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Daniel Sturley Art; Culture & creativity
31 Dec 2022 - Daniel Sturley
Gallery

Birmingham UK, My Personal 100 Favourites Taken in 2022

I like to take photos, it's helps my mental health and I don't put myself under any pressure. I love my adopted home city and since discovering that it is a beautiful and amazingly photogenic, diverse and muddled up urban landscape, I have sought to expose the negative myths about Birmingham by publishing my photos since 2010. Please see my 2022 favourites gallery:

View Contributor View community

Birmingham UK, My Personal 100 Favourites Taken in 2022





I like to take photos, it's helps my mental health and I don't put myself under any pressure. I love my adopted home city and since discovering that it is a beautiful and amazingly photogenic, diverse and muddled up urban landscape, I have sought to expose the negative myths about Birmingham by publishing my photos since 2010. Please see my 2022 favourites gallery:


January 1st 2022, Clent Hill.

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6th January, snow in Central Square in Brindleyplace.

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15th January, the Broad Street Cluster.

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15th January, The Cube from the 'Secret Garden' atop the Library.

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20th January, pre-sunset over Ladywood.

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3rd February, Ladywood.

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19th February, Three Snow Hill.

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19th February, Luke Perry's 'Forward in Unity' sculpture in Colmore Square.

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23rd February, the Library from 103 Colmore Row, on the 'Views from 103' photography tour.

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23rd February, the sunrise from 103 Colmore Row, on the 'Views from 103' photography tour.

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23rd February, an abstract from 103 Colmore Row, on the 'Views from 103' photography tour.

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23rd February, the Lower Terrace on 103 Colmore Row, on the 'Views from 103' photography tour.

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19th March, the city skyline from Egg Hill near Frankley.

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19th March, Bank Tower Two on Broad Street.

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26th March, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and St Micheal's Church from the Library.

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26th March, the 'Iron_Man' and the city Council House in Victoria Square and 103 Colmore Row.

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26th March, the weather vane atop St Philip's Cathedral.

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26th March, the Shakespeare Memorial Room atop the Library.

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16th April, sunrise from Brindleyplace.

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16th April, Bank Tower Two reflected in the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

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7th May, the 'Golden Men' back in Centenary Sqaure.

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7th May, the drunk robot at 'Reflex' 80's club on Broad Street.

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14th May, a reflection of the 'Golden Men' in Symphony Hall.

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14th May, the 'Flower of Life' pattern in the Library.

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22nd May, 'Old Joe', the Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower.

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22nd May, 'Old Joe', the Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower.

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28th May, 'Muddle Earth' at the construction of the Octagon at Paradise Birmingham.

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2nd June, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Victoria Square.

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2nd June, photo panels at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Victoria Square.

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12 June, the installation of 'Foreign Exchange' in Victoria Square.

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12th June, 'Foreign Exchange' in Victoria Square.

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12th June, 'Perry' photobombs the 'Floozie'.

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12th June, 'Foreign Exchange' in Victoria Square.

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24th June, the city skyline from Dudley Castle.

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25th June, an interior of the Library.

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26th June, the city skyline from Egg Hill near Frankley.

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5th July, 'Foreign Exchange' in Victoria Square.

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5th July, a view from One Centenary Way as part of an invited photographers event.

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10th July, 'Perry' banner on the city Council House.

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10th July, the Town Hall.

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10th July, Chamberlain Square.

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22nd July, the Cordia Blackswan sponsored 'King Kong' statue at Great Hampton Street in the Jewellery Quarter.

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22nd July, the Cordia Blackswan sponsored 'King Kong' statue at Great Hampton Street in the Jewellery Quarter.

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27th July, the Queen's Baton Relay arrives in Brindleyplace.

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28th July, Westside BID's 'Big Whistle' event.

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31st July, the 'Brummie Bull' in Centenary Square, detail of the red lit eye.

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31st July, there will be a few of the Bull in this gallery! Here the nostrils.

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31st July, this of the Bull was made into canvases presented to BBC's Mike Bushell and Ian Ward, Birmingham City Council Leader.

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1st August, the 'Brummie Bull' with the Library.

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1st August, 'Foreign Exchange' and the Town Hall.

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1st August, 'Perry' banner on Colmore Row.

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1st August, the Commonwealth Games floral display in Cathedral Square.

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1st August, the Library.

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5th August, the BBC's Mike Bushel in Centenary Square.

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5th August, a rainbow and 103 Colmore Row.

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6th August, Central Square in Brindleyplace.

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6th August, the Cordia Blackswan sponsored 'King Kong' statue at Great Hampton Street in the Jewellery Quarter.

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6th August, the Canal in Brindleyplace.

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6th August, the 'Brummie Bull' and the Library at twilight in Centenary Square.

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7th August, 'Perry' in Centenary Square.

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6th August, the scene of 'Muddle Earth' in Centenary Square.

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7th August, 'Perry' says "no more hiding, Birmingham!".

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9th August, the full moon and the Hyatt Regenct Hotel.

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14th August, the England giant flag pin in Centenary Square with the Library.

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20th August, a view from the Library over Centenary Square.

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20th August, part of the the giant flag pins display in Centenary Square.

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20th August, the 'Brummie Bull' form the Library.

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20th August, the Utilita Arena Birmingham.

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2nd September, the 'Brummie Bull' floraly adorned for the opening of the 'PoliNations' event.

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3rd September, during the first 'Sunset Shift' display at 'PoliNations in Victoria Square.

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11th September, flowers at 'PoliNations'.

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11th September, the city flag at half-mast for the passing of Queen Elizabeth 2nd.

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11th September, the Victoria R statue during the 'PoliNations' event in Victoria Square.

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19th September, part of the city skyline from Barr Beacon.

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24th September, the Laurence Broderick Bull statue adorned with an amazing head dress for Pride Birmingham 2022.

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24th September, a couple at the start of the Pride Birmingham 2022 parade.

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1st October, a scene in Chamberlain Square that I just had to document.

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1st October, sometimes it appears easier to put the crane on the top of the concrete core, here at the construction of South Central.

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2nd October, an abstract reflection in one of the lamps by the canal in Brindleyplace near Old Turn Junction and the Arena.

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2nd October, after his time on display in Centenary Square and having been 'saved' for the city, the 'Brummie Bull' was hosted for a while in a brownfield site provided by an owner in Ladywood.

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8th October, a view west from the 'Secret Garden' atop the Library.

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8th October, a reflection pattern from the windows in the Library Amphitheatre.

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10th October, the city Council House, 'Big Brum' at the Museam and Art Gallery with 103 Colmore Row, featured as November's photo in the 2023 Birmingham Gems Charity Calendar.

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19th October, part of the city skyline from Cotteridge.

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29th October, empty chairs on the City Star Flyer in anticipation before the opening of Ice Skate Birmingham 2022.

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30th October, the city skyline from Lickey Hills Country Park.

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5th November, the rides at Ice Skate Birmingham 2022.

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5th November, the City Star Flyer at Ice Skate Birmingham 2022.

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6th November, the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Victoria Square.

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6th November, the Frankfurt Christmas Market in Victoria Square.

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12th November, a rare selfie reflection in a Christmas Tree ball in Central Square in Brindleyplace.

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13th November, the Remembrace Day Parade in Colmore Row.

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13th November, the 'AIR' ride at Ice Skate Birmingham 2022.

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19th November, the Christmas Fayre in Cathedral Square.

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20th November, shadows on the classic stream engine at the Thinktank museum.

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23rd November, twigs and the 'Flower of Life' architecture on the Library.

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1st December, the revealing of the Luke Perry HIV Memorial in Hurst Street.

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10th December, 'Old Joe', the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower at the University of Birmingham, in a pool of sunlight from Lickey Hills Counrty Park.

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25th December, the city skyline from Oaklands Recreation Ground in Yardley.

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25th December, a part of the city skyline from Oaklands Recreation Ground in Yardley.

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Happy New Year to you all!

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103 passion points
Elliott Brown Squares and public spaces
17 Aug 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Victoria Square - View from 103, Key to the City

In June 2022, Elliott was gifted the Key to the City by the lady behind the 103 Colmore Row Twitter and Instagram accounts. He visited 103 Colmore Row for views from the 18th floor balcony four times between June and August 2022. Here are the changing views of Victoria Square. Including during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

View feature View community

Victoria Square - View from 103, Key to the City





In June 2022, Elliott was gifted the Key to the City by the lady behind the 103 Colmore Row Twitter and Instagram accounts. He visited 103 Colmore Row for views from the 18th floor balcony four times between June and August 2022. Here are the changing views of Victoria Square. Including during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.


Having missed the February 2022 meet at 103 Colmore Row, Elliott was promised to get the key to 103 Colmore Row. He was gifted it by the lady who runs the 103 Colmore Row Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Between June and August, he went up four times. Usually as the view of Victoria Square kept changing. He always went on Saturday's.

Every time you arrive, you show your key to one of the Key to the City volunteers. The wait in the foyer could be anywhere between 20 minutes and 50 minutes (especially near the end of the Commonwealth Games). You would get a slot of 10 to 15 minutes to go up the fastest lift to the 18th floor, for views from the balcony.

It was an opportunity to get views of Victoria Square. When street art was painted ahead of the games, Elliott went twice on two Saturday's in July. And one final time in August on Super Saturday, while the 60th Jamaican Independence Day was being celebrated.

 

11th June 2022

General views down to Victoria Square from the 18th floor balcony of 103 Colmore Row.

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vic%20Sq%20V103%2011062022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Vic%20Sq%20V103%2011062022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

River and Youth aka the Floozie in the Jacuzzi was flowing again.

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dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Floozie%20V103%20KtC%2011062022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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Hew Locke reimagined the Queen Victoria statue as an artwork called Foreign Exchange (with the IKON Gallery). It would remain here for two months (until the middle of August 2022). Sir Antony Gormey's Iron: Man statue seen to the left.

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The Council House from above.

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dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/V103%20Council%20House%2011062022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Victoria Square House from above.

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The Town Hall from above.

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/V103%20Victoria%20Sq%2011062022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

16th July 2022

Second visit to the 18th floor balcony, to see the artwork being painted called Connections by the artist Anjuli McKenna, in Victoria Square. It was half complete at this point.

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dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Connections%20B2022%20V103%20KTTC%2016072022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Hew Locke's Foreign Exchange artwork with Iron: Man as it was meant to be seen.

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The Town Hall again, this time with a Perry the Bull banner on Beneficial House behind.

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Perry%20the%20Bull%20TH%20V103%20KTTC%2016072022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

23rd July 2022

One week on, and the Victoria Square Fan Zone was almost complete, several days before the start of the Commonwealth Games. Also to see the Connections street art in Victoria Square fully complete. There was now a stage in the square, and would be the finish point for the Birmingham Marathona week later. The West Midlands Metro trams were also now running all the way between Wolverhampton St George's and Edgbaston Village.

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Metro trams passing Victoria Square and stopping at Town Hall Tram Stop, in both directions.

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20V103%20KTTC%2023072022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

See more of that day here Riding trams in Zone 1.

 

6th August 2022

Super Saturday, and the final weekend of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the City Centre was very busy. It was also the 60th anniversary of Jamaican Independence which was being celebrated in Victoria Square at the time. This would be my final visit to 103 Colmore Row, before Key to the City ended the following day.

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JI60%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2006082022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JI60%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2006082022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JI60%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2006082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JI60%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2006082022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Victoria Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/JI60%20Vic%20Sq%20V103%20KTTC%2006082022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Thank you to 103 Colmore Row, the Key to the City volunteers, to Fierce and Yale Locks.

 

Next up is PoliNations in September 2022, but will have to get views from Victoria Square itself.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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21 Jun 2022 - Elliott Brown
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The regenerated Alexander Stadium at the end of May 2022

I had previously tried to see the Alexander Stadium in early January 2022, but didn't have good views. This time, end of May 2022, I walked up the Aldridge Road in Perry Park to Perry Park. And got views from the park, Perry Reservoir, Tame Valley Canal and Walsall Road. Bit of a long walk. So maybe a shuttle bus is needed from Perry Barr Station in July and August 2022?

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The regenerated Alexander Stadium at the end of May 2022





I had previously tried to see the Alexander Stadium in early January 2022, but didn't have good views. This time, end of May 2022, I walked up the Aldridge Road in Perry Park to Perry Park. And got views from the park, Perry Reservoir, Tame Valley Canal and Walsall Road. Bit of a long walk. So maybe a shuttle bus is needed from Perry Barr Station in July and August 2022?


The Alexander Stadium was completed in Spring 2022 ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, due to take place for 11 days from late July to early August 2022.

You can now see the stadium from various points in Perry Park, from the Perry Reservoir, Tame Valley Canal towpath and the Walsall Road in Perry Barr.

It was around a half hour walk from Perry Barr Station (I did stop for coffee first in Costa at One Stop), via the Aldridge Road to Perry Park. Then another half hour or so down the Walsall Road back to the new look Perry Barr Station.

So the shuttle bus test they did for the Diamond League event, maybe they could do that from the station, as would be a long walk for ticket holders?

 

2nd January 2022

My previous attempt to get into Perry Park during 2022 was from the Walsall Road entrance. Tried to get views of Alexander Stadium over the Walsall Road Allotments, but wasn't much to see from here.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BBBB Alexander St PB 02012022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was too many trees in the way, and I ended up not getting to the other side of Perry Park at the time, but the stadium was just about visible at the time.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BBBB Alexander St PB 02012022 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

30th May 2022

A proper look at the Alexander Stadium from multiple views, starting from Perry Park.

 

Views from Perry Park

Trees covering the view of the stand completed in 2011, with the temporary floodlights.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The stadium looks much bigger now, or it might just be the temporary seating and floodlights that have been erected here.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The temporary seating goes quite high, this will probably be dismantled after the games end in August.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Views with Perry Reservoir

The reservoir makes for some interesting reflection shots of the new look Alexander Stadium.

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

The stand completed in 2011, with the temporary stands on the right, plus the temporary floodlights with the reservoir.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Most of these views were from the pedestrian diversion from Perry Park towards the Tame Valley Canal.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some of the new seating is permenant, the rest is temporary.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Views from the Tame Valley Canal

Onto the Tame Valley Canal, the views from the towpath was better than what I saw four years earlier. They have built a training (or warm up) track to the right of the stadium.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The temporary seating over hanging from the back.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the blue warm up track near the stadium.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It looks much better than it was before we won the right to host the Commonwealth Games.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These stands on the right are permanent, and looks amazing!

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

So many views from the canal, the temporary and permanent seating stands.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Workmen were still putting the finishing touches to the stadium. Which had a test event here about a week earlier.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Birmingham Diamond League was held here on the 21st May 2022.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One last view from the canal towpath, including the new permenant stands.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (15).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Views from Walsall Road

After leaving the Tame Valley Canal at the Walsall Road, I wasn't expecting to see any more views, but I got these of the Alexander Stadium entrance.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This is the entrance to the Alexander Stadium on Stadium Way, from the Walsall Road in Perry Barr.

dndimg alt="Alexander Stadium" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Alexander Stadium 30052022 (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Text and photos by Elliott Brown

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31 Jan 2022 - Elliott Brown
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Be Bold Be Birmingham - the Commonwealth Games is coming to the City this summer 2022!

Be Bold Be Birmingham! The slogan for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games can be see around the City in the months running up to the event. Such as at Perry Park near the Alexander Stadium (Walsall Road) and other areas, including in the City Centre. Also a new Queen's Baton Relay mural near Birmingham New Street Station.

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Be Bold Be Birmingham - the Commonwealth Games is coming to the City this summer 2022!





Be Bold Be Birmingham! The slogan for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games can be see around the City in the months running up to the event. Such as at Perry Park near the Alexander Stadium (Walsall Road) and other areas, including in the City Centre. Also a new Queen's Baton Relay mural near Birmingham New Street Station.


Be Bold Be Birmingham

 

At the time of this post being published, there will be around 6 months to go until the start of the Commonwealth Games, around Birmingham and the West Midlands!

 

Alexander Stadium, Perry Barr

The Alexander Stadium in Perry Park, at the beginning of January 2022. Seen near the Walsall Road. The hashtag is #BeBoldBeBham

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BBBB Alexander St PB 02012022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BBBB Alexander St PB 02012022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BBBB Alexander St PB 02012022 (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BBBB Alexander St PB 02012022 (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Victoria Square, Birmingham

Seen at the end of December 2021, the Be Bold Be Birmingham hoardings around where the Floozie in the Jacuzzi used to be (currently having the fountain repaired).

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Be Bold Be Brum Floozie Vic Sq 28122021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Be Bold Be Brum Floozie Vic Sq 28122021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Seen outside of the Council House during early January 2022. Normally this would be the main entrance, but it's closed while the building (and Museum & Art Gallery) get repaired (BM & AG should reopen ETA April 2022).

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BBBB Council House VS 09012022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Council House was like this with Be Bold Be Birmingham at the end of September 2021.

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Be Bold Be Bham BCH VS 29092021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

BM & AG and the Council House at the end of January 2022 after (or during) a jet wash (with 103 Colmore Row). They have reapplied the Be Bold Be Birmingham slogan around the black hoardings (I think they moved or changed the hoardings).

dndimg alt="Council House" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jet wash Council House 103 CR Vic Sq 26012022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Stratford Road - Birmingham / Solihull border

Seen on the Stratford Road, leaving Birmingham (Hall Green) for Solihull (Shirley) near Tesco. If you are driving into the City up the A34, you will see "Welcome to Birmingham Proud Host City of the Commonwealth Games 2022". If you are leaving the City and entering Solihull (on your way to the M42) you will see "Thanks for Visiting Birmingham". Seen on a walk down the Stratford Road to Shirley in November 2021.

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Be Bold Hall Green (Nov 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Be Bold Hall Green (Nov 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

High Street, Harborne

I first spotted the Be Bold Be Birmingham signs in the summer of 2021. Such as on this council board on the High Street in Harborne, during August 2021. The same "Welcome to Birmingham Proud Host City of the Commonwealth Games 2022". It also comes up on digital billboards around the city.

dndimg alt="Be Bold Be Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Be Bold Harborne (Aug 2021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Queen's Baton Relay - mural by Gent 48

This mural painted by Birmingham street artist legend Gent 48, is at the corner of Hill Street and Navigation Street in Birmingham City Centre near Birmingham New Street Station. It was painted and unveiled in the middle of January 2022. The Queen's Baton Relay is going around the Commonwealth.

dndimg alt="Queens Baton Relay" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022 Queens Baton BNSS 18012022 (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Queens Baton Relay" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022 Queens Baton BNSS 18012022 (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Queens Baton Relay" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022 Queens Baton BNSS 18012022 (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Queens Baton Relay" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022 Queens Baton BNSS 18012022 (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Queens Baton Relay" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022 Queens Baton BNSS 18012022 (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Another view of Gent 48's Queen's Baton Relay mural from a car park on Swallow Street, looking down Hill Street to Navigation Street and Birmingham New Street Station. Late January 2022.

dndimg alt="Birmingham New Street Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BNSS Queens Baton mural 26012022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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12 Jan 2022 - Elliott Brown
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The rebuilding of University Station - progress from May to December 2021

University Station originally opened on the Cross City Line in 1978 to serve the University of Birmingham, and now the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Work began to build the new station buildings around Spring 2021. By Winter 2021-22 the main buildings are taking shape and getting cladded. The old station remains open throughout the works. Three photo updates from Elliott.

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The rebuilding of University Station - progress from May to December 2021





University Station originally opened on the Cross City Line in 1978 to serve the University of Birmingham, and now the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Work began to build the new station buildings around Spring 2021. By Winter 2021-22 the main buildings are taking shape and getting cladded. The old station remains open throughout the works. Three photo updates from Elliott.


University Station - West Midlands Railway

First some photos of University Station in the years before the redevelopment.

View of University Station from platform 1 during March 2012. This was my first time getting off a train here.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station (March 2012) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Below a view from Westgate taken in January 2013. Sometimes also called University Road West.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station (Jan 2013) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In July 2017, a view of a London Midland Class 323 Electric Multiple Unit train, as seen from platform 2. By December of that year the franchise transferred over to West Midlands Railway. 323208 was the number.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University London Midland 323208.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

By December 2019 there was a new West Midlands Railway sign outside the station on Westgate, replacing the old Network West Midlands one.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In August 2020, a view of University Station, after restrictions were being lifted at the time, but was no access to the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston Campus to members of the public who were not members of staff or students.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station (Aug 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

29th May 2021

First views of the new University Station getting built from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near the University of Birmingham in Edgbaston.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station 29052021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station 29052021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The old 1978 station building remains open from the Westgate with a view of Old Joe (before the clock hands were removed).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station 29052021 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View from the bus stops of the site from New Fosse Way. The new station buildings would be built alongside Vincent Drive, near NHS Blood & Transplant Birmingham and the Birmingham Research Park.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station 29052021 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

6th August 2021

In the summer of 2021, I got a train down from Birmingham New Street Station. West Midlands Railway 170509. In a purple livery (as it will soon transfer to East Midlands Railway).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Behind the train you could see the structure of the new building going up.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading down Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was possible to see Old Joe behind the new building before it was complete last summer.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now on Pritchatts Road from the bridge over the Cross City Line and Worcester & Birmingham Canal. There will not be access to the station from this end.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni Station UoB 06082021 (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

28th December 2021

Starting this time from Pritchatts Road, after checking out Old Joe (now with clock hands reinstated), the same view as 5 months earlier from the bridge over the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the Cross City Line. The new station building has a new footbridge. When complete it will have an entrance to Westgate.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/UoB Uni Station rebuild 28122021 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/UoB Uni Station rebuild 28122021 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading up Vincent Drive to a more complete looking station, although a lot to complete.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/UoB Uni Station rebuild 28122021 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/UoB Uni Station rebuild 28122021 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/UoB Uni Station rebuild 28122021 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the bus stops on New Fosse Way. Work was still going on here during the Christmas - New Year holidays.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/UoB Uni Station rebuild 28122021 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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