7942. Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham

Zinzinahh and Gent48, Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, September 2026
Zinzinahh and Gent48, Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, September 2026

I have mentioned in previous posts that on a recent work trip to Birmingham, I was lucky enough to pass by some street art spots on my way back to the station, after the workshop I led. One area, Smallbrook Queensway and the Ringway Centre appears to be in decline, with most of the shops and commercial spaces in this 1960s building boarded up. Needless to say that most if not all of the boards have been painted, and I would say some years ago – possibly an artefact of the impacts of Covid lock downs.

Zinzinahh and Gent48, Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, September 2026
Zinzinahh and Gent48, Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, September 2026

One artist in particular, Gent48, appears to have exploited this ‘canvas opportunity’ more than most, with several pieces, including this collaboration with graffiti writer Zinzinahh. The collaboration is a good one, dating back to 2023, and still in fairly good condition. The character by by Gent has an eye in the palm of his hand – there is a story there I am sure. The writing is beautifully executed, but I am not particularly familiar with either artist and can’t provide much background or context, preferring to enjoy the collaboration as a visitor.

Numb

.

Failed to land my job

not the glide path I hoped for

the world’s my oyster

.

or that’s what I tell myself

in those sorrowful moments

.

by Scooj

Thursday Doors – 1 October 2026

Doors 372 – Doors of Madeira (part III) – September 2025

Well I’m back from the best holiday in Greece, and feeling fully refreshed. I missed last week’s Thursday Doors because I was just enjoying myself too much and not having a lot of time for blogging and other Interweb activities. There is something very nice about September holidays in Europe, The weather is still good but the crowds are reduced, and everything feels just that little bit sleepier.  Our Madeira trip last year was also in September, and that too was excellent.

This week’s door selection continues on from last week with some more art on doors from the same area in the centre of Funchal. I hope you enjoy them:

Flaming doors, Travessa Joao Caetano, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025
Flaming doors, Travessa Joao Caetano, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025

Mermaid on a swing door, Travessa Joao Caetano, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025
Mermaid on a swing door, Travessa Joao Caetano, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025

Surveillance stencil on a pair of doors, Rua Dos Barreiros, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025
Surveillance stencil on a pair of doors, Rua Dos Barreiros, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025

Large portrait piece  doors, Rua Dos Barreiros, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025
Large portrait piece doors, Rua Dos Barreiros, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025

Naked lady door, Rua Dos Barreiros, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025
Naked lady door, Rua Dos Barreiros, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025

Turtle painting door, Rua De Santa Maria, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025
Turtle painting door, Rua De Santa Maria, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025

Door with a Mondrian-style pattern, Rua De Santa Maria, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025
Door with a Mondrian-style pattern, Rua De Santa Maria, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, September 2025

More from Madeira next time. Until then have a wonderful rest of week.

If you have made it this far, you probably like doors, and you really ought to take a look at the No Facilities blog by Dan Anton who has taken over the hosting of Thursday Doors from Norm 2.0 blog. Links to more doorscursions can be found in the comments section of Dan Anton’s weekly Thursday Doors post and his Sunday recap.