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Visiting the 11.59 Production Studio of the Artist Steve Coel

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Visit to Stirchley Steve Coel

Meeting Steve Coel

I first met Steve Coel on the streets of Stirchley during the “Stirchley Observation Project” in 2024. I took his picture and we started talking. He mentioned his artist background, but I did not fully connect that he was interested in photography as well. We next met at the Tom Hicks exhibition at Birmingham City University and have since met on a regular basis at the PRISM photography talks at 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter.

The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
Steve Coel, an 11.59 production.

Steve Coel’s work is produced under the name ‘an 11.59 production’. He invited me to his studio in Stirchley to view examples of his artwork. I arrived early so that I could take a few pictures of Stirchley, then met Steve on the road bridge on the border of Stirchley and Bournville. Steve took me to his studio, which is behind the Attic Brewery. The old industrial estate houses several thriving businesses, the majority of which have artistic inclinations.

The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
A view over the old Stirchley industrial estate.

Imbue’s Workshop

On the way up to the second floor, we passed Imbue’s studio. This was a chance to meet the artist and see his workshop. I have written about Imbue’s work before, and I enjoy the combination of digital scanning with his thought-provoking vision of everyday life. After a look around his workplace, and the generous gift of one of the Imbue lucky rabbits (the plastic variety, not the gold ones), we went up to Steve’s studio.

The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
An Imbue rabbit still in its packaging.

Inside the 11.59 Production Studio

There are around ten artist spaces on the floor, and Steve gave a brief background to each one. His own studio held many fascinating paintings and pictures. Steve browsed through his back catalogue of pictures, and I enjoyed viewing his work, which combines deep, rich colours and textures. He has a wide-ranging back catalogue, examples of which are displayed on the ‘an 11.59 Production’ instagram account.

The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
A view of Stirchley from Steve’s studio. (B&W flipped image)

Steve is an artist first and foremost, but he is also an accomplished photographer. His recent pictures of the Selfridges building are excellent and formed the basis of a book cover for local artists. I enjoyed browsing through all the artwork and hearing Steve’s interpretation of how the different pieces of work came together. His artistic background allows him to push the boundaries of his work. Having a Welsh background means that many pictures have Welsh names, which adds intrigue to the interpretation of his work.

The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
Steve Coel, the artist, in the 11.59 Production Studio
The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
Prints
The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
Second City
The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
Off the wall
The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
Artwork
The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
Paint
The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
Bookcase

A chat over a cuppa

The afternoon finished with a cup of tea in the hot summer sun, on one of the wooden benches in the concrete Stirchley Triangle. We reflected about art, photography, Stirchley and life over a great cuppa, crafted by the Stirchley Spud Co.

The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
The Stirchley Triangle

Finally here are a few pictures of Stirchley taken during my visit to Steve Coel’s studio.

The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
Is this the classic Stirchley street view?
The Artist Steve Coel and the 11.59 Production Studio
A view of the canal with algae

As always there is a chance to explore my previous blog entries and I include an account of my earlier visit to Stirchley.

Stirchley Taster with the Prism Photography network
Categories blog

Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien’s Middle-earth

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth

Visiting Sarehole Mill

Sarehole Mill is not far from where I live but, surprisingly, I had never visited it despite living in Birmingham for many years. Every time I passed the mill, I made a mental note to return. This blog post came about when the opportunity finally presented itself.

There has been a mill beside the River Cole for more than 250 years. Originally used to grind grain into flour, Matthew Boulton later converted the mill to power machinery for his metalworking business. By the end of the nineteenth century, the mill had returned to producing flour.

Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth
The blue plaque on the wall of Sarehole Mill.

J.R.R. Tolkien

Around this time, a young family moved into the area, and two brothers frequently explored the mill and the surrounding countryside. One of those brothers was J. R. R. Tolkien. The story of Sarehole Mill is now closely intertwined with The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Tolkien’s other works. The mill and the surrounding landscape helped inspire the Middle-earth that he created. The mill’s distinctive tower dates from the period when Matthew Boulton installed a steam engine to support his metalworking operations, and it is thought to have influenced some of Tolkien’s illustrations of Middle-earth.

Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth
Pictures of J.R.R. Tolkien and family members.
Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth
There is so much history to share when visiting Sarehole Mill.

History of Sarehole Mill

Today, Sarehole Mill is managed by Birmingham Museums, and there is a modest admission charge to visit the building. The fee is well worth paying, as the historical displays provide a fascinating insight into how the mill operated and what life was like in the surrounding area. I had not realised that Matthew Boulton had briefly used the mill for his metalworking business. There are also numerous references to Tolkien and the influence that Sarehole Mill had on his writing. I particularly enjoyed exploring the upper floors, where the various types of machinery used over the centuries are displayed. The morning light streamed through the windows, casting beautiful shadows across the wooden floors and ceiling, creating plenty of photographic opportunities.

Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth
The light and shadows seen in Sarehole Mill.
Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth
A chain used for lifting bags of flour in Sarehole Mill.
Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth
Examples of gears and wheels seen throughout Sarehole Mill.
Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth
An example of the milling machinery within the building.

The mill and the surrounding area

After exploring the mill, I wandered through the garden before searching for the classic view of the building across the mill pond. The viewing platform provides an excellent vantage point. Two herons stood nearby, so motionless that I initially thought they were statues. Unfortunately, I had not brought my telephoto lens, so I could not capture a close-up photograph. Instead, I left them to continue their silent vigil, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to catch a fish.

Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth
Details on the outside mill walls.

Leaving Sarehole Mill, I walked through the adjacent park towards the ford and road bridge, enjoying the remainder of the peaceful morning. Although the surrounding area has long since been developed, the tranquillity of the park on a Sunday morning made it easy to imagine what this landscape must have been like before the arrival of urban development.

Photographing Sarehole Mill: History, Photography and Tolkien's Middle-earth
Quotation from the books.

Links to follow

If you wish to see more of Tolkien’s Birmingham then the two towers feature in my blog about Port Loop. The Tolkien family worshipped at the Birmingham Oratory and I have a blog describing this Birmingham landmark.

Port Loop
The Birmingham Oratory
Categories blog

Photographing Digbeth: HS2, Canals and Street Art

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Photographing Digbeth: the bridge over the River Rea. Art work includes Gent48.

Photographing Digbeth is always a creative and enjoyable time. My first serious photographic journey through Digbeth was in 2018. Since then, I have photographed Digbeth and the surrounding area on numerous occasions.

Photographing Digbeth: Including work by @brumpasteup
Photographing Digbeth: Trinity Street Including work by @brumpasteup

With the advent of the HS2 works, I wanted to see how construction was progressing near the Curzon Street canal towpath. The nearby Birmingham City University campus (BCU) is taking full advantage of the investment generated by the HS2 project. There is an incredible amount of building work taking place across the area. In spite of this, many problems still surround HS2, including repeated delays to its completion date.

Exiting Ashted tunnel on my way to Photographing Digbeth.
Exiting Ashted tunnel on my way to Photographing Digbeth. The evolving campus of BCU greets you.

However, one cannot help but admire the engineering involved, and I was keen to photograph the large steel bridge that crosses the Birmingham to Lichfield railway on the approach into Curzon Street. To get close to the bridge, I walked down Northumberland Street behind the West Midlands Fire Service Headquarters. The bridge is tall and imposing, and the future trains will pass close to nearby apartment blocks. Walking across Lawley Middleway and looking up, the scale of the bridges dwarfs the surrounding roads and railways. The structures throughout the HS2 works are remarkable, although I do feel sorry for the nearby residents and businesses that have endured continual disruption during the construction.

Photographing Digbeth: The steel bridge that will take HS2 trains to Curzon Street.
The steel bridge that will take HS2 trains to Curzon Street.
Photographing Digbeth: A local train passes by the larger HS2 bridge over Lawley Middleway,
A local train passes by the larger HS2 bridge over Lawley Middleway,

Another noticeable change is the slow but definite gentrification taking place around Digbeth’s canal network. The Curzon Street railway bridge creates a long tunnel where the Digbeth Branch Canal passes underneath. This was once, not an area you would walk through alone. Now there are cyclists, runners and students making their way to lectures at Birmingham City University or just commuting into the city. You also encounter interesting people. During my walk, I came across guides from Birmingham Design Festival, whose handheld placards were helping visitors explore the canals. There is also a definite increase in canal boats along the old industrial waterways, bringing the area to life.

Photographing Digbeth: volunteers from the Birmingham Design Festival.
Photographing Digbeth: Photographing Digbeth: volunteers from the Birmingham Design Festival.
Photographing Digbeth: Canal boats and street art
A canal boat makes it way down the canal passing by the Fox mural by @Annatomix.

I continued on to Bordesley Junction, where the towpath becomes much quieter, yet even here I passed a runner. At the canal junction, the graffiti-covered walls provide a colourful backdrop, while the old industrial buildings tower above the waterways. Despite these changes, the area still feels uncertain and is not somewhere I would readily explore alone. No doubt the creeping gentrification will eventually reach this part of Bordesley as well.

Photographing Digbeth: Bordesley Junction
A lone runner passing through Bordesley Junction.

Heading back into Digbeth, I soaked up the atmosphere created by the busy shops and cafés. Redevelopment continues, and high-rise apartment buildings are increasingly surrounding the area.

Photographing Digbeth: The Old Crown with new flats being built.
The Old Crown has seen many changes through its 650 year history. Now the flats have arrived.

The streets around Gibb Street and Trinity Street are constantly evolving, with new businesses, nightclubs and street art appearing all the time. There are still a few artworks that I have to photograph, and I found this mural by @ginger_dan. Looking back at my photographs from 2018, the changes are striking. Old murals have disappeared beneath fresh paint, while new venues continue to emerge. Digbeth still retains its unique charm, and I hope it continues to preserve its distinctive character.

Photographing Digbeth: Street art by Ginger Dan.
Street Art on Trinity Street by @GingerDan.
Photographing Digbeth: Satellites of Love.
Photographing Digbeth: Satellites of Love.
Photographing Digbeth: Pink Limousine on Floodgate Street.
Photographing Digbeth: Pink Limousine on Floodgate Street.
Photographing Digbeth: Britpop rules.
Photographing Digbeth: Britpop rules. It sure does.

If you enjoyed this read then compare the changes in Digbeth to my first blog about the area. I have photographed Digbeth on several occasions so please review my index of articles to see more.

My Custard Factory Beat
Categories blog

Developing a black and white world

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Black and White Photography with PRISM

Black and white photography is reinventing itself in the analogue world. I had the opportunity to take part in an analogue photography day courtesy of PRISM Photography. The course was organised by Francesco Felcini, who has a studio in Stryx Gallery, where he has a darkroom set up. There were three of us booked onto the course with Francesco.

Black and White Photography with PRISM
Getting my Yashica film camera ready for the shoot.

The day’s timetable started with a morning briefing and the preparation of our film cameras. I had brought along my Yashica 107 Multi Program camera, which has served me well over the years. With our black and white film locked and loaded, we headed off for a stroll around the Jewellery Quarter. There is always a certain anxiety when you know that you only have 36 pictures to shoot. We explored narrow alleyways, cemeteries, and the streets of the JQ. After an hour, we were back for the next stage.

Black and White Photography with PRISM
Francesco explains how to open the film in a developing bag.
Black and White Photography with PRISM
This looks easy as we practice loading already developed film onto the spool.
Black and White Photography with PRISM
Dom finds this is not so easy when working in the dark.
Black and White Photography with PRISM
A set of instructions is useful to make sure the right steps are followed.
Black and White Photography with PRISM
Strips of film are hanging from the ceiling to dry.

Developing the film was not straightforward for me. In the darkness of the changing bag, my sweaty hands nearly made a mess of loading the film onto the spools. Francesco came to the rescue and we were soon ready to pour the developing chemicals into the canisters. All went well and we hung the films up to dry.

Black and White Photography with PRISM
Heading back to the Stryx Gallery for a coffee after lunch.

When you are on a course with Francesco, lunch is an important fixture in the timetable. We had delicious food at the Urban Café, sitting in the sun-drenched front window. This was followed by coffee and cake back in the hidden garden of the Stryx Gallery café. The black and white negatives needed time to dry and, on our return to Francesco’s upstairs studio, we cut the strips and loaded them into archival sleeves.

Black and White Photography with PRISM
The hidden coffee garden at the Styrx Gallery.

Now it was time for printing, test strips, and eagerly awaiting the development of the photographs. There was a lot to take in and learn. I had developed films many years ago and had forgotten much of the technique involved. Francesco was patient with us and showed us how the enlarger worked, how to use the filters, and how to ensure that we achieved sharp images.

Black and White Photography with PRISM
Setting out the developing trays.

The lights went off and the red safelight came on. Test strips were made to determine the correct exposure time for the paper. We settled on 10 seconds and then off we went: light exposure followed by immersion in the developer and fixer solutions. Magically, the black and white image slowly revealed itself. We could finally switch the lights back on and see the finished print.

Black and White Photography with PRISM
The pictures reveal themselves and the test strip is shown for comparison.

The black and white photograph of Warstone Lane Cemetery was not one that I had initially selected, so I was pleasantly surprised by how well it turned out. My portrait of John, the volunteer at Key Hill Cemetery, also came out well. John had been wearing a cap, which cast a dark shadow across his forehead, but I was still pleased with the result. The results of the pictures are the subject of the next blog post which may be accessed here.

A black and white stroll around the Jewellery Quarter

By this point, the day had almost run its course for me as I had to get back for a football match. Dom was still printing his black and white photographs from his newly purchased analogue camera. His results were terrific and made me think seriously about updating my own film camera.

This was a five-star course and one well worth attending if you are thinking about returning to the world of analogue photography. I would recommend joining the PRISM Photography mailing list so that you hear about future workshops and talks over the coming months. PRISM Photography encourages a different way of thinking about how you use your camera. Most importantly, everyone involved in the network is welcoming, friendly, and helpful.

My Blog covers different photographic techniques and you may want to try out oil and water or cyanotype photography.

Oil and water
Blue, Blue, my first look into the world of Cyanotype printing
Categories blog

A black and white stroll around the Jewellery Quarter

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Black and White Jewellery Quarter

This post follows on from the “Developing a Black and White World” blog. I had a 36 black and white film in my camera as I set off around the Jewellery Quarter. As you will see not all the pictures made the Final Cut. Still we had great fun and this is a pictorial diary of our walk.

Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Passageway.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Hylton Street.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Key Hill Drive
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Key Hill Drive.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Chairs.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Door.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Lime Shopping.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Key Hill Cemetery.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Key Hill Cemetery.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Key Hill Cemetery.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
John.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Warstone Lane Cemetery.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Catecombes.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Warstone Lane Cemetery.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Warstone Lane Cemetery.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Pitsford Street.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
Pitsford Street.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
The Goodsyard.
Black and White Jewellery Quarter
The Goodsyard
Categories blog

Blossom memories from Oozells Square

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Blossom memories from Oozells Square
Each spring, Oozells Square in Birmingham is transformed by a brief but beautiful display of cherry blossom. In this reflective piece, I capture the fleeting nature of the season, the atmosphere of the square, and the photographic opportunities created by light, colour, and passing moments.
Categories blog

The Photography and Video Show 2026

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
The Photography and Video Show 2026, NEC Birmingham.

Overall, the Photography and Video Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham was an enjoyable experience. With so much to see and explore, the day passed quickly. I may differ from many delegates, as I was not there to purchase equipment or products on the spot. I consider myself a reflective photographer and, for the time being, I am content with my current equipment. My main interest lies in how to present my work through photobooks and in exploring accessories that might support my photography.

The Photography and Video Show 2026
The Nikon stand at the Photography and Video Show 2026

A key feature of the show is the programme of talks, which I find can be somewhat variable. The open theatre sessions are often difficult to follow due to the noise from surrounding activities in the hall. In addition, space is limited for the more popular speakers. I particularly liked the Canon speaker setup, which felt more intimate and made it easier to hear the presenters. I found the talks given at the Amateur Photographer magazine festival of photography held in Greenwich earlier this year to be much more informative. Check out my blog on this event.

The Photography and Video Show 2026
Helen Bartlett speakding at the Canon speaker talks.

One talk I was especially keen to attend was by Helen Bartlett on family photography. Her work is highly distinctive, with a strong preference for black and white processing. She also shared valuable insights on how to approach younger members of the family. I came away with several practical ideas and felt inspired to try them out with my grandchildren. I attended other sessions as well, including those on double exposure and Photoshop techniques. Whilst these were informative, the background noise made them challenging to follow at times. This is one area where the photography and video show 2026 disappoints.

The Photography and Video Show 2026
Lots of fun costumes were on display at the Photography and Video Show 2026.

The show is also excellent for networking and meeting people. The Creator Playground (CreatorCon) was particularly enjoyable. One of my highlights was dressing up as a spaceman, and fortunately a local photographer, Jack Babbington, was on hand to take my photograph. The area was creatively set up with a variety of backgrounds, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in scenes ranging from snowy landscapes to the casinos of Las Vegas.

The Photography and Video Show 2026
Dressed as a spaceman in the CreaterCon playground (Photo – Jack Babbington)

The models on the stands attracted considerable attention from visiting photographers. I have learned to be cautious about joining these crowded groups, where many are competing for the same shot. On this occasion, I chose to keep a respectful distance and simply observe the atmosphere.

The Photography and Video Show 2026
Model shoots always attract a large crowd of photographers.

I also enjoyed the virtual reality experience of deep-sea diving over coral shelves in the Seychelles. This carried an important environmental message, illustrating the contrast between healthy, dying, and regenerated coral ecosystems. However, the picture of people with their headsets on does look very dystopian.

The Photography and Video Show 2026
VR experience of deep sea diving in the Seychelles.

Other favourites included the Disabled Photographers’ Society stand, where there is always interest in vintage cameras and accessories. I also enjoy trying the long lenses displayed on podiums, which allow you to appreciate the remarkable reach of such equipment. All the major manufacturers had impressive cameras and lenses on display.

The Photography and Video Show 2026
Camera bodies on display at the Disabled Photographers stand. Lots of Choice.

One unexpected highlight of the photography and video show was the lucky dip at the SanDisk stand. After queuing to take part, I won an SD card holder. It was not something I had previously considered essential, but since the show it has proved to be a very useful accessory. Who would have thought?

The Photography and Video Show 2026

I look forward to the next Photography and Video Show in London in 2027.

How has the Photography and Video Show changed over the years? Read my account of the show held in Birmingham in 2021.

The Photography Show 2021
Categories blog

Sigrid Live at O2 Academy Birmingham

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Sigrid Birmingham 02Academy 2026

Sigrid played at the O2 Academy in Birmingham in March 2025.  I went to her concert courtesy of tickets of my son-in-law.  Small concert venues to me are the best places for live music.  In contrast, I have never enjoyed music festivals preferring the intimate dark surroundings of a venue such as the O2 academy.  

Sigrid Birmingham 02Academy 2026
Sigrid on the piano playing “There’s Always More That I Could Say”

Prior to the concert we had drinks at the Craven Arms which is close by.  Highly recommended but it did mean we missed the support act.  When we arrived at the venue there was ample opportunity to find a good space to watch the show.  As it happens, a few people taller than me were blocking the view. Despite this I was able to get a good view of Sigrid during the concert.  

Sigrid Birmingham 02Academy 2026
Sigrid on stage.

Taking pictures of concerts has changed for me over the years and I have used various compacts.  See my write up on Steve Gunn back in 2019 at the Hare and Hounds where I was using a Sony RX100v5.  This blog discusses the use of my iPhone17pro.  A simple technique with the iPhone is to control the exposure using the inbuilt camera app.  Reducing the exposure in this way helps to reduce the glare from the bright lights.

Sigrid Birmingham 02Academy 2026
Sigrid
Sigrid Birmingham 02Academy 2026
The crowd

.

I did take close pictures of Sigrid but most of the time I was in the main crowd enjoying her music.  There are pictures of the crowd which show the audience participation led by the singer.  Another tip with the iPhone is not to overuse the digital zoom as you will find your pictures are excessively noisy. Where possible I did not go over x2 zoom.

Sigrid Birmingham 02Academy 2026
Sigrid and band say goodbye until the next time.

As to the concert, Sigrid is such an accomplished performer and has an exuberant personality.  There is no fancy stage show as Sigrid prefers to showcase her excellent singing enhanced by her infectious personality.  She played mostly from her new album “There’s always more that I can say” and favourite songs including “Strangers” were played much to the audience’s delight.  The band were excellent including some excellent guitar solos.  Sigrid’s set list shows the songs that were featured. Definitely an entertaining concert by an artist who is at the top of their game.  

Sigrid Birmingham
A pre concert drink at the Craven Arms

I have written up my concert review of Steve Gunn back in 2019 and maybe I should do a few more features in the future rather than just the odd picture on my socials timeline.

Steve Gunn
Categories blog

Reflections After Dark: Photographing Birmingham’s Campus in the Rain

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Reflections at night with the University at night

Photographs and reflections taken during a rainy evening walk around the University of Birmingham following a talk on therapeutic photography Find out more about Neil Gibson on his social media.

Reflections in the dark, the University at night
A student makes their way into the Teaching and Learning block.

A Wet Evening on Campus

The University of Birmingham campus is very beautiful at night. I enjoy wandering around with my camera, photographing the buildings when the lights are on. The bright lights from the buildings and the rain-swept pavements create wonderful reflections. I realise that this may not be the best environmental practice, but the campus does look splendid illuminated after dark.

Reflections at night University at night
People studiing in the teaching and learning block

Earlier in the evening I had attended a talk on therapeutic photography by Neil Gibson, which inspired me to take more pictures of the campus at night.

Old Joe Lights Up the Night

The rain was lashing down and, at first, the idea of an evening stroll was not particularly appealing. However, when I saw Old Joe lit up in vibrant colours to celebrate 125 years, I was captivated and could not resist taking photographs. There were puddles of water that offered several opportunities for reflections of the lights from the building.

Reflections in the dark. the University at night
Looking up at the colours of Old Joe
Reflections in the dark. University at night
Underneath Old Joe, a car sits looking at the Aston Webb building.

Cameras for a Rainy Night

My Fujifilm X100VI is ideal for wet nights, as I have weather-proofed the camera. The iPhone 17 Pro is always with me and is also an excellent camera for capturing wet-weather reflections.

Reflections in the Dark. University at night
The steps at the entrance to the Muirhead Tower create interesting patterns in the dark

Starting at the North Gate

As the talk began at the Gisbert Kapp Building, the North Gate was an ideal starting point. There are some wonderfully cinematic night views here featuring Old Joe. It is difficult not to become distracted by the envelope of vibrant colours surrounding the clock tower.

Reflections in the dark. University at night
The North Gate of the University at night with Old Joe in the distance.

Student Life After Dark

The newer buildings on the right were a hive of student activity. Both the Library and the Teaching and Learning Building were brightly lit, and I stayed nearby for a while to capture students moving in and out.

Reflections in the Dark. University at night
The teaching and learning block provides geometric patterns.

The trees in front of the Muirhead Tower looked particularly striking and slightly eerie in the rain.

Reflections in the Dark, University at night
Trees illuminated by ground lighting look very stark in the light.

The Classic Views of Old Joe

Everyone takes the classic views of the clock tower with strong leading lines, and I thought, why not? I headed to the usual Instagram-friendly spots around the Aston Webb Building to capture those iconic perspectives.

Reflections in the dark, University at night
A classic view of the Chamberlain clock tower in lights for the 125 years anniversary.

A Quiet, Rainy Walk Back

After taking a few close-up shots of Old Joe, I wandered back towards the Muirhead Tower and along the walkways to the North Gate. It was a very wet night, so unfortunately there were not many people around. Once again there were several reflections creating photographic opportunities.

Reflections in the dark, the University at night
Railings on the steps leading to the walkways around the Green Heart.

I like to catch the occasional silhouette in the glare of the lights, but most people were sensibly staying inside the buildings. After one last look around the campus, I made a welcome retreat to the shelter of my car.

Reflections in the dark, the University at night
The lights at the Pritchatts Road highlight the rain.

This is the second in an occasional series on the University of Birmingham at night. Please read my first account of night photography around Birmingham campus which is focussed mainly around the railway station.

Night photography on the University of Birmingham campus
Categories blog

Golden Lion: Restoration of Birmingham’s Historic Building

by Damien Walmsley Posted on
Exposed Structural Frame Wide View Wide shot of the exposed skeletal timber frame of the Golden Lion building.

At long last, the Golden Lion is coming back to life. I first visited the building last year, before restoration began, when Irene from Birmingham Conservation Trust gave us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the plans for this Grade II listed gem. Now, with work well underway, I had the chance to return to see the progress taking place.

Golden Lion Conservation in Progress Overall view of the Golden Lion building mid-restoration surrounded by scaffolding.
Golden Lion Conservation in Progress – Overall view of the Golden Lion building mid-restoration surrounded by scaffolding in Cannon Hill Park.

The Golden Lion has quite a story. Built in the early 1600s, it originally stood in Deritend High Street and has lived many different lives over the centuries. In 1911 it was moved to Cannon Hill Park, where it later served as a cricket pavilion and refreshment room. For more than 20 years, however, it has stood empty until support from Historic England  and local funders allowed Birmingham Conservation Trust and the City Council to begin the restoration.

Old and New Timber Joinery Detail showing new timber carefully joined with original wood during Golden Lion restoration.
Old and New Timber Joinery – Detail showing new timber carefully joined with original wood during Golden Lion restoration.

This latest visit was something special. The hard hat tour was limited to just six people, making it a rare opportunity to see the restoration up close. Irene once again led the visit, starting with an update on progress so far before introducing us to Richard, the site manager from Reynolds Conservation. After the essential health and safety briefing, we were suited up in hard hats and high-vis and then it was time to explore.

Richard the site manager from Reynolds Conservation site manager - Golden Lion Restoration Project
Richard, the site manager from Reynolds Conservation – Golden Lion Restoration Project

Unlike my previous visit, when we viewed the interior, this time we walked around the outside via scaffolding. It gave a completely different perspective to the house. The focus of the work is currently on the timber frame i.e. the true skeleton of the building. The roof timbers are in surprisingly good condition, but the lower sections have needed careful repair. Everywhere you looked, numbered markings showed where attention was required, and skilled carpenters were meticulously blending new timber with old. The result is a fascinating mix of a centuries old building meeting modern craftsmanship.

Roof Timbers Interior View Historic roof timbers inside the Golden Lion building during conservation works.
Roof Timbers View – Historic roof timbers of the Golden Lion building during conservation works.
Golden Lion Upper Structure from Scaffolding View of the Golden Lion upper structure taken from scaffolding during restoration.
Golden Lion Upper Structure from Scaffolding – View of the Golden Lion upper structure taken from scaffolding during restoration.

The same careful approach is being taken with the brickwork. Damaged bricks are removed and replaced with historically appropriate materials, following Historic England guidelines. Listening to Irene and Richard discuss the restoration was a highlight. Their passion for getting every detail right was obvious. Even the replacement window glass has been specially researched to ensure it matches the original look and character of the Golden Lion.

Hard Hat Tour Group Visitors wearing hard hats and high-visibility jackets during a guided Golden Lion restoration tour.
Hard Hat Tour Group with Irene and Richard – Visitors wearing hard hats and high-visibility jackets during the guided Golden Lion restoration tour.
Window Frame Restoration Window frame and broken glass at the Golden Lion.
Window Frame Restoration – Window frame and broken glass at the Golden Lion.
Window Frame Restoration Restored window frame and historically matched glass installed at the Golden Lion.
Window Frame Restoration – Restored window frame and historically matched glass installed at the Golden Lion.

From a photography perspective, it was a dream visit. The exposed timber frame was particularly striking. I loved the geometric angles, and the texture of the wood used, new and old. Standing there, you could almost feel the building poised between past and future, ready for its next chapter.

Craftsmanship Detail Shot Close-up showing traditional craftsmanship techniques used in Golden Lion timber repairs.
Craftsmanship Detail Shot – Close-up showing traditional craftsmanship techniques used in timber repairs.

I felt incredibly lucky to be part of such a small tour, and I can’t wait to see the Golden Lion fully restored. It’s one of those projects that reminds you how much history still survives and in this case fortunate that the right people provide the chance for the building to shine again.

Wood shavings left over from the Golden Lion timber repairs
Wood shavings left over from the timber repairs

A major grant from Historic England has made the restoration of the Golden Lion possible, and without that support it’s unlikely the work would have started so quickly. If you’d like to learn more about the Golden Lion and its history, be sure to check out the links below.

Behind the Scaffolding: A Glimpse Inside the Golden Lion
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