Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024

This cathedral is a Birmingham hidden gem.  I have walked past the building several times and always wondered what the place was like inside.  Located on Summer Hill Terrace, the cathedral sits on the edge of the Jewellery quarter.  Summer Hill is an elevated part of Birmingham and when you stand by the cathedral you are overlooking a  busy dual carriageway that leads into Birmingham.  From here you look over the National Indoor Arena with a good view of the new shiny skyscrapers that are being built in the city centre.  The streets around the Cathedral are very narrow with a one-way system.  The church has access to parking and leaving my car I made my way to the entrance.  On this Saturday night, the service of Vespers was taking place.  Vespers is a liturgy of evening prayer.  Sunset is when the liturgical day starts.  The hymns that are sung introduce the day’s themes.   This opportunity of visiting the Cathedral to partake in the Vesper’s service was made possible through the Birmingham Heritage Week and invitation of the Church Committee of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew.    

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The beautiful symmetry of the Cathedral.

The rain was coming down and walking through the entrance, there was a warm light flowing outwards welcoming you to the Church.  The elders of the cathedral had taken over the church in 1957 and the original stonework with repeating arches is impressive.  Overlaying this architecture was an abundance of riches with extensive chandeliers and religious icons both on the walls and at various entrances. The alter was the focus of a large collection of paintings and icons.   The Greek Orthodox congregation were very friendly and the singing was beautiful.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
An upward view of the large Chandelier
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The beautiful arches and stonework.

Before I knew it the beautiful rendition of the Vespers service was over. One of the Church committee then explained the history of the cathedral and pointed out particular features of interest. Then we were invited to look around the cathedral and then to join everyone for refreshments in the Cathedral hall. The cathedral was full and it was difficult to get good pictures with people moving around. I went for refreshments and then made my way out. To my delight the church happened to be quiet and peaceful and I was able to move around and take pictures with my iPhone.  The symmetry of the church caught my imagination and the iPhone is good at working in low light. I particularly enjoyed viewing the icons and the many pictures around the Cathedral. The evening was very memorable and this blog is my attempt to convey the evening through text and pictures.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
A stunning icon of the Madonna and child.

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Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
Details of the alter.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The dome of the Cathedral

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Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The outside of the cathedral from Summer Hill Road

This is the link to the Birmingham Heritage week.

I have included a blog on another notable Birmingham Church for you to read.

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024

Sixteen-acre ward has been a project that I started in March 2021, and I have visited the area at regular intervals since. The wood was in the news, when the initial plans for the HS2 line revealed that it would cut into the wood.  Therefore, trees were felled, and an old ancient pond was duplicated in a new location nearby.  This new pond has signage and chains to protect this nature venture.  Over the years, the landscape around the wood has changed drastically.  This is my fourth visit to the wood. As with the previous ones, I was interested to see if anything had changed since my visit last year.

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The new pond is covered with vegetation.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
No entry to the pond.

Fortunately, my drive to Berkswell village was not difficult as the HS2 works will close access to various roads around the area at a moment’s notice.  I parked my car near to St Mary’s Church, Berkswell, and walked along the boardwalk. There is a footpath that runs up the hill over a farmer’s field. This footpath meets up and follows the HS2 route I reached the part of the HS2 track which passes by Sixteen-acre wood and goes onto meet Kenilworth Rd.

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The landscape has really changed.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
Drainage and fences
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
Not a place for swimming.

A year on and I noticed that the vegetation is starting to reclaim much of the area.   The new pond is thriving although it could do with some trees around the parameter.  Meanwhile the old pond has not given up and there is still life around an old tree has collapsed into the water. Walking down the designated footpath there is a sharp contrast.  On the left side beyond the steel fence the large land moving vehicles were resting as it was a Sunday, a day of rest.   The earth had been moved into heaps of brown soil and there were lines of plastic pipes lined up for draining the water.   On the right-hand side, the wood looked in a sorry state. Some of the vegetation is recovering but there are still scars around the knocked down trees.  Some of the trees looked like scarecrows contrasting against the bleak sky.   What did catch my eye was the number of butterflies and dragonflies that were present.  Nature is slowly attempting to get back to its feet after being interrupted by the HS2 works.   

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The old pond looks out at the new landscape.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The trees look bare.

These pictures show the amount of construction that is happening as the pace of building is now moving quickly.   In the midst of this construction, there were some beautiful butterflies and I must have seen around 10 different types of insects.  There was a hoard of dragonflies that are living in the stagnant water created around the HS2 trenches.   Someone once told me not to worry about HS2 as everything will grow back once the viaducts that are planned are completed.   I wait to see if this will be true as the scars in the land look very deep.  I now have my 4th entry into my 16 acre wood project and I will return next year to  see what progress has happened and whether nature is coping with the changes forced on the landscape.

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
HS2 construction is gathering pace.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
Earth moving equipment waiting for Monday morning.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The stagnant water has encouraged the growth of the dragonfly population. The wood is to the left of the picture.

You may also like to see 16 Acre Wood in 2013.
My past entries of 16 Acre Wood show the ongoing changes and the blog posts are listed below.

University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.

The University of Birmingham campus is very picturesque. Whenever there is a feature about the status of UK universities, the major news channels will film on the campus at Birmingham. The popular views are when a summer graduation is taking place in the Great Hall. This will be followed up with views of Chancellor’s Court and the Green Heart. The later lies in the centre of the university campus and showcases the stylish buildings that surround the area.

University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
The platform with the University Crest in the foreground with the organ and stained glass window in the background.

Therefore, I was very excited to be involved in the organisation of an IgersbirminghamUK on the University campus. The Instameet plan was to visit two buildings, the Great Hall and the University library. We gathered for a briefing in Chancellor’s Court and then the University security team kindly opened up the Great Hall. The building was being prepared for a conference, hence the poster boards in the centre of the hall. We were given time to wander around and take photographs. The Grade II-listed red-brick hall was built in 1900 and the impressive architecture includes beautiful ceiling lights and a magnificent 32ft organ.

University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
The stained glass window with the different subjects taught at the University.

The large stained glass window that overlooks the hall depicts all the different subjects that are taught at the University. Some of the subjects have changed over time. Having been given full access to the hall, we were able to view the windows and the organ close up. I was pleased that I could take pictures from where the academic staff normally sit. Early in my academic career I sat on the seats high at the back and as I became more senior, I progressed towards the front where the Vice Chancellor stands as he congratulates the graduands. The degree ceremony is when they receive their certificate and become graduates of the University. Following our visit to the Great Hall, we went out into the marble rotunda foyer and up to the first floor. This allowed us a closer view of the ceiling and a look down to the foyer. There was an exhibition “A History Through Objects” which highlighted research and innovation at the University. Many of the photographers took close up pictures of the items on display.

University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
Looking down to the Foyer.
University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
The entrance to the Library.

Our next place to visit was the University library. This modern building was opened in 2016 and sits in a prominent position overlooking the Green Heart. The building has a distinctive exterior design with vertical yellow lines interspersed by windows. We were given access to training rooms 1 and 2 which are on the top floor of the building. These rooms have panoramic views of the campus. Picture taking through the windows is tricky due to reflections on the glass and I should have brought my polarising filters to reduce the glare. I was fascinated by the design of the ceiling which provided interesting shapes and the lighting added different contrasts against the walls. I have been in the library many times and I took the opportunity of getting some extra pictures of the large spaces, careful not to interrupt the University users.

University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
Views of the Green Heart and Muirhead Tower.
University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
View of Old Joe.
University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
Views of Chancellor’s court and Old Joe.

Finally there were some pictures of the Green Heart and the picture of the coats of arms that were taken from the old library. Several of the IgersbriminghamUK group met for coffee at Costa Sports. Sitting in the sunshine we were able to discuss both our good and bad pictures. The University is such a great venue for a photography meeting and we hope to return at a later date.

University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
Looking up to the roof of the Library.
University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
One of the many interesting views in the Library.

Thank you to both Campus security and Library services for allowing us to visit and a special mention to Tony Moran, International Communications Manager at the University of Birmingham for enabling this visit to take place.

University of Birmingham, IgersbirminghamUK Instameet, Birmingham.
The University crests at the centre of the Green Heart.

The pictures featured were taken by myself and if you wish to view the series of pictures that were taken by the other participants at the Instameet then follow this Instagram link #igbUK_meet_UoB.

For more details about the University of Birmingham and what it offers as a leading establishment for research and education please follow the link.

Trwyn Du Lighouse, Anglesey, August 2024

Our family holiday was in Anglesey staying at Gwelfor barn near to Llangoed on the east of the island.  This location was near to Trwyn Du lighthouse.   The weather was changeable but my Clear Outside app showed that there was a good chance of a sunrise taking place on our first days on holiday. 

Trwyn Du Lighouse, Anglesey, August 2024
View at sunrise.

The day was set and I got up very early careful not to disturb the family and drove down to Trwyn Penman point. Although I had done my research, I did not realize that this area was privately owned.  Driving in the darkness, I came across a burning fire and a gatekeeper standing next to it.   This was 5:00 am in the morning and the sun was a long way from rising. There was a payment of £3.50 and I had no cash with me but as luck would have it, he took out a SumUp device and I was able to pay contactless with my phone.  The cones were moved, allowing me to continue my drive up to Trwyn Penmon Point.  The scene that greeted me was surreal with numerous camper vans parked up for the night.  Some people were asleep in their cars.  No one was stirring.

Trwyn Du Lighouse, Anglesey, August 2024
A long exposure of the sea around the lighthouse. This view is looking North and away from the sunrise.

I quickly got all my equipment out and went down to the shoreline.  The tide was going out so I scouted around looking for a good vantage point. The rocks were covered with seaweed so I was very careful with my own personal safety. The rock pools provided good opportunities for reflective photography with my iPhone. My many photographs of the of the area revealed which was the best vantage point and I set up my Cannon 5DmkVI camera on a tripod. I placed a graduated filter onto the lens. This would allow me to get a good exposure of the darker lower half of the picture and reduce the overexposure that would occur when the sun rose. I also looked for interesting foreground features to complement the composition. The background of Puffin island and the outline of the Great Orme near Llandudno was dark and therefore some compensation was required. The steps leading upto the lighthouse were starting to be uncovered by the outgoing tide. I used the steps as a leading line. I almost missed the sunrise and when you see the initial part of the sun rising, then you have about 5-10 minutes where the sun is a yellow disk as soon the the rays start to overpower your exposure. The sunrise is a very exciting experience and several pictures were taken.

Trwyn Du Lighouse, Anglesey, August 2024
This shows the difficulty of keeping everything in balance although I do like the bright sun attempting to shine on the dark seashore.

I started to vary the position of the tripod although one of the problems I encountered was a large seagull that was taking interest in my camera backpack. Therefore I had to take the bag around with me! The golden hour light was falling on the old lifeboat houses and the camper vans. The North Wales coast was starting to stand put and all the time the sun was getting stronger. I remembered to take a few pictures with my Fujifilm x100vi camera. Then I stopped taking pictures and stood back to enjoy the scene. In such moments, the experience of appreciating the present and exercising mindfulness is a refreshing exercise. There were no photographs for about 5-10 minutes and I found myself sinking in and enjoying the sound of the sea against the rocks and the sun on my face.

Trwyn Du Lighouse, Anglesey, August 2024
The golden hour as the sun’s rays cast a golden hue over the lighthouse cottages and the overnight camper vans.
Trwyn Du Lighouse, Anglesey, August 2024
Seaweed on the rocks.
Trwyn Du Lighouse, Anglesey, August 2024
Colours on the rocks.

Then I knew it was time to go. There were a few more pictures. I had my iPhone out and took a few interesting pictures of the stacks of stones that people had set up on the rocks. They mirrored the lighthouse nicely. Back at the holiday home, there was processing to be done before releasing the pictures on my social media. As a postscript, one of my iPhone pictures received many likes on Instagram, although my large Canon pictures were fun to set up. I enjoyed my time at Trwyn Du lighthouse. Unfortunately I did not get to the other lighthouses mainly through family commitments and also due to other events. Even so a magical sunrise at Trwyn Penman point was one I would not forget.

Trwyn Du Lighouse, Anglesey, August 2024
A view of the lighthouse and the shore from the boat trip around Puffin Island.
Trwyn Du Lighouse, Anglesey, August 2024
Panorama of the scene that opened up before me.

Here is a link to the lighthouse and a starting off area to other places in Anglesey.

Octagon, Birmingham, August, 2024

The newest and tallest building in Birmingham is the Octagon which is 155 m (509 ft) tall.  The skyscraper will have 49 floors and is dominating the Birmingham skyline.  The picture shows how dominant this building will be across the City. The platforms at Snow Hill Station are uneven and puddles form after the rain.  I took this one in a large puddle to show the dominating structure. I am looking forward to taking more pictures of the completed skyscraper. Watch this space.

Octagon, Birmingham, August, 2024
Different styles between the Library and the neighbouring Octagon.
The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024

The Library of Birmingham is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK.  Built in September 2013, the building is spectacular both inside and out. There is so much to photograph and there are so many different layers to the building. There is a photo opportunity around every corner.   Since the opening in 2013, I regularly visit the building with the aim of taking photographs during the different seasons.  You will find many pictures of this building throughout my blog.

The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024
Going up on the escalators.
The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024
One of the many quiet areas to work in the Library.
The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024
“Inception” style reflections. This could be a still from the film.

This set of photographs is from my recent visit in August 2023.  I took several pictures with my iPhone as I moved up the escalators. I then went out onto the first balcony and took several reflective pictures. When the library first opened this was one of the favourite pictures styles that appeared on the social media channels. There is one new building that features in my pictures and this is the Library’s tall neighbour, the Octagon. This 49 floor skyscraper is the tallest building in Birmingham and is nearing completion.

This is a link to the next blog which features photographs of the Octagon as it now dominates the Birmingham Skyline.

The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024
Balcony view

Some more exciting views of the Library may be seen in this weblink

In pursuit of repetative beats, August, 2024

I was a student in Manchester in the seventies when punk and new wave were the big thing. I caught up with the New Romantics music whilst in London.  In the eighties it was all about getting my qualifications and working for promotion. Family arrived and that was my life.  The rave culture happened and it was just news headlines. I loved the music and often read about the rave gatherings that were taking place in Coventry and Birmingham.  Sadly, I never attended a rave although the popular music of Orbital, Future Sound of London, Massive Attack and Underworld was very much a fav at the time.

In pursuit of repetative beats, August, 2024
Getting ready to see where the illegal rave will be. Wow an A-Z map and cassettes.

When I read about “In pursuit of repetitive beats” at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, I knew that I must experience it. This art installation transports you into a wild and immersive VR experience. You are thrown into a story set in 1989 about attending an illegal rave around Coventry.  The story focusses on three young people attending the event alongside the accounts by police who were trying to stop the illegal raves from taking place. 

In pursuit of repetative beats, August, 2024
Here I am kitted out and dancing in my VR space.

Once I was kitted out with Virtual Reality headset and hand controllers, I was ready to go into this virtual world.  The experience was surreal.  You followed the story by picking up leaflets with your virtual hands and there was a talking head providing information as you removed around your virtual world. In one part, I was flying towards a gigantic eye with electricity bolts steaming out of my hands.  It was so cool. I became immersed in the story of an illegal rave.  Realistic car journeys,  the police chase and then the rave itself. All the time I was moving and dancing with the beats of the music. I must have looked a real sight whilst I was in a virtual world! Still such great fun. Attention to detail was spot on.  

In pursuit of repetative beats, August, 2024
A range of posters that were used to advertise the upcoming raves.

Whilst I am unable to provide pictures of the VR experience there were pre-show displays at the entrance to the experience. This detail is from the phone box display which was set up to show how people communicated and navigated to the raid before the advent of mobile phones.

The trailer for In Pursuit of repetitive beats.
Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024

IgersbirminghamUK were contacted by the National Trust to ask if we were interested in holding an Instameet at Coughton Court.  This approach is part of the National Trust’s summer campaign to bring people together to explore their properties and enjoy the outdoors.  This aligns with the IgersbirminghamUK group which aims to organise photographic Instameets with the aim of photographing and enjoying a day out at  different locations.

Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Scaffolding around the historic Tudor building.

Coughton Court is a historic Tudor House and is undergoing an extensive program of repairs to the roof of the building.  The cost of these repairs is £3.3 million and the conservation project will finish in 2025.  During the building work, parts of the house remain open to the public.  

Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Hard hats and high visibility vests. IgersbirminghamUK photographers ready to go “Through the roof”.

We gathered at the property early on a Sunday morning in August.  The often-photographed building looked so different with the scaffolding and plastic sheeting covering the brickwork.  Our National Trust host, Gum, gave a warm welcome and outlined the plans for the day.  After introductions and the obligatory picture, we split into two groups of 10.  One group visited the house whilst the other climbed the scaffolding to review the restoration project. Both groups then swapped over.   

Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Beautiful views from the top.
Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Looking out towards the Birmingham Road.
Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Dropping a penny from the viewing platform.
Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Details of the repairs on the Tower roof.

There are 88 steps up to the Visitor Viewing Platform.  We donned blue protective hats and hi-vis yellow jackets and then we made the journey to the top.  On the way up, we began to see the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.  There were many photographs to be taken of the unique views of the house and the surrounding estate.  The view of the restoration work on the roof of the tower showed the extensive renovations being done.  I have climbed the tower in previous years and this view was different to what has gone before.  I have photographs taken before the restoration, but to see the stonework close up was very exciting.  The drop penny shute was fun especially as James had a coin to drop into it.  Whilst the views made it tempting to linger around the top of the tower, there was another group waiting to go up and there was still the house to visit.

Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
A view of the ceiling in the entrance hall

The “Through the roof” project is highlighted throughout the house and we were shown around via the temporary entrance to the main hallway.  Everything looks different to what I am normally used to as the restoration of Coughton Court is extensive and involves several areas.  Some of the rooms are inaccessible and others have furniture stored away.  There is a feel of a family house undergoing decoration, as items are cleared away, although this is on a much grander scale than your average family house! There are informative displays throughout the large room that normally has a grand table set out for dinner.  One of the most impressive areas was the lounge.  The National Trust has taken the opportunity to lower the chandeliers to allow cleaning of these intricate beautiful creations.  There were a few more rooms to pass through and then it was out to the gardens.  The house visit was a new experience and as photographers we were getting a feast of opportunities for pictures.  

Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
New displays of the different rooms undergoing restoration.
Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Storage room with ceiling decorations and other items carefully stored away.
Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Lego men helping with the work.
Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
The chandeliers are at ground level allowing detailed inspection and cleaning.
Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Crystals and family photographs.

The gardens were looking beautiful and the lime tree walks lead out to the large green space.  Looking back there are views of the building, although this time it is covered up for the restoration work.  As I made my way up to the river Arrow, I saw the stalls for Myton Hospice who have a summer display along the river.  Along the west riverbank, there are numerous butterflies planted along the waterside as memorials to loved ones.  These lead onto the footbridge and the riverwalk.  There is so much to explore at Coughton Court and each visit is a different experience.

Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
The rear view of the Tudor house under renovation.
Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
The butterfly display by Myton Hospice on the river banks.

There was still one more treat in store as we were given an early access to the walled garden. This was a wonderful opportunity to view the various ‘rooms’ of this extensive garden without too many people spoiling the picture.  There are several picturesque views and the flowers were in full bloom.  There were many bees out and about especially on the lavender borders.  I took many pictures in the garden and I noticed that many other photographers were doing the same thing.   I particularly liked the quirky growth on the Lysimachia flowers. They resembled ducks with their crooked growth.  After taking our fill of the gardens, we retired to the outside courtyard for a well-deserved coffee break.  There was a quick review of our pictures and the we said our goodbyes. 

Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
The water feature within the walled garden with St Peter’s church in the background.

The National Trust is highlighting the importance of take time out of our busy lives to reconnect with nature. This reminds us of how beautiful nature is and the joy and happiness that it can bring.  This IgersbirminghamUK Instameet was an opportunity to do just this and we wish to thank the National Trust for allowing us to visit Coughton Court. Thanks to Nicky Warwickshire of the IgersbirminghamUK team for organising the Instameet.

Coughton Court, National Trust, Warwickshire, August, 2024
Thanking Gum and her team for allowing us to spend time in Coughton Court. We loved our time and the opportunity to take photographs.

If you enjoyed this report on the IgersbirminghamUK meeting or wish to visit other National Trust properties I have put links to other blog entries below.

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Stirchley Taster, July, 2024

Stirchley has many good memories as a place to visit.   Our first family drink, after lockdown restrictions were relaxed, took place on a cold night in May at an outside table at Birmingham Brewing Company.   I have also visited the other two breweries Attic and Glass House, the latter brewery is on the other side of the canal and is just in the Stirchley boundary.  

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Street scene Stirchley style.

I took part in previous Birmingham half marathons when the route passed along Bourneville Lane with a return down Mary Vale road.  In the process, you ran along part of the Stirchley High Street.  The Birmingham suburb is easy to reach using the No 45/47 bus route that connects the city via the Pershore Road.  All this contrasts with how Stirchley would have looked in 1600 as the area got its name from pastures where cattle grazed undisturbed. There are records of Roman roads that went to the nearby fort which is now the University of Birmingham campus.  Stirchley does have history. These days the suburb is recognised as one of the best places to live in the Midlands, an accolade given by the Sunday Times 

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Arriving on the Stirchley side of the tracks. Bourneville Station.

Therefore when I heard about an in-depth photographic project involving Stirchley then I took advantage of the unique offering from the Prism Photographic Network.  The aim is to develop a documentary photography project focussed on the neighbourhood of Stirchley.  The course is run by Oksana Bischin with support from the Prism Network. Full details are on their web site.  I attended the second of two taster workshops where we had a lecture on an aspect of photography followed by a photographic walk in Stirchley.  When the course starts in September, there will be several themes which will come together allowing participants to produce an exhibition of the group work.

We gathered at Stirchley baths which is a beautifully restored community centre.  A representative from the Stirchley Residents Association outlined their work and extolled the benefits of living in the area.  She was not a great fan of the Stirchley beer mile but recognised the benefits such activity creates for Stirchley.  She highlighted the presence of several industrial units either side of the high street and the layout of the terraced houses that are around the area.  After introductions, Oksana introduced the camera topic which was how to use the program controls on the camera and then Francesco discussed Typography using the work of Tom Hicks who created “Black Country Type”.  After a question-and-answer session, it was time for us to discover Stirchley with our cameras.   I am not sure what the shopkeepers and coffee shop owners thought of the small army of photographers patrolling down the street, taking pictures of their shops.  

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
The lamp posts have a story to tell.

Before I arrived at the baths, I spent a few minutes taking photographs and scouting the area.  There was an opportune moment as carpets were being moved at the shops with the Stirchley Gorilla overseeing the activity.  On the way onto the street, I like to spend time by myself and I noticed some letter boxes and the typography of 70 in a doorway.  But there was also a need to stay with the group and see what the others were up to.  Being a Saturday morning, there was a great deal of activity so the picture taking began.  One shopkeeper came out to check what we were doing, other people just wandered by keen to get on with their shopping.  

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Letter boxes
Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Is this no 70?

The high street is a mix of lively coffee shops and general shops. Several shop fronts have roller shutters that ensure privacy.  A lone gorilla logo on one of these shutters adds colour. After photographing the high street we turned right and walked along Ash Tree road onto Charlotte Road.  I like the style of the houses and my eye is drawn to the names and dates of the houses.  We walked along Mary Vale Road to the Industrial estate that houses Attic Brewery.

Then it was time to get a brunch and talk about the pictures we took and those that got away.  The taster session gave me an insight into how the course will develop.  I like the idea of the themes as outlined and the idea of curating one’s work for an exhibition.  

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Coffee shop viewing.

As a postscript, I discovered on my research of Stirchley an informative website created by users which is a mix of photographic links and historical notes.  I am sure that this will prove to be a good background resource and provide a source of inspiration.

Mapping Stirchley is a Walkspace project that came out of the spring lockdown of 2020.

Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024

When visiting the Back to Backs in Birmingham, your booking includes an hour and a half tour of the premises.  The buildings were built with speed and were cheap to both buy and live in.  In 1870, Birmingham was undergoing tremendous change as people were coming into the city looking for work.  The backs to backs were quickly put up to accommodate the increasing population. The buildings now blend into the modern landscape around this area of Birmingham known as Southside.

Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
Back to backs entrance on Hurst Street.

Our National Trust guide was Dick, who met us outside on Hurst street and after an introductory talk of the background to the Back to Backs led us into the buildings.  We started in the yard and this was followed by the inside tour of the Back to backs known as Court 15. The rooms are small and negotiating the staircases between the properties is challenging.  As we progressed through the 4 houses that make up the Back to Backs, Dick kept us entertained and informed about how life would have been.  Through his descriptions of the people, we began to understand what living in these cramped houses meant and learnt how these humble residences were much loved family homes.  

Pictures from the Yard of Court 15

Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
View of the yard looking towards the first two Back to backs.


There is a bike, skateboard, a pram and other games that would be part of life.

There are four houses to visit and the first one is an early reproduction of life in the 1870’s.  The second house exemplified life of a large family.  There were 11 children and often a couple of lodgers were taken in.  They all lived in the same place. Space was so scarce that the chest of drawers doubled up as a cot for the baby.   Birmingham was known as the City of a 1,000 trades and in this house, the family were proficient at glass work and in particular glass eyes.  The properties changed hands at a regular rate yet the occupants of the third property lived in the Back to Backs for most of their lives.  This house illustrated how electricity was introduced and there were other comforts such as a radio.  

Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
Dinner table set up in the first house.
Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
A chamberpot tucked under a bed.
Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
Reproduction of elaborate stencilling patterns.
Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
The second house accommodated a family of 11 and lodgers. A bed for three youngsters and a curtain partition to the right.
Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
Space for the baby.
Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
Tools of a toymaker enabling them to make many different items.
Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
Fancy a glass eye?
Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
Assorted items from the third house.

Court 15 is unusual in that it survived the demolition that took place all around the area.  The City removed the back to backs and replaced them with flats and other houses.  The reason that these Back to backs survived, is likely to have been the businesses that were associated with them.  The National Trust have recreated a tailor’s shop in the final property.  George Saunders came from St Kitts and after a variety of jobs set up his tailor’s shop in Court 15.  He was an enterprising man and his made to measure suits were sought after by the local clientele.  The shop’s position near to the Hippodrome assisted with much of the business in this area.

Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
The tailor’s shop notice the Roy Rodger’s wallpaper.

We started and finished in the communal yard where we visited the communal washhouse. At the end of the tour, I asked Dick if he would be part of my 100 strangers project and he agreed.  The picture is taken around the outside toilets which gives an insight to the conditions that people had to endure in the Back to Backs.

Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
The communal wash house.
Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
Dick who was our guide pictured holding open the door to one of the outside toilets.

There were many details in the Back to backs that caught my eye.  The yard has many angles and props that bring the place to life.  There are old prams, bottles, skittles to name a few.  Each house is a treasure trove of differing objects including chamber pots and mini work tops where craftsmen worked.  The living rooms contained items that would have been commonly used by the family.  These rooms have been photographed many times before and I am adding to the many records.  For myself the journey was fun as much of it reminded me of my own childhood when I was sitting in family houses around Manchester looking up at the pictures on the walls and the pieces of China on the mantlepiece.  

Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
A China miniature reminds me of my childhood view of my grandparent’s house.

The layout of the living quarters were not that dissimilar.   The accompanying guidebook is a good companion to your visit to the Back to Backs and beings out more details about the life and times of the people who lived in these unassuming buildings.  This year is the 20thanniversary of the renovation of the Back to Backs by the National Trust and I was pleased to be able to visit after passing them so many times in my walks through Birmingham.

Back to backs, Birmingham, July,2024
A striking picture of what the unrestored rooms looked like in the Back to backs.

If you enjoyed this blog on the Back to backs then please visit my visits to other National Trust properties on my blog. Just search National Trust. I have added one link but there are many more.