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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
26 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Digbeth street art on Fazeley Street from the High Vis Street Culture Festival in 2023

The 2023 High Vis Street Culture Festival was held in Digbeth around Fazeley Street during the weekend of the 12th and 13th August. Although after those dates, other artists such as Annatomix added pieces a few weeks after the event. There is the street art house at 82 Fazeley Street, and the buildings behind towards New Canal Street. This was the 50th Hip Hop anniversary.

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Digbeth street art on Fazeley Street from the High Vis Street Culture Festival in 2023





The 2023 High Vis Street Culture Festival was held in Digbeth around Fazeley Street during the weekend of the 12th and 13th August. Although after those dates, other artists such as Annatomix added pieces a few weeks after the event. There is the street art house at 82 Fazeley Street, and the buildings behind towards New Canal Street. This was the 50th Hip Hop anniversary.


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

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

 

Don't Sleep by Poser on Floodgate Street, Digbeth

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Poser%20HVF%20Floodgate%20St%2015082023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RBD%20Little%20Ann%20St%2015082023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A starfield with a planet on Bordesley Street in Digbeth

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Bordesley%20St%2015082023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

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

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50%20Hip%20Hop%20HVF%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50%20Hip%20Hop%20HVF%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50%20Hip%20Hop%20HVF%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/50%20Hip%20Hop%20HVF%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Graf%20House%20Digbeth%2022082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="82 Fazeley Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Graf%20House%20Digbeth%2022082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

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

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A week later, Annatomix had added some art.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Annatomix crab.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Woman by Crysista Sim Simma.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Container with eyes and rep lips with lipstick?

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Caravan painted by Scotford Wilds.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A cartoon cat with a mask on by Pojek.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

First look at Miscfit on the shutter.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Miscfit again, one week later.

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

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

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HVF%20Digbeth%20Fazeley%20St%2022082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="High Vis Festival" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hi%20Viz%20Fest%20Fazeley%20St%2015082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography courtesy Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown History & heritage
21 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Visit to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry

I went to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry on the 17th August 2023. Mainly to see Dippy the dinosaur again, 5 years after he was at BM & AG Gas Hall. Also the Work on Walls street art exhibition. The general content too, Peeping Tom and Lady Godiva. Various objects, sculpture and art were nice to see as well.

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Visit to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry





I went to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry on the 17th August 2023. Mainly to see Dippy the dinosaur again, 5 years after he was at BM & AG Gas Hall. Also the Work on Walls street art exhibition. The general content too, Peeping Tom and Lady Godiva. Various objects, sculpture and art were nice to see as well.


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

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

dndimg alt="Herbert Art Gallery & Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Herbert%20Art%20Gallery%20Museum%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="The Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Herbert%20AGM%20Cov%20(Feb%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Dippy in Coventry" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dippy%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Work on Walls

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

 

Coventry Dinosaur

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

dndimg alt="The Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dippy%20art%20WoW%20HAGM%2017082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Scribbleffiti

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

dndimg alt="The Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribbleffiti%20HAGM%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Annatomix

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

dndimg alt="Annatomix" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix%20HAGM%2017082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Philth

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

dndimg alt="Philth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Philth%20HAGM%2017082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Window Artists

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

dndimg alt="Herbert Art Gallery & Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Window%20Artists%20HAGM%2017082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sir Alfred Herbert

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

dndimg alt="Sir Alfred Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sir%20A%20Herbert%20HAGM%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Sir Alfred Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bronzes

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

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Peeping Tom

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

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

dndimg alt="Peeping Tom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peeping%20Tom%20Cov%202014%202023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Lady Godiva" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PT%20LG%20HAGM%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Modern art

Action Stations.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Art%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Art%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Swings with a yellow background.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Art%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Coventry history

City of Dreams.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Hillman.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Midland Railway poster, the rebirth of Coventry Cathedral.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Electric guitar.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wheels of fortune. Old bicycles including a penny farthing.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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90 passion points
Elliott Brown History & heritage
15 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The Shakespeare Express in 2022 and 2023

Vintage Trains and Tyseley Steam Trust continue to run the Shakespeare Express and the Polar Express between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill stations. Here's some photos taken between 2022 and 2023. Steam locos used include 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 7029 Clun Castle.

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The Shakespeare Express in 2022 and 2023





Vintage Trains and Tyseley Steam Trust continue to run the Shakespeare Express and the Polar Express between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill stations. Here's some photos taken between 2022 and 2023. Steam locos used include 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 7029 Clun Castle.


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

The 2019 Polar Express post: Polar Express 2019.

 

7029 Clun Castle

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

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Clun%20Castle%20VT%20Polar%20Xpress%2027112022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PE%207029%20BMSS%2011122022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TSX%207029%20CC%20Solihull%20Station%2012022023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TSX%207029%20CC%20Solihull%20Station%2012022023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TSX%207029%20CC%20Solihull%20Station%2012022023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Carriages at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

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

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe

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

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

 

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

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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

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

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
15 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

Keep Canals Alive! Narrowboats on the Birmingham Canal Navigations

On Sunday 13th August 2023, in response to Government plans to cut funding in future to the Canal & River Trust, there was a lot of narrowboats on the Birmingham Canal Navigations in Central Birmingham. From The Mailbox towards Utilita Arena Birmingham and beyond. I just saw them between the Arena, Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin when I was there.

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Keep Canals Alive! Narrowboats on the Birmingham Canal Navigations





On Sunday 13th August 2023, in response to Government plans to cut funding in future to the Canal & River Trust, there was a lot of narrowboats on the Birmingham Canal Navigations in Central Birmingham. From The Mailbox towards Utilita Arena Birmingham and beyond. I just saw them between the Arena, Brindleyplace and Gas Street Basin when I was there.


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

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/National%20Sealife%20ABSCP%2013082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

More narrowboats heading under the Brewmasters Bridge.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A look back to Utilita Arena Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham Canals narrowboats" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KCA%20Canal%20River%20Trust%2013082023%20(18).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Food & drink
14 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

At The Flapper for the Westside BID Brummie Photography exhibition launch

Some general views around The Flapper on Monday 7th August 2023. Was there for the launch of the Westside BID Brummie photography exhibition. Featuring my photo used in the 2023 calendar, as well as Jack, Damien, Peter and others. Was several music related pictures on the wall inside.

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At The Flapper for the Westside BID Brummie Photography exhibition launch





Some general views around The Flapper on Monday 7th August 2023. Was there for the launch of the Westside BID Brummie photography exhibition. Featuring my photo used in the 2023 calendar, as well as Jack, Damien, Peter and others. Was several music related pictures on the wall inside.


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

 

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

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cambrian%20Wharf%20Flapper%2007082023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Outside the entrance to The Flapper.

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Seating area inside close to the entrance.

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One last look inside before I left.

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Heading out with Damien before we parted ways.

dndimg alt="The Flapper" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside%20Flapper%2007082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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