Posts Tagged ‘birminghamheritage’
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Heritage Open Days (HODs) are an annual chance to celebrate the eclectic heritage of England. All around the country, properties that are usually closed to the public or charge admission open their doors to everyone – for free! Properties can range from factories to synagogues, castles to stately homes and everything in between, and there’s sure to be something interesting near you.
The HODs this year will run from 9-12 September and the event directory for this year’s events is now live, so you can start planning your visits. You may need to book ahead for some properties as places can be limited and the HODs grow more popular with visitors every year! Click here to see what’s going on in the West Midlands this year.
Tags: birminghamheritage, Buildings, English Heritage, heritage, heritage open days
Posted in Buildings, Events, Feature on Front Page, Heritage News | No Comments »
Saturday, July 24th, 2010
The ‘pub’ is one of Britain’s great institutions; it was largely a Victorian creation but since the 1960’s it has been subject to rapid and often insensitive change. Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) have estimated that 39 pubs are closing each week; a loss of any heritage asset will lead to a desire to preserve what is left.
CAMRA did just this and undertook a National Inventory of Pub Interiors of Outstanding Interest and of the 60 000 pubs in the United Kingdom, 293 of those were of significant importance. The inventory is in two parts: part one covers interiors which are essentially intact since they were originally created which holds 195 entries 8 of which are in Birmingham and part two lists pub interiors whilst not intact contain features or rooms which are of truly national significance of which there are 98 entries 4 of which are in Birmingham.
A series of pubs built in Birmingham between 1896 and 1904 by James and Lister Lea are truly unique to Birmingham. These pubs are named ‘tile and terracotta’ so-called from the red terracotta facing on the frontage and extensive use of tiles for decoration inside.
Ceramic tiles found in The White Swan, Digbeth
The Anchor, Digbeth: A red brick and terracotta building built by James and Lister Lea.
However, over the past three or four decades the public house has seen massive changes through changing fashion tastes, economy and benign neglect which has resulted in many nationally important interiors currently at risk. If you want to know more Licensed to Sell – The History and Heritage of the Public House by Geoff Brandwood, Andrew Davison and Michael Slaughter explains how pubs took their present form and examines the exceptional interiors that can be found.
Tags: Architecture, birmingham, birminghamheritage, Buildings, digbeth, heritage, Victorian
Posted in Architecture, Buildings, birmingham | 1 Comment »
Monday, July 5th, 2010
From The Stirrer:
Image courtesy of The Stirrer
Members of the public have a chance to delve into Birmingham’s industrial past this month when a series of archaeological lectures reveal the findings of last year’s excavation works at the site of the new Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square.
The lectures, delivered by William Mitchell and Chris Hewitson of Birmingham Archaeology, will take place at Library Theatre, adjacent to the current Birmingham’s Central Library, on Wednesday July 7th (12.30-1.30pm) and Saturday July 24th (1-2pm), and are set to reveal in detail the significance behind the discoveries made at the new site prior to the start of construction in January.
Both William and Chris were part of the archaeology team from the University of Birmingham which carried out the excavation work between July and December 2009.
The dig uncovered a plethora of intriguing links to history, including remains of Gibson’s and Baskerville Canal Arms, as well as remnants from Robert Winfield’s Cambridge Street Works, one of Birmingham’s premier brass manufacturers that flourished in the 19th century.
Tickets for the lectures are available free of charge from www.birminghamboxoffice.com, by calling 0121 303 2323, and from Central Library reception.
Tags: archaeology, birminghamheritage, BirminghamUK
Posted in Birmingham News, BirminghamUK, Buildings, Events, Heritage News, archaeology, birmingham | No Comments »
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
Church in Cheshire, courtesy of the English Heritage website
Two recent articles on the Guardian website highlighted a survey of our churches and other places of worship by English Heritage. The survey uncovered an urgent repairs backlog of an estimated £900m, with the current condition of one in 10 churches causing serious concern.
One article, published prior to the release of the survey, said:
…The report, to be released on Wednesday, is not as bleak as many feared. It is expected to show that one in nine (11%) of all places of worship are in poor or very poor condition and therefore at risk, based on a representative sample survey of almost 1,500 buildings. The remainder are in fair or good condition, greatly valued both by the worshippers and the surrounding community, and often well supported and maintained through heroic efforts by tiny regular congregations.
The article goes on to say that the type of building often has much bearing on its condition – higher graded listed buildings are often in poor condition, as are isolated rural churches. Inner-city churches are often found to be in better condition than those in rural areas, but the survey found that 28% of places of worship in Birmingham are at risk – St. Barnabas on Erdington High St is one of these.
However mammoth the task of caring for our crumbling places of worship may seem, English Heritage is very positive about what congregations can do to help. Dr Simon Thurley (Chief Executive of English Heritage) said:
“I urge everyone who cares about their local church, chapel, synagogue or other place of worship to lend a hand. Don’t be put off by what might seem like an impossible challenge – the key is to do small things really well. Finding somewhere to serve cups of tea might achieve just as much as a major building project. Clearing gutters could save the need for a whole new roof or renewing damp walls at a cost of thousands of pounds. Brambles cleared in a Cornish churchyard last year made way for a host of primroses this year and an influx of visitors as a result. Get hold of one of our Caring for Places of Worship booklets and get going!”
You can find the Guardian articles here and here. The Birmingham Mail have also covered the survey, focusing on the places of worship at risk in Birmingham – find that article here.
Tags: Architecture, birmingham, birmingham mail, birminghamheritage, Churches, conservation, English Heritage, Guardian
Posted in Architecture, Birmingham News, Buildings, Feature on Front Page, Heritage News, Other sites | No Comments »
Monday, June 21st, 2010
Selly Manor, photograph courtesy of the Bournville Village Trust website
Historic Selly Manor in Bournville really is the most glorious place to spend a sunny afternoon. Or a rainy afternoon come to think of it. I think I’m probably a little biased, as I regularly volunteer at the Manor, but I stand by my statement all the same.
Selly Manor is the site of two timber-framed buildings – the Manor and Minworth Greaves, a small medieval hall. Both were saved by the Cadbury family in the early 20th century - at risk of demolition, they were moved from their original locations and re-built in picturesque Bournville.
Now is a great time to visit Selly Manor – the beautiful Tudor garden is in full swing – so this Sunday (27th June), Selly Manor will open for a Garden Day and Craft Fair from 11am – 4pm. As well as celebrating the garden, there will be over 20 stalls selling local and handmade crafts – from soap and cakes to jewellery and plants (and more!) Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children.
Please note: the opening times and admission prices listed above are for the Garden Day and Craft Fair ONLY – please visit the Selly Manor website to find out more about usual opening times and admission prices.
Tags: birminghamheritage, bournville, Buildings, Cadbury, heritage, Selly Manor
Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Events, Heritage News, Local History Groups, Other sites, birmingham | No Comments »
Friday, May 28th, 2010
The canal network is a legacy of Britain’s past and provides a unique insight into our industrial and social history. The built environment of the waterways which have evolved over hundred of years represents a unique working heritage which is part of our national heritage, as well as in integral part of our regional cultural heritage and local distinctiveness. The Government’s vision for our historic heritage is not just to protect the assets but to use them to help deliver a wide range of social and economic benefits through viable and sympathetic new use.
The Heart of Birmingham tPCT (HOBtPCT) and Birmingham City Council are working jointly to implement the PCT’s modernisation strategy ‘Towards 2010’. The modernisation strategy places emphasis on reducing health inequalities and encouraging greater responsibility for self-care and well-being. Enterprising Communities is working with HOBtPCT in delivering a number of community health projects, one of which is to increase the number of people accessing the Heartlands Ring canal network as a place for recreation and leisure, while at the same time will improve the quality of heritage conservation of the canal network.
Enterprising Communities are inviting proposals for funding for activity projects that fit into the following categories: access, arts, education, community safety, environment, community cohesion and health that would assist local communities to claim ownership of the Heartlands Ring canal network as an urban linear park to promote better health and well-being. Enterprising Communities will provide funding in 3 categories;
1) up to £499
2) £500 – 1000
3) Awards of up to £2000 may be considered for projects that can demonstrate long term benefit.
Applicants should complete an Heartlands Ring small grants Proposal Form
Proposal forms must be received by the Enterprising Communities Team by 12.00 noon on Wednesday 9th June. Electronic copies are acceptable but must be followed by a postal hard copy by Friday 11th June.
Email: kate.king@birmingham.gov.uk
Post: Enterprising Communities Regeneration Team, Room 6, Southside Business Centre, 249 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, B12 8LF
Tags: birmingham, birminghamheritage, development
Posted in Birmingham News, Projects | No Comments »
Thursday, May 6th, 2010
Museum Collections Centre. Photo courtesy of Andy Doherty, birminghamroundabout.co.uk
Birmingham Museum Services should be congratulating themselves after the Museum Collections Centre’s (MCC) latest Open Day this Bank Holiday Monday. I went along and had the most brilliant day, and it looked as though other visitors were definitely enjoying themselves. Until one of my fellow BCT bloggers provided information and a link to the MCC page on this very website, I’d never heard of the Open Days. Infact, I had no idea that there was even such a place as the MCC.
There was free transport from the city centre to the MCC in Nechells, courtesy of Aston Manor Transport Museum‘s vintage buses and the admission to the centre itself was also free. There were activities for kids, a mobile snack bar, rides on a model steam train and photography was very much encouraged. The fantastic thing about this place is that you literally never knew what was around the corner. Bread slicing machine? X-ray table? Gigantic ancient urn from Iraq? Door from Birmingham Debtor’s Prison (my personal favourite)? These are just a fraction of what can be seen.
The staff (volunteers?) were welcoming and extremely helpful and the MCC is very well equipped for visitors, but its not much like a trip to the museum – this is essentially a storage facility, so there’s no exhibitions or big panels packed full of information about objects. This is in no way a criticism – the MCC Open Day was genuinely the most interesting, different and exciting heritage related outing I’ve had for a good while. Much of what you see at the MCC is completely unexpected – therein lies its magic.
Don’t panic if you missed this Open Day – there is another planned for 22nd August from 10.30am – 5pm, again with free admission. The centre will also open on 9th September as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days. There are also special photography and drawing days planned and on the last Friday in each month, the MCC offers free guided tours provided they are booked in advance. You can find out more here.
Tags: aston manor transport museum, Birmingham museum and art gallery, birminghamheritage, Heritage Open Days 2010, museum collections centre, open day
Posted in Events, Heritage News, Other sites, Websites, birmingham | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
- Click above to view this title on Amazon
I was able to go to
The Victorian Society‘s Saving a Century exhibition at the Central Library just before it moved on to the next city. It was completely engrossing with some fantastic photography and stories both dispiriting and uplifting.
It made me realise that I know little of the buildings that Birmingham itself has lost, because much of them were lost before my time. I remembered Roy Thornton’s
Lost Buildings of Birmingham being published a year or so ago, treated myself to a copy and found a great book full of atmospheric photographs and illustrations under various different catagories – public buildings, religious buildings, etc. I was suddenly nostalgic for buildings I had never known!
While brief, the text accompanying the images is informative, and interestingly, for the most part doesn’t include the reason for a building’s demolition – maybe this information wasn’t always available to the author, but rather than have us puzzle and rage over the politics and unfairness of city planning, Thornton allows us to appreciate the former glories of Birmingham for what they were. And quite right too.
Tags: Architecture, birmingham, birminghamheritage, book review, development, Roy Thornton, Victorian Society
Posted in Architecture, Book Reviews, Buildings, Pictures, birmingham | 2 Comments »
Monday, March 15th, 2010
In the Sunday Times Magazine this weekend, Tony Robinson outlined the speculative history of the Staffordshire Hoard, from its Anglo Saxon origins through to why it was buried in the Midlands 1,400 years ago.
Is this hoard evidence of a massacre? Where are the coins, jewellery and ornamental objects we would normally find among such a hoard? The artefacts are masculine — the fittings from swords, fighting knives, helmets and shields — which point to a battle context. But why only take the decorative fittings, not the complete swords and helmets? These were more valuable if kept intact, yet all we have are fragments, broken, stripped from the weapons, and bagged up for easy burial.
The article also outlines the potential future of the hoard:
Public donations to The Art Fund’s campaign to secure the hoard for the Midlands topped £500,000 in the first six weeks. But if more money isn’t raised, ownership of the treasure will pass to Terry Herbert and the landowner who will then have the right to sell it to anyone on the open market. It would be wonderful if the region could keep this enigmatic addition to its heritage, and not lose it to a foreign museum or the gloomy vaults of a private collector. The Art Fund has until April 17 to raise £3.3m to secure the Staffordshire Hoard for museums in the West Midlands. Donate at www.artfund.org/hoard
The whole article – The Long Battle for the Staffordshire Treasure Hoard, Sunday Times Magazine, Sunday March 14th 2010, – can be found here.
Tags: birminghamheritage, BirminghamUK, BM&G
Posted in Birmingham News, BirminghamUK, birmingham | 1 Comment »
Thursday, February 12th, 2009
The plating room is one of the areas being cleaned of chemical contamination
We are delighted to be able to tell you that this new year is off to a positive start at the former Newman Brothers Coffin Fittings Works on Fleet Street as decontamination work gets underway. This will remove the chemical residues from the former metal plating room and elsewhere on site to make it safe. An electrical sub station has also been removed.
We are told the ‘clean up’ should be completed by Easter, after which we may be able to offer a limited number of guided tours before the main restoration works begin. Watch this space for details!
We have been working hard behind the scenes preparing bids for funding and that’s where your expertise and enthusiasm can really help us – we need to raise lots of money and in these difficult times any fundraising that you can do to help us will be very, very welcome. We have a section on justgiving.com where you can donate or try some creative ways to raise funds for us.
This week one of our wonderful volunteers has started scanning some of the paper archives so that we can make facsimile copies of old catalogues, invoices etc. to use when we open the doors – probably in 2011. (If you are interested in volunteering, please email lucie.thacker@birmingham.gov.uk with your details.)
The other exciting development is that we have been working on the interpretation of the factory and have all sorts of interesting ideas which we are looking forward to testing on visitors who will be shown round after Easter.
Tags: birminghamheritage, Heritage News, newman brothers, newmansbros
Posted in Birmingham News, BirminghamUK, Buildings, Events, Feature on Front Page, birmingham | No Comments »
