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Elliott Brown Transport
31 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

University Station progress from May 2022 to January 2024

The new University Station buildings opened on Sunday 28th January 2024. Here's our photo update from May 2022 to January 2024. The station was open throughout the works, and the extended platforms were open in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, but was delays for some reason in completing the station, beyond 2022. We'll get another update at a later date.

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University Station progress from May 2022 to January 2024





The new University Station buildings opened on Sunday 28th January 2024. Here's our photo update from May 2022 to January 2024. The station was open throughout the works, and the extended platforms were open in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, but was delays for some reason in completing the station, beyond 2022. We'll get another update at a later date.


It was supposed to open in July 2022, but is now going to fully open on Sunday 28th January 2024. 

Photo progress gallery below from May 2022 to January 2024.

* Note that all these photos were taken before the new buildings were opened to the public.

 

May 2022

Worcester & Birmingham Canal view near the University of Birmingham, the new buildings under scaffolding.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2021052022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

First look at the extended platforms from platform 1 at University.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cross Country Trains Class 220 Voyager passed non stop towards Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/XC%20220%20Uni%20Station%2021052022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323209 calls at University, platform 2.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323209%20Uni%20Station%2021052022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 170501 passes on a service to Worcester Foregate Street (this train is now at sister company East Midlands Railway).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20170501%20Uni%20Station%2021052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323208 calls at University, platform 1 (this train has since moved to Northern Trains).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323208%20Uni%20Station%2021052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

June 2022

From the X21 bus top deck, before the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games began. Clearly it wouldn't be ready for summer 2022.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A day later, a comparison with the 1978 building (right, still open) and 2024 building (left).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2022062022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

August 2022

Views of University Station from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. Some scaffolding had come down at the time.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

October 2022

Approaching from New Fosse Way and the Westgate entrance.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One last look during 2022 at the platforms, clearly the buildings wouldn't open by the end of the year.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cross Country Voyager Class 220 passing at speed towards the south west.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323217 stops at University, to take me to Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

February 2023

First University update of 2023, as usual the walk up the Worcester & Birmingham Canal from the Selly Oak Shopping Park.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This time I walked to the far end of platform 1, buildings appeared to be complete, but would not open for at least another year.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This was the day, when I managed to get West Midlands Railway 323221 in the Regional Railways Centro livery!

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Later that month, some views from the X21 bus as it went up Pritchatts Road and Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2028022023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2028022023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2028022023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

June 2023

A walk along Prichatts Road and Vincent Drive for more views of the station.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

July 2023

A look at the new access footbridge from the University of Birmingham, near the Westgate.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This will be one of the new station entrances from Westgate and New Fosse Way.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

August 2023

Approaching University Station again from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2024082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Views from the X21 bus on Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2024082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2024082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A week later, views from the X22 bus on Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

January 2024

With the news that the ORR had given permission for the new University Station buildings to open on Sunday 28th January 2024, I had one last visit to the station before it opened to the public.

The usual views from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal on the walk from Selly Oak Shopping Park.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Looks pretty much the same from platform 1, the boards with train times were on. Some labels needed peeling off.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A Cross Country Trains Class 220 Voyager in the direction of Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323241 seen arriving at platform 2.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

My West Midlands Railway Class 323 train arrived, to take me one way to Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
31 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Preserved Midland Metro tram 16 at Very Light Rail, Dudley and West Midlands Metro tram 52 in service

On a walk around Dudley, I did not expect to find the preserved Midland Metro tram 16, one of the T-69 trams, to be at Very Light Rail in Dudley. Out of the 16 trams in service from 1999 to 2015, 13 have been scrapped, while three preserved including this one. The other two 07 and 10 are at Long Marston. The last West Midlands Metro tram 52, and was the last of the new Urbos 100 order.

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Preserved Midland Metro tram 16 at Very Light Rail, Dudley and West Midlands Metro tram 52 in service





On a walk around Dudley, I did not expect to find the preserved Midland Metro tram 16, one of the T-69 trams, to be at Very Light Rail in Dudley. Out of the 16 trams in service from 1999 to 2015, 13 have been scrapped, while three preserved including this one. The other two 07 and 10 are at Long Marston. The last West Midlands Metro tram 52, and was the last of the new Urbos 100 order.


I was in Dudley, during January 2024, for an update of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, and was walking out of Dudley Town Centre, when I spotted this old tram at Very Light Rail.

The former Midland Metro tram 16, a T-69 which was in service from Wolverhampton St George's to Birmingham Snow Hill from 1999 to 2015, was moved from Long Marston to Dudley, for testing on the Very Light Rail tracks.

It still has The Metro, and original red, blue and yellow livery on it, as well as a Wolverhampton College advert dating to 2014. It arrived in Dudley in November 2023.

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Midland Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/T69%20MM%2016%20VLR%20Dudley%2021012024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The most recent tram to come into service was West Midlands Metro tram 52 in January 2024. The last of the Urbos 100 order. Currently there is multiple bus routes from Birmingham to Dudley including the 74, 87, 126 and X8. But by the end of 2024, the tram extension from Wednesbury to Dudley Town Centre might open.

Seen here leaving Edgbaston Village Tram Stop on Hagley Road, via the Five Ways underpass towards Broad Street and Five Ways Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Hagley%20Rd%2016012024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Hagley%20Rd%2016012024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Hagley%20Rd%2016012024%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Five%20Ways%20BS%2016012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Five%20Ways%20BS%2016012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="West Midlands Metro" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%2052%20Five%20Ways%20BS%2016012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
18 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

The Beacon of Hope at St Martin in the Bullring

From the 15th to 27th January 2024 outside of St Martin in the Bullring is a temporary stained glass installation called The Beacon of Hope, by Ugandan artist Matt Kayem. It was commissioned by Christian Aid.

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The Beacon of Hope at St Martin in the Bullring





From the 15th to 27th January 2024 outside of St Martin in the Bullring is a temporary stained glass installation called The Beacon of Hope, by Ugandan artist Matt Kayem. It was commissioned by Christian Aid.


The Beacon of Hope

From 15-27 January 2024, beaming brightly in the grounds of St Martin in the Bull Ring, Birmingham, our stained-glass style ‘Beacon of Hope’ will create an awe-inspiring spectacle of light and colour with messages of hope to lift everyone’s spirits.

From Blue Monday, the Beacon will illuminate five powerful messages of hope about hunger, equality, health, climate, and injustice.

Each message of hope was brought to life by Ugandan artist, Matt Kayem, from and working in Kampala. Matt’s work explores identity, race, history, and culture through installations, collage-paintings and photography.

Working in his signature style Matt used recycled denim, sourced from the markets of Kampala then stretched onto frames, as the unique canvas for his vivid, colourful creations.

 

 

I first saw information about The Beacon of Hope, from this banner on St Martin in the Bullring. I was on the bus on the 12th January 2024 heading to my terminus stop. It tells you that it will be here from the 15th to 27th January 2024.

dndimg alt="Beacon of Hope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/SMitB%20Beacon%20Hope%2012012024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A few days after the Lord Mayor of Birmingham unveiled The Beacon of Hope, I got a couple of photos of it, shortly after arriving at the Bullring. There is about four stained glass panels. Seen on the 17th January 2024.

dndimg alt="Beacon of Hope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon%20of%20Hop%2017012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beacon of Hope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon%20of%20Hop%2017012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beacon of Hope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon%20of%20Hop%2017012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Beacon of Hope" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Beacon%20of%20Hop%2017012024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
07 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Birmingham Cathedral: Divine Beauty at Night

This is the second year that Divine Beauty at Night has been held at Birmingham Cathedral. This time from the 4th to 6th January 2024. After the Edward Burne-Jones stained glass windows were cleaned and restored during 2023. I went on the evening of the 6th January 2024. Was in a queue outside initially, and got in a little late due to a technical issue, but once in, it was amazing!

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Birmingham Cathedral: Divine Beauty at Night





This is the second year that Divine Beauty at Night has been held at Birmingham Cathedral. This time from the 4th to 6th January 2024. After the Edward Burne-Jones stained glass windows were cleaned and restored during 2023. I went on the evening of the 6th January 2024. Was in a queue outside initially, and got in a little late due to a technical issue, but once in, it was amazing!


St Philip's Church commissioned the famous Arts & Crafts firm of Morris & Co and the artist Edward Burne-Jones to design and construct three stained glass windows in 1884.

He chose three subjects for the windows:

The Ascension (completed 1885)

dndimg alt="Burnes-Jones windows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burne%20Jones%20windows%20Bham%20Cathedral%20St%20Philip%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Nativity (1887-8)

dndimg alt="Burnes-Jones windows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burne%20Jones%20windows%20Bham%20Cathedral%20St%20Philip%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Crucifixion (1887-8)

dndimg alt="Burnes-Jones windows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burne%20Jones%20windows%20Bham%20Cathedral%20St%20Philip%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These were in the newly enlarged chancel.

 

About a decade later a fourth window followed, the Last Judgement (1897).

dndimg alt="Burnes-Jones windows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burne%20Jones%20windows%20Bham%20Cathedral%20St%20Philip%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

During World War 2 (1939-45) they were removed to a Welsh slate mine to keep them safe.

In 2023, the Divine Beauty Project started, and the windows were fully restored and cleaned.

The first Divine Beauty at Night took place from the 12th to 14th January 2023. The second from the 4th to 6th January 2024. Both events organised by Luxmuralis.

 

Divine Beauty at Night 2024

On Saturday 6th January 2024, was the third evening / night of Divine Beauty at Night. Held for the second year. Was a long queue, with the timed ticketed slots, but the delay was due to a technical issue, meaning the show started a bit late. So got into Birmingham Cathedral around 20 minutes later than expected, but was worth it once I got in the building.

The Divine Beauty at Night lights show of the Burne-Jones windows lasted about 25 minutes, it was quite impressive. A gallery of photos is below.

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20aN%20BC%20mob%2006012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(25).JPG" style="width: 100%;" /> Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
04 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Graham Jones wood carving sculptures across Birmingham and the West Midlands

There is many wooden carving sculptures across Birmingham and the West Midlands region by local woodcarver Graham Jones. There is collection in Selly Oak Park. Recent ones have been installed in Hall Green and Swanshurst Park. In the past he's made ones for the Lickey Hills Country Park and Jephson Gardens, Leamingon Spa.

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Graham Jones wood carving sculptures across Birmingham and the West Midlands





There is many wooden carving sculptures across Birmingham and the West Midlands region by local woodcarver Graham Jones. There is collection in Selly Oak Park. Recent ones have been installed in Hall Green and Swanshurst Park. In the past he's made ones for the Lickey Hills Country Park and Jephson Gardens, Leamingon Spa.


Graham Jones | Wood Carver

He has over 30 years experience of creating public wood carvings. Many of them can be found in Birmingham, and other areas.

 

Copper Beech Tree bench and snail

Location: Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa.

Wooden carving from an oak tree that was felled in 2013 in Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Seen near the Parade and River Leam. It was carved by Graham Jones from a  copper beech tree. The tree had been there from the 1840s to 2013.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBT%20Jephson%20Gardens%20RLS%20(May%202016)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBT%20Jephson%20Gardens%20RLS%20(May%202016)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBT%20Jephson%20Gardens%20RLS%20(May%202016)%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBT%20Jephson%20Gardens%20RLS%20(May%202016)%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CBT%20Jephson%20Gardens%20RLS%20(May%202016)%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Spirit of the Woods

Location: Lickey Hills Country Park, on Bilberry Hill. Not far from the Lickey Hills Visitor Centre.

A carved wooden sculpture called The Spirit of the Woods. Made by Graham Jones in 1993. Part of a Sculpture Trail. The sculpture trail was first commissioned in 1991 by Birmingham City Council and the Arts Council.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LHCP%20GJ%20Spirit%20ot%20Woods%20(Apr%202017)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LHCP%20GJ%20Spirit%20ot%20Woods%20(Apr%202017)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Galton Valley Owl

Location: Opposite the Galton Valley Pumping Station on the Birmingham Canal Navigations Old Mainline (Wolverhampton Level). Near Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick.

Probably installed in 2023. Close to The Galton Valley Canal Heritage Area.

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Owl" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wooden%20owl%20Smethwick%20BCNOML%2001012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Galton Valley Owl" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wooden%20owl%20Smethwick%20BCNOML%2001012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Owl Totem Pole

Location: Elmdon Park, Solihull

The totem pole was created from ideas put forward by local schools, after an Oaks and Shires event in 2004.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Elmdon%20Park%20(Dec%202015)%20(11)%20.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Owl%20totem%20Elmdon%20Park%20(Dec%202015)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Owl%20totem%20Elmdon%20Park%20(Dec%202015)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Owl%20totem%20Elmdon%20Park%20(Dec%202015)%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Twitters

Location: Elmdon Park, Solihull

'Twitters' came to Elmdon Park in 2003 and is carved from a tree that was removed from the park.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Elmdon%20Park%20(Dec%202015)%20(12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Swanshurst Park Centenary Pole

Location: Swanshurst Park, near Yardley Wood Road, closer to Moseley than Billesley, in view of the Moseley New Pool.

A wooden totem with a painted black swan on the side and a crow on top. Installed in 2023 for the Friends of Swanshurst Park group for the Centenary of Swanshurst Park (1923 - 2023).

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swanshurst%20Park%20GJ%20wooden%2023112023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swanshurst%20Park%20GJ%20wooden%2023112023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swanshurst%20Park%20GJ%20wooden%2023112023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swanshurst%20Park%20GJ%20wooden%2023112023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swanshurst%20Park%20GJ%20wooden%2023112023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Hall Green

Location: Greet Mill Meadow, Shire Country Park, near Stratford Road, Hall Green.

Installed in 2022 for the Hall Green's Keepin' It Clean litter buster group.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HG%20Greet%20Mill%20Meadow%20SCP%2016092022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Be green because we're Hall Green let's make a difference

Location: Between Stratford Road and Reddings Lane on York Road in Hall Green. Behind the Apple Green petrol station.

Installed in 2023 for the Hall Green's Keepin' It Clean litter buster group.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Keep%20Hall%20Green%20Clean%20(Dec%202023)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Keep%20Hall%20Green%20Clean%20(Dec%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Dragon Bench

Location: Outside of Hall Green Library on the Stratford Road.

The Dragon Bench was  carved by Graham Jones in 2002. It was unveiled in February 2003, on the 40th anniversary of the library. May have been inspired by the dragon Smaug in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit (Tolkien lived down the road in the hamlet of Sarehole in the early 1900s as a small boy). May have been done in association with pupils of Hall Green School.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dragon%20bench%20HGL%20(Sep%202009)%20(19).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dragon%20bench%20HGL%20(Sep%202009)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dragon%20bench%20HGL%20(Sep%202009)%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dragon%20bench%20HGL%20(Sep%202009)%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Chinn Brook Meadows

Location: Chinn Brook Meadows, Shire Country Park. Near Highfield Road, Yardley Wood.

Carved from the remains of a tree trunk. Image of a swan and flowers on it, plus a hand.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn%20Brook%20Meadows%20SCP%20(Jan%202017)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn%20Brook%20Meadows%20SCP%20(Jan%202017)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn%20Brook%20Meadows%20SCP%20(Jan%202017)%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chinn%20Brook%20Meadows%20SCP%20(Jan%202017)%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Roots and Branches

Location: Handsworth Park.

Wooden carving by Graham Jones & cast in metal by Tim Tolkien.

Four trees with extended roots on the ground in steel which can be used as seats. Roots extend out above the ground forming seating with the inner space proving a meeting place. Made in 2019-20. Part of the Handsworth Park Arts Trail.

dndimg alt="Roots and Branches" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Handsworth%20Park%20(Sep%202021)%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Commonwealth of Nations

Location: St Thomas' Peace Garden.

These appear to have been made for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in mind. The Commonwealth replaced the British Empire in name in 1949. There was also a wooden table here, and mosaics on the ground.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace%20Garden%20B2022CG%20GJ%2031122023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace%20Garden%20B2022CG%20GJ%2031122023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace%20Garden%20B2022CG%20GJ%2031122023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace%20Garden%20B2022CG%20GJ%2031122023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peace%20Garden%20B2022CG%20GJ%2031122023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

Lapal - Welcome to Selly Oak Park

Location: Selly Oak Park.

Part of the sculpture trail for the Friends of Selly Oak Park in 2011.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Pk%20GJ%20(Jun%202012)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Park%20(Jan%202017)%20(1)%20.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Park%20(Jan%202017)%20(2)%20.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Park%20(March%202018)%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bench in memory of Geoff Bartlett, Found Friend of Selly Oak Park

Location: Selly Oak Park.

Part of the sculpture trail for the Friends of Selly Oak Park in 2011.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Pk%20GJ%20(Jun%202012)%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Park%20(Jan%202017)%20(3)%20.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Deer or kangaroo

Location: Selly Oak Park.

Part of the sculpture trail for the Friends of Selly Oak Park in 2011.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Pk%20GJ%20(Jun%202012)%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Park%20(Jan%202017)%20(5)%20.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Carved log bench

Location: Selly Oak Park.

Part of the sculpture trail for the Friends of Selly Oak Park in 2011.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Pk%20GJ%20(Jun%202012)%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Nuthatch

Location: Selly Oak Park.

Part of the sculpture trail for the Friends of Selly Oak Park in 2011.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Pk%20GJ%20(Jun%202012)%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Pk%20GJ%20(Jun%202012)%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Selly Oak Park bench

Location: Selly Oak Park.

Part of the sculpture trail for the Friends of Selly Oak Park in 2011.

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Park%20(May%202020)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Graham Jones" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Park%20(May%202020)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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