The Golden Lion is a building with a long and varied history. Walk along the main path in Canon Hill Park, and you will soon come across it. The scaffolding surrounding the structure gives its location away. You then realise that it commands a striking view of the green space, the boating lake, and the MAC.
Hard Hats at the Ready.
The Golden Lion has served many purposes over the years, including being used as a living space, public house, and a cricket pavilion. Its original location was on Deritend High Street, but it was moved to Canon Hill Park in 1911. If you wish to learn more about its background, the Birmingham Conservation Trust (BCT) website is a good place to start.
The outside scaffolding.
This blog describes my hard hat tour of the Golden Lion, organised by the BCT. Irene from the Trust was our guide, and she explained that restoration work on the building would soon begin. Only a few tours were scheduled before work commenced, so this was a rare opportunity to see inside the structure before any changes took place.
Inside the Golden Lion, Ground Floor inspecting the ceiling.Looking at the walls.Looking up to the roof and the space where orignially there was a second floor.
Irene was full of enthusiasm. As she explained both the history and the upcoming plans for the building, it became clear how closely the two are connected. We donned our hard hats and entered. Since the windows were boarded up, we needed torches to see. We were warned about low ceilings—and spiders. The latter, we were told, were actually a good sign, as they indicated that bats had not nested in the building, which would have delayed the restoration.
Debris on the floor.
We explored the ground floor and then the first floor. Debris lay scattered on the floors, and shards of light pierced through cracks in the walls. Despite this, the building was remarkably dry and structurally intact. Small holes in the walls provided natural ventilation, allowing the building to dry out quickly after rain.
Window latch.Secrets in the wood.Markings on the door.
As we moved through the space, there were clear reminders of its previous uses as a cricket pavilion and a ranger’s office. These later modifications were visible on the interior walls. There were fittings for benches, and the windows had been fitted with modern locks and latches. Originally, the building had another floor, and the outlines of where it once stood could still be seen on the walls. Early records from the 1851 census report that up to 50 people once lived in and around the building when it stood in Deritend. This included the courtyard at the rear where there were 6 small (slum) dwellings
Going down the stairs
The visit was fascinating, and the history embedded in the walls came alive during our conversations. I am looking forward to seeing the Golden Lion restored and given a new lease of life. Thank you to the Birmingham Conservation Trust for organising the visit, and to Irene for being such an informative and enthusiastic guide. Finally a special thanks to Pat Rodwell for obtaining tickets.
If you are interested in exploring historical buildings around Birmingham which are a lot safer and accessible then I would recommend a visit to Selly Manor as my blog shows below.
This photography exhibition celebrated the work of Henry Chalfant Living in New York City in the early seventies and eighties. Chalfant befriended the newly emerging Graffiti artists who were painting the subway trains. The city was run down and there was rampant crime and homelessness. Businesses left the city leaving behing areas with problems of drugs and homelessness. The subway system reflected this period of decay with fewer people willing to risk journeys due to crime and train breakdowns. Young people started spray painting the trains in the depots. This upset New Yorkers who did not like the tagging of the subway trains as to them it epitomised the depth of decay.
The Exhibition Entrance featured the photography of Henry Chalfont.
I remember visiting Manhattan in 1980 and 1988. There were still no-go areas such as the area around Alphabet City and I visited St Patrick’s cathedral the day after a killing in the church. But I do remember the exciting and energetic Greenwich Village gay parade that took place during my visit in 1988. There was a feeling of new life and the city was regenerating and rediscovering itself.
The details of the subway carriages. Many of these designs are gone but recorded as pictures.
Roll forward 40 plus years and the young spray painters are now world-renowned artists. The exciting music scene of Hip Hop sprung out from this period.
The set out and curation of the pictures was cleverly done.
The Epic Story of Graffiti was held in one of the empty department stores in the Bullring. This was brought to Birmingham by Birmingham Hippodrome and Soul City Arts. On opening night, this colourful exhibition brought Chalfont to Birmingham and the pictorial history of graffiti and hip hop was celebrated. The exhibition was curated by one of our very own street artists, Muhammed Ali Aerosol. I visited on a quiet mid-week morning and had the place to myself. A visually striking display of countless trains tagged with graffiti was on a long display board. I found it fascinating looking at all the artistic designs sprayed on the trains. Chalfont had paid attention to small details such as lining up all the trains in numerical order.
Watching the video on Hip Hop.
There were pictures of the young artists and moving displays that made you feel as if you were in an underground station. I sat and watched a video about hip hop and interviews with the young New Yorkers excitedly telling the interviewer about their life. I also enjoyed reading the quotes that were placed around the exhibition.
Ready for Hip HopThis quote is so true.
I had spent time before the exhibition opened photographing the Graffiti in Digbeth so I was in the right space to appreciate the brilliant photography of Henry Chalfont and what the exhibition had to offer. There is a further in depth review by BBC Birmingham.
Finally a nostalgic view of the streets of NYC from 1980 when I visited as I student.
Streets of NYC, August 1980.
I love to photography Graffiti and Digbeth offers the best of the street art in the City. Here is one of my blogs on Digbeth.
I took a walk from Snow Hill train station up towards Edgbaston village where I had a meeting. This is a collection of 10 images in black and white from my walk. All taken with my Fujifilm x100vi and converted to monochrome.
Brutilistic designCube 20Tagged windowsBusy towpathBnW not blueFive ways HouseForgotten entranceBroken WindowsEdgbaston Village
Enjoyed this, then read some more about Birmingham in Black and White.
I am always on the lookout for new street art in Digbeth and on social media I learnt that there was new artwork by Fokawolf under one of the railway arches. Another popular street artist, Gent48 frequently puts out vibrant murals and his new artwork was mentioned in recent instagram posts. My third reason for a visit was to take a look at the Colour Palette of Digbeth by Stacey Barnfield. This made it the perfect time for one of my regular visits to Digbeth, giving me the chance to refine my street photography techniques. I have experimented with different ways of capturing people, and a recent visit to London had proved quite successful. Now it was time to see whether the streets of Digbeth would be just as receptive.
Story by the arches.
The railway arches are a defining feature of Digbeth and often make a strong impression in photographing the area. I took the opportunity to capture the stories that unfolded beneath them. My Fujifilm X100VI was set up with back-button focusing, and as the sun was shining, I attached my Urth polarising filter to cut down on glare. The resulting images tell distinct stories, and I was pleased with how they turned out.
Twist again and again.
When searching for street photography opportunities, the combination of artwork and typography is incredibly helpful. Timing is everything. I try to blend into the background. Focusing away from the subject while drawing them into the story is often a delicate balancing act.
Let us sort the city out.Red Brick Market soaking up the sun.The colours of Gent48
Eventually, I found the Fokawolf piece—a large printout of the Chuckle Brothers pasted under the arches on Heath Mill Lane. Although I took many shots of people passing by the artwork, I was not satisfied with the initial results. Then I noticed someone approaching down the road. I waited in position. This is a useful technique: appearing to photograph the artwork and then capturing the subject as they enter the frame. I pretend I am still waiting for the right moment, even though I have already taken the shot. This approach only works in certain situations, but when it does, it can be very effective.
The chuckle brothers by Fokawolf.
I also took some close-ups and other images of the surrounding streets. Digbeth naturally lends itself to photography. The colours of the street art are vibrant, and the architectural features add depth and texture. Messages on the walls and passing people add narrative and character to the photographs.
The colour palette of Digbeth.Close ups of Digbeth.The dentist in me appreciated this close upThe green heart of Digbeth
Enjoy my latest venture into Digbeth, and there are more adventures and photography in Digbeth in my blog.
Every year, Blue Square blossoms into a wonderland. The cherry trees wake up from the long winter months, and the blossoms that appear are captivating, making the square look beautiful. The trees are arranged in front of the Icon Gallery, where the warm brick contrasts with the soft cream colour of the blossoms.
People flock to the square to take pictures of the blossom.
Many people converge on the square, with celebrations ranging from Eastern European dance performances to Asian cultural gatherings. The arrival of the blossoms draws in people from all over Birmingham. Capturing a unique picture of the square has now become a challenge, as so many photographers have documented it over the years—some even choose to stay away, feeling they have seen it all.
The view from the IKON and the bench under the blossom.
However, I still enjoy visiting the square and taking pictures whenever I have the opportunity. These are the results of my yearly visits since the start of my blog, and it is fascinating to compare the images over time.
The IKON gallery with reflections in the nearby restaurant windows.
This is an account of last year’s blossoms in the square.
While organising a walk for the photographic group Negative Space, we explored Digbeth using the canals as our guide. After lunch, we headed back into town, walking via Shaw’s Passage. I was pleasantly surprised to find the community garden open, so as a group, we went in.
The entrance to the community garden
The garden is a small green space situated close to the HS2 works. In fact, the HS2 project is not particularly welcomed here, as one of my pictures shows. The walls of the garden are adorned with street murals several of which I have always wanted to see. Such colourful images add to the space’s character. A path around the perimeter leads to the back walls, where I met one of the volunteers, who was dressed as a bumblebee. (I have forgotten his name, though I believe it began with an H.) His striking yellow-and-black costume stood out, and he was more than happy to have his photograph taken.
Street art and bath tubsA resident bee keeperHS2 is not welcome hereArt on the walls
Compost was the main topic of conversation that day. A few members of Negative Space were particularly enthusiastic about learning how the volunteers in the garden produce and distribute the compost. As it was early March, spring was only just beginning to emerge, so much of the garden’s work was focused on preparation. At the heart of the space is a beehive, though activity there was also just beginning.
Discussing the merits of compost.Watering can at the ready.Bee hive and flags
My aim is to return in the summer when the garden will be in full bloom and compare my photos from then to now. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my record of this visit.
I encouraged my daughter and grandson to join me on a walk to see the HS2 works next to 16 Acre Wood. It’s now 2025, and it’s time for an update on my visits to the site. These visits began in 2021, and I’ve kept a diary documenting all the changes that have taken place over the years.
Over the hill and far awayHS2 signsNew bridges on the line.Concrete structures.Heavy machinery.The gate
We’ve had a lot of rain recently, and the walk reflected this as the footpath became quite muddy. When we reached the area, the first thing I noticed was the progress made with two bridges. A lot of concrete had been poured, resulting in two large structures. The special pond had also received some attention. The overgrown foliage had been cut back, and we were now able to see the water and grass more clearly. No trees have been planted around the pond yet, so it will be interesting to see how it fares over the coming summer.
Lots of numbersThe new pond.The pond is still looking on.Nature is always near.The wood is a lot thinner.
Walking around the site on the weekend meant there were no concerns about taking photographs, which was a nice bonus. However, it was a long walk which Noah was not so happy about!
Walking along the footpath.
This is an update on a continuing story on 16 Acre Wood and the intrusion of HS2. Feel free to read the my other entries starting with the one highlighted below.
The Birmingham Light Festival has brightened up the city as look to the end of winter. Light festivals have been held previously, and this year, the company Opus supplied 11 imaginative light installations. Although many other activities were taking place, the BBC was planning a feature on the lights. I tagged along with John Bray, and we systematically tracked down most of the installations. It was also an opportunity to try out my night lens filter for my Fujifilm X100vi which was a present by my daughters. I was eager to try it out.
‘The Roof of Stars’ lights up Thorp Street, and transforms the area around Birmingham Hippodrome’s Stage Door. It was fun trying to capture both the cars and the reflections of the stars. Near to the main entrance of the Hippodrome, there is a peace poem – the words are very much needed at present.
The Roof of StarsPeace Poem
‘The Light Door’ at New Street Station was very bright. There were also many people around and catching either a clear shot or getting one where they were interacting with the light was not straight forward. I soon realised that taking pictures of these light installations was going to be tricky due to their placement and the challenge of capturing the atmosphere of people interacting with the displays.
The light door
The Mailbox featured a fruit machine installation, “Positive spin”. My Fujifilm did not have the wide angle view and I should have reached for my iPhone for a wide angled view. As we walked towards Gas Street Basin and Centenary Square, we spotted a light boat passing by on its way to the Mailbox, allowing us to capture the scene at just the right moment. There were volunteers from the Canal and River Trust who had been involved with the lights on the narrow boat.
Positive SpinThe narrowboat of light arrives at the Mailbox
Centenary Square had two installations: “Dance on Lava” Floor is LAVA x Silent Disco and “Night Badminton.” People were having fun especially on the dance floor. The badminton installation had a purple shuttlecock which was difficult to follow against the city lights and the dark night sky. The people playing the game did not seem to mind.
Dance Floor is LavaNight Badmington
I was not disappointed with the last three installations we visited. The first was “Ideas happen here” in Newhall Square, where the fountains and water reflections provided plenty of opportunities for great pictures. Saint Paul’s Square had a bioluminescent fungus display in lights, offering numerous leading lines and a quieter setting that made it easier to capture images. The final installation was “Flux” in Snow Hill Square. Fortunately, I found a display board where I could rest my camera, allowing me to take a long exposure shot of the bars of light as they whirled around.
Ideas happen here.Mycelium networkFlux
The one I missed was Alright Bab but as this is a legacy installation, I have time on my side to take pictures of it. I returned on the Monday and took pictures of this iconic phrase.
Alright Bab.
Tracking down the light installations made for an super night of photography. I was pleased with how my lens filter performed, as it cut down on light pollution and allowed for very small apertures, resulting in some nice starbursts. Winter is almost over, and spring is just around the corner, but I always enjoy these light installations.
Here are my blog entries from previous light festivals in Birmingham to enjoy.
The year may have started with plenty of rain, but that never stops me from hunting for reflections. I have a few favourite spots where I find good puddles, and here is a selection from the start of 2025.
Kingswood Junction after a very heavy downpour flooded the towpath.Taken with my Fujifilm x100vi of Gas Street Basin. There is smoke billowing out of one of the narrowboats.
Someone recently asked about my technique for taking such pictures. When capturing reflections, I use my iPhone, seeking out patches of water and anticipating how a reflection may appear. A key step is to get as low as possible to the puddle. This can be challenging, especially with particularly muddy puddles, like the one on Normandy Hill. One wrong step, and you could end up a muddy mess if you stumble into the water.
This reflection was taken from the surface of a very muddy puddle on Normandy Hill, Hillmorton, Rugby.
I position my phone so that the back lens is as close to the water as possible, just before autofocus engages. This creates a blurred background effect as the phone focuses on the nearest object. Since you are often crouching in muddy water while holding your phone, you must anticipate the outcome of your shot rather than seeing it perfectly in the moment. Using a larger camera—even a compact one—would be difficult in such conditions. Of course, larger cameras work well when photographing a lake beneath a mountain range, safely away from the water’s edge. However, the beauty of using a phone is its ability to capture reflections effortlessly during everyday walks. There are two pictures, in this gallery that have been taken with my Fujifilm x100v and I am still able to capture the magic of reflections.
Tow trains, one local, the other to London with the reflections framed by the footbridge.This contrast of colours of the blue hour and the warm lights is enhanced by the reflections. The picture was taken with my x100vi.
Having taken reflection photographs countless times, I now appreciate that the real skill lies in composition. It is about anticipating the possibilities that even a small puddle can offer.
Reflections at Selfridges with a blue theme. A favourite place for photographs.
Druids Heath is just a place I pass through—a shortcut home and a fast route that I have taken many times after events at the University of Birmingham or in Selly Oak and Bournville. Passing through the area, I often wondered about the mix of tower blocks and green spaces. I remember passing a lively pub, although its name always escaped me. My drive through would last around five minutes, ending at the Maypole and onto the bypass leading to the motorway back home.
Bell’s lane. the main thoroughfare passing through Druids Heath
Druids Heath remained an enigma until I stumbled upon a National Trust post which led me to the National Trust’s Back to Backs website. There was an advert for a walking tour of the area, linked to the slum clearance projects of the 1960s, such as the Back to Backs. Sparkling new estates had sprung up during that era, with Druids Heath at the forefront. My family came from Manchester, so I never learnt about the clearance of Birmingham’s slums. However, I did have University friends who lived in the Hume crescents in the late seventies. I have many stories of visiting Hulme when a student in Manchester.
Jayne Murray, the resident artist of Place Prospectors.
The walk around Druids Heath was organised by Jayne Murray, the resident artist of Place Prospectors. We gathered at the terminus of the number 50 bus, where Jayne introduced herself and handed out a set of postcards. Each postcard was to act as a signpost for our journey around the estate. The first depicted a map and a picture of the bus stop. As we began our walk, we found ourselves on the border of the city with the green fields of Bromsgrove and Worcestershire on the other side of the road. There was a stark contrast between the green countryside and the houses and towers of Druids Heath. The houses were built in units—some with garages and living quarters above, others resembling small terraces. Tower blocks punctuated the landscape, standing over the lower-raised houses. As we moved along, these towers became an ever-present feature, imposing themselves on the scenery.
A typical example of low level housing in Druids Heath.
Despite the low-grade litter scattered around the estate, it was clear that many residents took pride in their homes, adding personal touches to make the place welcoming. Jayne shared background details about the area, and the postcards were a clever prompt, allowing us to see how the estate had changed over the years. For example, the land along Bells Lane was once used for farming, and remnants of its agricultural past were still visible in the bushes that had once formed natural borders.
An example of the concrete architecture on the estate.Empty dustbins
We stopped at several landmarks, including the former pub called the Gladiator. Now I remember its name! Jayne explained that where there were once three pubs, there are now none, and she lamented the loss of the community spirit that disappeared with their closure. We also heard about the Dell; a large area of heathland once earmarked for development. A determined community fightback led to the cancellation of these plans, and the area is now a haven for wildlife.
The heathland of the Dell overshadowed by electricity pylons.
The final stages of the walk focused on the towers. Some have been demolished, while others stand empty, deemed unsuitable for habitation. Hillcroft House, for instance, stands vacant next to a row of shops—some are still in use, others abandoned. We passed two demolition sites: Heath House and Moundsley House. Both towers are now gone, leaving only grass in their place, with no new structures having yet been built. The library has since been replaced by the Druids Heath neighbourhood office and the youth club was still there. Using postcards with images of the towers mid-demolition, we aligned our photos to capture the present-day view, a poignant reminder of what once stood there.
The towers impose themselves over the undelating landscape.Leading lines to the towersHillcroft House stands emptyWelcome to Druids Heath.The site where Moundsley House once stood.
Jayne then led us up a hill to a green metal fence enclosing a large empty space. She recounted the story of Baverstock School, once a jewel in the estate’s crown. Built in 1969, its headteacher, Mr Perks, was dedicated to giving pupils the chance for a brighter future, and the school gained numerous accolades. However, after his retirement, the school’s fortunes declined, plagued by financial mismanagement and poor governance. It closed in 2017, with bulldozers arriving in 2020. The story saddened me, and I struggled to understand how such a vibrant institution could fall into ruin. Today, all that remains is an empty space, a postcard, and memories cherished by former staff and pupils.
There is nothing to show that Baverstock School once proudly stood here.
As we neared the end of our walk, a short footpath brought us to Kimpton Close, surrounded by three tower blocks: Saxelby, Kingswood, and Barretts Houses. Concrete buffers lay uprooted and scattered around the area. These buildings, now empty, await their fate. The 13-storey towers—used as a backdrop for the BBC drama series This Town, which explored the birth of ska in Coventry—stand as imposing relics of the past. I took many photographs, drawn to their photogenic yet haunting presence, and reflected on the families who once lived there. The setting sun seemed to know that their time was coming to an end.
The silhouettes of the three tower blocks against the setting sun.Looking up at Barretts House. Empty except for a few remnants of previous habitation.Graffiti writing on the entrance doors
Our final stop was a surprising landmark. Druids Heath is one of the highest points in Birmingham, and surrounded by the towers there was a trig point. Jayne joked that if we looked east, the next highest place would be the Ural Mountains. With the cold wind picking up on that late Saturday afternoon, I had no reason to doubt her.
The trig point in Druids Heath with the towers forming a backdrop to the landscape.
In our pack was artwork inspired by Druids Heath residents. The final postcard bore the words I am not going to panic, from the Moving Stories project. This artwork, by Jayne and Jean, one of the last residents of the Brookpiece tower block overlooking the trig point, depicted the long-reach of the proposed demolition. The tower was in the jaws of a pincer which outlined the area. There is a lot of concern and uncertainty about what is planned to be demolished and what will replace the present buildings.
We concluded our walk with a group photograph and I departed for home. Jayne and others headed to the Outpost Arts Centre for a screening of the film The Great British Housing Disaster. I later watched the film on YouTube, finding it a harrowing yet informative background to the building expansion in the sixties. The mismanagement and misplaced decision making from Government and building contractors remains a major problem to this day. Will the future lead to better things? That is a difficult question to answer based on past history of the buildings on Druids Heath.
Taken from the Instagram account of @jaynemurrayartisThe lights on Pound road
On my way back to the car, I passed the mural for Druids Heath by Mohammed Ali. The golden light of the setting sun enhanced its vibrant colours. The mural’s theme of safety and compassion reflected the community’s spirit and the hope for togetherness.
The artwork by Mohammed Ali symbolising the community spirit.
At the number 50 bus stop, where two buses waited, I was reminded of the first postcard Jayne had handed out. Back home, I looked through my pack again, matching my photographs with the postcards. I would encourage anyone to visit the Moving Stories website and read about the residents’ experiences of life on the Druids Heath estate. Their words—flooding, cold, damp, frustration, and loss of hope—paint a poignant picture of the challenges they faced.
The number 50 bus terminus.
Though Druids Heath was once just a shortcut on my way to Birmingham, this walk gave me a glimpse into its rich history, its struggles, and its community spirit. It is no longer simply a place I pass through but one I now understand more deeply.
Thank you to Jayne and the team that organised the walk around Druids Heath. Jayne was accompanied by Clare, who is an artist and former architect. Clare provided background information as to how the houses and towers were built. I found this to be an excellent follow on from my visit to the National Trust Back to Backs property. I have written a blog about my visit there and there is a link below. I shall be visiting the exhibition “Moving Stories” that links with the walking tour that I described in this blog.
I have also added a link to “The Great British housing disaster” which is essential viewing. The documentary unravels the mismanagement and poor quality control of the building industry in the 1960s. The people who bore the brunt of this disaster were ordinary people many of whom lost their lives when buildings collapsed or caught fire such as the Grenfell Tower fire.
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