known for her David Bowie pieces.

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The Annatomix Birmingham street art trail





Annatomix is one of Birmingham's most well known street artists with her unique style of foxes done in origami. Her pieces can be found around Digbeth and Southside. There is also a Birmingham mural in Grand Central, just as you exit or enter from the ramp. She is also known for her David Bowie pieces.


ANNATOMIX

Come with Birmingham We Are and one of their followers of street art Elliott on a digital tour of the street art of Brummie legend Annatomix. Known for her distinctive origami style foxes. She also famously did a piece of David Bowie in Southside (which she had to repaint after multiple vandal attacks). Why can't they leave her art alone?

More digital street art trails coming soon. So watch this space.

 

Digbeth

Location: At Warwick Bar (on the opposite side of the River Rea Aqueduct) on the Grand Union Canal (Digbeth Branch). Close to The Bond, Fazeley Street, Digbeth, B5 5SE. 

Date found: February 2018.

Annatomix Origami Fox

dndimg alt="Annatomix Fox" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Canal Fox (Feb 2018).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Under the Bordesley Viaduct, Custard Factory, Digbeth, B9 4AA.

Date found: April 2018.

Annatomix Origami Fox

dndimg alt="Annatomix Fox" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Custard Factory Fox (Apr 2018) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Under the Bordesley Viaduct, Custard Factory, Digbeth, B9 4AA.

Date found: April 2018.

Annatomix Origami Rabbit

dndimg alt="Annatomix Fox" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Custard Factory Fox (Apr 2018) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Close to Heath Mill Lane entrance and Greenhouse, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AA.

Date found: February 2019.

Annatomix Giant Origami Cat and a Small Rabbit

dndimg alt="Annatomix Cat" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Custard Factory Cat (Feb 2019).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Southside

Location: Close to Birmingham Master Locksmiths, Dudley Street, B5 4RU.

Date found: February 2016.

Annatomix Bowie

Her original tribute to the late singer David Bowie who passed away in January 2016, age of 69.

dndimg alt="Annatomix Bowie" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Bowie (Feb 2016).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Close to Birmingham Master Locksmiths, Dudley Street, B5 4RU.

Date found: January 2019.

Annatomix Bowie

Version 2, as vandals kept damaging the 2016 piece, but they would target this one as well.

dndimg alt="Annatomix Bowie" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Bowie (Jan 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Close to Birmingham Master Locksmiths, Dudley Street, B5 4RU.

Date found: February 2020.

Annatomix Bowie

A repair to the eyes scratched out with a blindfold, sadly vandals kept targetting her work.

dndimg alt="Annatomix Bowie" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Bowie (Feb 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Detail of the new blindfold and black star above Bowie's head.

dndimg alt="Annatomix Bowie" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Bowie (Feb 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Next to Rodroj Fish and Chips, 25-27 Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4HE.

Date found: November 2020.

Annatomix Origami Fox

Sadly vandalised by the time of my visit, hopefully she can fix it.

dndimg alt="Annatomix Fox" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Fox Smallbrook Qway (Nov 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Grand Central

Location: Opposite NatWest, East Mews, Grand Central Birmingham, B2 4BF.

Date found: February 2019.

Annatomix Mural of Birmingham

Featuring the Library of Birmingham, Rotunda, Selfridges, Birmingham New Street Station and Birmingham Canals (passing people in the way at the time).

dndimg alt="Annatomix Birmingham Mural" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Grand Central (Feb 2019).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Location: Opposite NatWest, East Mews, Grand Central Birmingham B2 4BF.

Date found: November 2020.

Annatomix Mural of Birmingham

With the Library of Birmingham, Rotunda, Bullring Bull and Selfridges (no people in the way due to lockdown).

dndimg alt="Annatomix Birmingham Mural" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix Grand Central (Nov 2020).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Street art by Annatomix. Click the link to the left to visit her website.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown.

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70 passion points
Your Place Your Space History & heritage
03 Sep 2020 - Your Place Your Space
Did you know?

J.R.R. Tolkien in the Library of Birmingham

On Level 4 in the Archives & Collections section of the Library of Birmingham at Centenary Square you can find material related to Tolkien.

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J.R.R. Tolkien in the Library of Birmingham





On Level 4 in the Archives & Collections section of the Library of Birmingham at Centenary Square you can find material related to Tolkien.


So popular is the novelist that J R R Tolkien’s classic fantasy tale The Hobbit was chosen as the first book to grace the showpiece Centenary Square building in a poll carried out prior to the Library opening.

At Birmingham Repertory Theatre next door to the Library, a blue plaque commemorates Dr J. Sampson Gamgee, a local surgeon and founder of the Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund.

‘Sam Gamgee’ was the name chosen by Tolkien for Frodo’s faithful companion in The Lord of the Rings.

The surgeon’s widow lived opposite Tolkien’s aunt in Stirling Road and therefore he would have been familiar with the name.

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