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.

7931. Dudley Street, Birmingham

Annatomix, Dudley Street, Birmingham, September 2026
Annatomix, Dudley Street, Birmingham, September 2026

Another piece I managed to snap on a recent work trip in Birmingham on my way to the station, this time by the brilliant Annatomix, whose ‘origami’ style animal pieces are so distinctive.

Annatomix, Dudley Street, Birmingham, September 2026
Annatomix, Dudley Street, Birmingham, September 2026

This gorgeous magpie or maybe blue jay certainly brightens up an incredibly bland street in Birmingham. Annatomix is running a campaign against exploitation of her and other artist’s art, and is limiting her street work to commissions, so I am guessing this might be quite an old piece. Stunning though.

7930. Hurst Street, Birmingham

Tizer, Hurst Street, Birmingham, September 2026
Tizer, Hurst Street, Birmingham, September 2026

An early start today to fly back home from them perfect days in Skopelos and Skiathos, Greece, so I wrote this post last night. A quick one…

Tizer, Hurst Street, Birmingham, September 2026
Tizer, Hurst Street, Birmingham, September 2026

I ran a workshop in Birmingham a few weeks ago, and walking back to the station I spotted this old piece by Tizer, dated 2019. It appears to have fared reasonably well. It is a classic combination piece by the London-based artist. Great character and letters.

Thursday doors – 22 August 2024, Birmingham

Doors 275 – Doors of Birmingham, UK, November 2023

Back in November, I had a meeting in Birmingham. I think it was a large team meeting, and because we have colleagues located all around the country, Birmingham was chosen as the venue because it is pretty central, and reduces travel costs and time for most people.

These pictures were taken between the station and the meeting venue, which would appear to be the heart of the law district in Birmingham, with plenty of chambers and the Birmingham Law Library. There are some surprisingly interesting doors in the selection, which were photographed in a bit of a hurry during the ten-minute walk.

Trocadero and Albert Chambers doors, Birmingham, November 2023
Trocadero and Albert Chambers doors, Birmingham, November 2023
Anticipating Christmas doors, Birmingham, November 2023
Anticipating Christmas doors, Birmingham, November 2023
Fire exit door and fine masonry, Birmingham, November 2023
Fire exit door and fine masonry, Birmingham, November 2023
Austere Temple Buildings doors, Birmingham, November 2023
Austere Temple Buildings doors, Birmingham, November 2023
Birmingham Law Library doors, Birmingham, November 2023
Birmingham Law Library doors, Birmingham, November 2023
Black doors and fancy stone faces, Birmingham, November 2023
Black doors and fancy stone faces, Birmingham, November 2023
Double set of doors at Newton Chambers, Birmingham, November 2023
Double set of doors at Newton Chambers, Birmingham, November 2023

So that’s it from me this week, and from Birmingham for the time being. I’ll have to root around in my folders to decide what to post next time. May I wish you a great weekend ahead.

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 Thursday Doors post.

by Scooj

Genesis

.

In the beginning

was a rock band Genesis

last performances

.

by Scooj

* in Birmingham watching ageing rockers.

Incurable

.

Postprandial slump

it’s my age I’d like to think

pinching doesn’t work

.

by Scooj

Mimic

 

Incorporation

of natural forms, calms the

fraught urban landscape.

 

by Scooj

Second Division

Day in Birmingham,

‘Venice’ of middle England.

Canals, not beauty.

 

by Scooj