Discovering St Alban the Martyr Church during Birmingham Heritage Week

by Damien Walmsley 23/09/2025 24/09/2025

St Alban the Martyr Church, Highgate, Birmingham, September 2025

St Alban the Martyr Church is situated in Highgate, Birmingham. To get there, I took the No. 35 bus and then walked up the hill towards the church. Birmingham Heritage Week is a highlight of September, offering Birmingham residents the chance to visit places that are normally closed to the public or venues that many may not have considered visiting. The Church of St Alban the Martyr falls into the latter category. Anyone travelling into Birmingham will likely have seen its bell tower, which commands an impressive presence on the approach to the city.

This church had been on my list to visit as part of Birmingham Heritage Week. The doors opened for the event, and I visited on a sunny Friday afternoon. On entering, one cannot fail to be struck by the interior architecture. The high stone-vaulted ceiling was designed by J. L. Pearson, a leading 19th-century Gothic architect who also designed Truro Cathedral. Tall stone pillars rise to support the vault, creating a repeating symmetrical pattern. The ceiling is just one of the many highlights of a church rich in treasures. Even the arrangement of chairs echoes the symmetry above, reinforcing the beauty of the space. I was the only visitor at the time, free to savour the majesty of this Gothic design and to take uninterrupted photographs. The play of light through the windows and the soaring ceiling were especially captivating. Adding to the atmosphere, the church was filled with uplifting music. The organist, David Briggs, was once the organist at the church, and now, lives in New York, where he is Artist in Residence at the Cathedral of St John the Divine. He had just dropped in to practise on the church organ, on his way to Germany to give a recital. I was so fortunate to hear him play whilst I was taking photographs of the church.

One of the highlights is St Patrick’s Chapel. The altar is striking, and the surrounding artwork is outstanding. Sisters Kate and Myra Bunce, associated with the Arts and Crafts movement at the turn of the 20th century, created the Bunce Altarpiece (or Reredos) that dominates the chapel. The artwork, painted by Kate Bunce, takes the form of a triptych depicting Christ, angels, and the Virgin Mary. The beaten copper frame was designed and made by Myra Bunce. I found myself drawn to this historic piece, which is now a treasured part of St Alban the Martyr Church.

The church community was warm and welcoming. Teas and coffees were served, questions were readily answered, and photography was encouraged. St Alban’s contribution to Birmingham Heritage Week is both valuable and memorable: rich with community history and enhanced by its remarkable architecture and artwork. This should be high on everyone’s list to visit during the Heritage week.

Details

The following are a selection of details that I photographed from around the church. I hope, like me, you find them interesting.

This is one of several churches that I have visited during the Birmingham Heritage Open Week. I include my visit to the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazer for your interest. I also include a link to Birmingham Heritage Week 2025.

Discovering the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar in Bournville

St Alban’s Church Open Days

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Discovering the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar in Bournville

by Damien Walmsley 20/09/2025 20/09/2025

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, Birmingham Heritage Week, Bournville, Birmingham

Birmingham Heritage Week always reveals intriguing places to explore. Each year, the programme goes live at the end of summer, and tickets for the most popular destinations are quickly snapped up. For this year’s Birmingham Heritage week, I set my sights on two churches I had not previously visited, along with a guided walk in Birmingham.

The first of these visits took me to the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, a striking Orthodox church situated in Bournville. Renowned for its ornate ceilings and rich decoration, the church stands proudly on a hill overlooking the area. Arriving from Bristol Road, via the number 61 bus, I made the short walk uphill to the gates, where I was warmly welcomed by a member of the congregation.

Stepping inside, the splendour of the Byzantine design is immediately apparent. The ceiling is dominated by a powerful image of Christ, while the dome above the altar features a serene depiction of Mary. Stone pillars draw the eye across the space, emphasising the church’s harmonious proportions.

Unlike many Western churches, the Serbian Church has few seats. This open design is characteristic of Orthodox worship and allows visitors to move freely around. I spent much time admiring the icons and intricate details on the walls. The murals are painted in fresco, a technique where pigment is applied directly onto wet plaster, creating luminous images that glow in the light. I found myself mesmerised, pausing often to steady my concentration so that my photographs might capture even a fraction of the beauty that was before me.

The exterior holds equal charm. In the gardens, a golden crucifix stands proudly, while the church’s architectural form blends gracefully with its leafy surroundings. Time was against me, and with the church busy that day, I was unable to explore or photograph the adjacent hall—an omission I intend to rectify on a future visit.

The Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar is a landmark building and a must see place on the Birmingham Heritage week schedule. The church rewards not only the photographer but also anyone with an interest in history, faith, or art. For those wishing to learn more, the church maintains a comprehensive website offering detailed background on its story and traditions. My own visit left a lasting impression long after I put down my camera. Enjoy the pictures.

If you enjoyed this blog then please visit my other Birmingham Heritage visits that I have done over the years

Birmingham heritage week – Visiting the Greek orthodox cathedral

Opening the door to a treasure trove of history – my visit to the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre

Birmingham Heritage Week 12—21 Sept 2025

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Railway Arches, Coffee Shops, and Quiet Streets: Discovering Balsall Heath

by Damien Walmsley 14/09/2025 08/03/2026

Balsall Heath. Birmingham, September, 2025

Balsall Heath – Balti Triangle, the Number 50 bus, Alcester Road, Ladypool Lane, Moseley Road Baths, and the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood. The diversity of Balsall Heath is renowned, which provides an insight into its character. The area does not stand still, with a rich history reflecting the growth and wealth of the city. Whilst Balsall Heath was initially an affluent area, over the years it has faced many difficulties with poor housing and social deprivation. The area is now undergoing a revival, and house prices are similar to those in other parts of the city. This brings its own share of challenges, as young people strive to set foot on the housing ladder.

Last year, I became involved with the PRISM photographic network, who organised a photographic project around Stirchley. The Stirchley Observation Project proved to be a very successful venture where I met and interacted with a group of talented photographers. We took pictures, we discussed them, and then we exhibited our best work. Now, a year later, we are turning our attention to Balsall Heath.

Before the course starts, I decided that I needed to have a brief walkabout the area to acquaint myself with the streets, the architecture, and the character of the neighbourhood. I have eaten many times in the Balti Triangle, and I have often driven down the Alcester Road towards Moseley. More recently, I have got to know the Old Print Works and attended photographic workshops there.

Taking the Number 50 bus from the town centre, I got off near the Castle and Falcon pub. I love cityscapes, and my eye was drawn to the railway arches that connect the west and east wards of Balsall Heath. During the day, the area is busy as traffic moves along the Alcester Road. Students travel to and from Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, and the coffee shops are lively. Walk along the side streets, and you immediately notice how quiet it becomes. There is still activity in these secluded area, and the nature of the urban landscape throws up countless photographic views.

These photographs are a small selection of my observations from my walk around Balsall Heath. I am looking forward to the forthcoming project, and you can follow my adventures on my blog.

If you wish to learn more about our Stirchley Observation project, I wrote a short blog at the beginning and there will be more material being published from our work. I also provide an account of one of the courses on cyanotype that we undertook during the Stirchley course.

Stirchley Taster with the Prism Photography network

Blue, Blue, my first look into the world of Cyanotype printing

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Ibizan Villa Scenes

by Damien Walmsley 11/09/2025 11/09/2025

Can Sayoma Basore, Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.

Our family villa overlooked the quiet town of San Miguel in the northern part of Ibiza. Each sunset transformed the view, flooding the valley with golden light that cast long shadows and enriched the colours of the villa and the town buildings opposite. From the rooftop terrace, we enjoyed a breathtaking panorama, with the sun setting directly ahead. The surrounding trees offered a natural frame to the scene, making every moment feel picture-perfect. These are some of the scenes around our holiday home that made the trip unforgettable. Far from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas, the island revealed a more picturesque side, with secluded spots where one could escape and truly relax.

If you enjoyed this then please read my previous blog on the towns and villages that I visited in Ibiza.

Photographing the Streets of Ibiza

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Photographing the Streets of Ibiza

by Damien Walmsley 10/09/2025 10/09/2025

Sant Miquel de Balansat, Ibiza, August 2025.

The towns and villages of Ibiza provide a rich source for street photography. Care is required as you are in another country and people are generally on holiday. They may not take kindly to having their photograph taken. The island is very attractive. The sun drenched streets and white reflective houses are a challenge and my polarised filter was needed. As I was on a family holiday, my transport options were limited to taking pictures during the day. Any sunrise or sunset pictures were taken in and around the villa where we were saying and these form the basis of another blog about the island.

The interior of the churches that I visited were fascinating. The church at Sant Miquel de Balansat had beautiful frescoes on the ceiling. At St Gertrude, the church, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera church, was set back from the central thoroughfare. Inside you escaped the heat and were able to take in and marvel at the surrounding fixtures and iconography around the church.

I enjoyed photographing this selection taken around the island. The places are described in the captions.

Eivissa – The old town

Elvisa, Ibiza, August 2025 — Scooter and car getting close.

Sant Miquel de Balansat

Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera

Another island in the Mediterranean to read out – Check it out.

I love Kardamena 2022

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Terracotta and Skylines: Exploring Paradise Birmingham’s New Landmark – Three Chamberlain Square

by Damien Walmsley 22/08/2025 01/10/2025

Three Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, August 2025

The newest addition to Paradise Birmingham, Three Chamberlain Square, is close to opening. This distinctive building sits next to the historic Town Hall and is stone’s throw from Victoria square. Its exterior design incorporates natural terracotta tones, giving a warm red ochre glow to the rows of vertical lines. Walking past the building, I often wondered what it would be like to look around inside and longed to visit the terrace on the top floor.

I was therefore delighted when an invitation arrived from Core, the marketing team promoting Paradise Birmingham. They were hosting a special Photographers’ Event at Three Chamberlain Square to mark World Photography Day.

On a warm but initially cloudy afternoon, a collective of photographers gathered in Chamberlain Square near the new building. There were many familiar faces amongst the group, and we did not have to wait long before being taken into the foyer of Three Chamberlain Square. The entrance is impressive, with a large, open multipurpose area. After a short introduction, we went straight up to the ninth floor and the terrace.

The terracotta design was an instant hit with the photographers, and we all had to be careful not to photobomb each other’s shots. The photographic talent among the group was very high, and I knew their images would be excellent. My own thought was, try something different, easier said than done when surrounded by such skilled photographers.

Reaching the ninth floor, the sun broke through the clouds. Before stepping onto the terrace, I paused to capture the light as it streamed into the room. Then it was time for the terrace itself, which offered stunning views across the city. The red support beams provided a perfect frame for iconic landmarks. I was able to capture the Octagon, BT Tower, the Rotunda, 103 Colmore Row, and the Town Hall clock, each neatly framed by the beams. Using my telephoto lens I was able to capture the street scenes below. The terrace was undoubtedly the highlight of the visit and will be an instant favourite for those working in the building.

We then moved down to the eighth floor to view the open-plan offices. I took several pictures, and while the space itself was impressive, my eyes kept drifting to the windows. People working there will certainly not be bored—the passing trams and other activities below may prove to be quite a distraction.

Although I had to leave before the full tour was over, the terrace remained the highlight of my photographic journey through the building. On my way back to the car, I captured a few final shots outside. What struck me most was the contrast of styles: the terracotta of Three Chamberlain Square set against the Roman revival elegance of the Town Hall, with the towering Octagon rising in the background.

Birmingham looks splendid with its mix of bold new buildings complementing the city’s historic landmarks. Thank you to Paradise Birmingham for allowing us to photograph this beautiful building.

If you like tall buildings then I have highlighted more reading about my photographic visits on my blog.

Birmingham sunset and sunrise from the Octagon

The popular key – 103 Colmore Row

London Times – The London Horizon from Horizon22

Top of the Rotunda

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Elmdon Manor Walled Garden: Solihull’s Hidden Retreat

by Damien Walmsley 21/08/2025 22/08/2025

Elmden Manor Walled Garden, Wildlife Trust, Solihull, 2025

Elmdon Manor Walled Garden is hidden away behind Solihull Moors Football Club and is accessed via Damson Parkway. The roads are busy with large transporters and trucks carrying cars and supplies to and from Jaguar Land Rover Solihull. The lane to the gardens is signposted for Elmdon Park and St Nicholas’ Church, Elmdon. It is an easy turn to miss.

Elmdon House was once a large stately home that fell into disrepair after the second world war and was eventually demolished in 1956. The walled garden was part of the estate, supplying produce to the house. Today, it is managed by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. The original walls of the kitchen garden still stand, although they are in a poor state of repair. Clearly marked paths guide you through the site, and the highlights include the old orchard within the ruined walls, the adjacent woodland, and a meadow that opens up within the trees close to the Moors football ground. The pond, often covered with algae in summer, is usually much clearer during the winter months.

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The area is a haven for wildlife and also offers many photographic opportunities. I usually visit once or twice a year with my camera and always come away with a set of images. I begin in the walled garden, where in late summer the trees of the old orchard are heavy with fruit. This year the area is very dry. The woodland adjoining the garden is ancient, filled with trees that form striking patterns. Fallen trunks lean against others, creating natural corridors of light. The atmosphere is shaped not only by nature but also by human presence: the sounds of warehouse workers drift through the trees, and the noise from Solihull Moors’ training pitches carries across the reserve.

The sudden appearance of a meadow within the woodland brings an unexpected openness and is a peaceful spot to pause and reflect. My photographs capture the abundance of fruit, the tangle of overgrown vegetation, and the play of light within the woodland. They also record the contrast between nature and modern development, as the reserve sits cheek by jowl with metallic warehouses and floodlights. Such an oasis is a delight to visit with the bonus of being close to home.

Someone mentioned they would like to see the pictures of Elmdon Manor in the wintertime. I do not have pictures yet but I do have a blog entry showing Solihull woodland in the snow.

Walking in the winter wonderland of Solihull

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Beneath the Sun: Experiencing Helios at Coventry Charterhouse

by Damien Walmsley 17/08/2025 17/08/2025

Helios, Luke Jerram, Charterhouse, August 2025

Collecting artwork through my photography is one of my long-running projects. My interest in Luke Jerram’s work began during the pandemic, when BBC Midlands, was filming his large-scale artwork In Memoriam. The installation, set next to Aston Hall, was the subject of one of my earlier blogs. Briefly, Luke used blue and white hospital bed sheets to create a circular medical logo that stretched across a field. I was fortunate not only to meet him but also to talk with him about how this work came about and even to take his portrait photograph.

Since then, whenever one of Jerram’s installations has come to the West Midlands, I have made a point of visiting and photographing the artwork. I have seen Gaia at Millennium Point, the Museum of the Moon in Lichfield Cathedral, and more recently, Helios at the historic Charterhouse in Coventry.

The Charterhouse, a former medieval monastic house with a long and varied history, is now run by the National Trust. On a hot sunny afternoon in August, we visited the property to view Helios. Jerram’s works are displayed against differing backdrops which provide a dramatic contrast to the art. This glowing sphere of the sun was set within the walled gardens, an ideal setting, as my photographs show.

My grandson Noah suggested we lie down beneath Helios. This gave me an unusual perspective, and some striking photographs. After capturing several images, I paused to simply take in the artwork. Suspended within its metal frame, the sphere revealed breathtaking details of the sun’s surface. The inclusion of a scaled Earth nearby reminded viewers of just how vast the sun truly is.

The Charterhouse itself is a place of calm beauty, with its tiered gardens and excellent coffee shop, a welcome stop after exploring. I doubt Richard II, who laid its foundations, could ever have imagined the many ways the property would be used over the centuries.

Now, having photographed In Memoriam, Gaia, Museum of the Moon, and Helios, my next goal is to view Mars when it visits the West Midlands. That will complete my personal photographic record of Luke Jerram’s planetary installations.

These are my previous entries on Luke Jerram’s artwork.

In Memoriam by Luke Jerram

Museum of the Moon

My notes from my visit to Gaia in March 2022.

We visited Gaia by Luke Jerram is in Millennium Point, Birmingham. This is adjacent to the ThinkTank Museum where the children had so much fun after visiting Gaia. The earth is something to see when you get up close and personal. Luke Jerram created the artwork which is 1.8 million times smaller than the real earth. The double exposure created in camera is of my daughter Natasha. My title of the picture is “Lost in her own world”. Interestingly my grandchildren cannot remember the visit so I am glad I have the pictures to show their enjoyment on the day.

Gaia, Millenium Point, Birmingham, March 2022 — My grandchildren together with Gaia in the background.

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Spaghetti Junction Stories: A Photo Essay

by Damien Walmsley 08/08/2025 08/08/2025

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, August 2025

IgersbirminghamUK organised a walk around Spaghetti Junction on a warm Saturday afternoon at the beginning of August. For this blog entry, I have 24 frames which is the number of a roll of film. These pictures were taken with either my iPhone or Fujifilm x100vi. The stories and sights under the motorway are always changing and always surprising. Enjoy this photo essay.

Figures

People move around the complex concrete structures. They look apologetic for their presence as the concrete really does enjoy its own company.

Cyclists

People move quickly on the towpath nobody wants to stay too long as they may get lost in the concrete.

Pillars

The main feature of the concrete structures is the pillars. Reaching to the sky they hold the roads in place. If the pillars disappear then there so will the roads.

Are you lost yet?

A line from the 25 paintings project by Bill Drummond.

Traces of humanity

There are examples that humans have passed through the area.

Nature fights back

Nature is slowly eroding the concrete jungle. Trees and greenery have established themselves amongst the pillars.

I hope you enjoyed this photo essay of my recent visits to Spaghetti Junction. If you ever have the chance to visit the area then do take up the opportunity. There are regular tours that take in Aston Reservoir and the more interesting parts of the canal network. The interchange does become very quiet at the weekends. During the week, there is construction activity focused on maintaining the pillars that are essential to holding the motorway network together. The highs and lows of a visit around the Gravelley Hill interchange are illustrated below. The highlights include the wonders of the construction and architecture. The lows are the faceless nature of the area which has areas that are not particularly inviting.

Are you wanting to read more about Spaghetti Junction then here are more of my visits about what lies beneath the M6. I recommend starting with this blog post that sets the scene for my photo essay.

Are You Lost Yet? A Walk Beneath Spaghetti Junction

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Rugby Town Centre: A Street Photographer’s View

by Damien Walmsley 01/08/2025 01/08/2025

Street photography in Rugby Town, July, 2025

The chance to stroll around Rugby Town with my camera was too good an opportunity to miss. Whilst the family were at the soft play premises in the town centre, I was able to take photographs on the streets.

Rugby town centre reflects how many small to medium-sized towns are evolving. The heart of the town is becoming lifeless and losing its atmosphere. There are people in the numerous coffee shops, but there are also many empty and boarded-up shops. This was a Sunday afternoon and, besides those shopping at the local supermarket, only a few individuals were moving around.

There are parts of the town that still have a dignified look, such as Regent Street. Other parts of the town centre are very quiet. The main Rugby Central shopping area is largely empty, with few people around.

During my walk, I headed down to Caldecott Park to see the large life-sized rugby ball. I then followed the road to the aptly named “The Black Path” bridge, which crosses the main West Coast railway line. This is always a good place for photographs. It is a major pedestrian thoroughfare, yet the caged structure and general grime create an atmospheric setting that is ideal for street photography.

While my black and white photography may have painted a bleak picture, there were some touches of colour, particularly around the yarn bombing of trees and benches. There is still laughter, too, attempting to lift the downbeat feel of the town.

If you liked this view of Street Photography in Rugby then I have provided a link to blogs on Edinburgh and Digbeth, Birmingham.

Edinburgh street photography

Digbeth Street Photography

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Every Frame a Story

Category Archives: blog

Discovering St Alban the Martyr Church during Birmingham Heritage Week

Discovering the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar in Bournville

Railway Arches, Coffee Shops, and Quiet Streets: Discovering Balsall Heath

Ibizan Villa Scenes

Photographing the Streets of Ibiza

Eivissa – The old town

Sant Miquel de Balansat

Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera

Terracotta and Skylines: Exploring Paradise Birmingham’s New Landmark – Three Chamberlain Square

Elmdon Manor Walled Garden: Solihull’s Hidden Retreat

Beneath the Sun: Experiencing Helios at Coventry Charterhouse

Spaghetti Junction Stories: A Photo Essay

Figures

Cyclists

Pillars

Are you lost yet?

Traces of humanity

Nature fights back

Rugby Town Centre: A Street Photographer’s View