The Friday Photo: Ikon Gallery

I seem to have had a run of red brick buildings of late but I make no apology, to me they are the most beautiful of our city’s architecture. This week is no exception with my photo of the Ikon Gallery in Brindley Place. This stunning building was built in 1877 and was designed John Henry Chamberlain who was also responsible for the equally beautiful Highbury Hall in Moseley and the Birmingham School of Art on Margaret Street. His style was Victorian Gothic and the building is now Grade II listed. The Ikon Gallery building was built as a school, namely Oozells Street Board School.
In 1976 the tower had to be pulled down as it became unsafe. The building was derelict for some time and was marked for demolition. Fortunately, it was saved at the last minute, the tower was rebuilt and it opened as the Ikon Gallery in 1998.