Art; Culture & creativity
05 Sep 2021 - Elliott Brown
Gallery
'Gratitude' - A tribute to NHS staff and key workers held in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham
Elliott Brown, a regular contributor at Birmingham We Are, got chance to experience Gratitude, a tribute to NHS staff and key workers, before it was moved to Manchester. The tribute consisted of 51 sculptures and was curated by creative ambassador Dame Zandra Rhodes.
If you missed the event, don't worry you can still enjoy Elliott's gallery with us here!
'Gratitude' - A tribute to NHS staff and key workers held in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham
Elliott Brown, a regular contributor at Birmingham We Are, got chance to experience Gratitude, a tribute to NHS staff and key workers, before it was moved to Manchester. The tribute consisted of 51 sculptures and was curated by creative ambassador Dame Zandra Rhodes.
If you missed the event, don't worry you can still enjoy Elliott's gallery with us here!
Gratitude was an event held by Wild in Art in Chamberlain Square, at Paradise Birmingham, which ran from the 20th to 30th August 2021. It has now moved on to Manchester and will then move on to Edinburgh and London. It pays tribute to NHS staff and keyworkers during the pandemic.
There were 51 "Lockdown Oscars" displayed in Chamberlain Square close to the Chamberlain Memorial.
The display had mirrors around it and it was curated by creative ambassador Dame Zandra Rhodes.
Chamberlain Square - places to visit mapped for you
Here we have mapped a selection of places that we would recommend you visit in Chamberlain Square.
This includes:
Chamberlain Memorial, The Town Hall, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, One and Two Chamberlain Square and The Dishoom restaurant.
Chamberlain Square
Chamberlain Square is where a modern and thriving Birmingham connects with the City's amazing history and heritage.
Chamberlain Square is home to Birmingham's Town Hall and to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Between 2010 and 2020, the square was completely redeveloped.
Chamberlain Square is at the heart of the Paradise scheme with One Chamberlain Square and Two Chamberlain Square being the two flagship builds of the Paradise development.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is situated in Chamberlain Square, and first opened in 1885. The gallery was extended in 1911, and is above the Council House. Home of Big Brum clocktower.
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is located in Birmingham's Chamberlain Square.
dndimg alt="Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery" dndsrc="https://www.birminghamweare.com/uploadedfiles/BMAG%20Chamberlain%20Sq%20(July%202020)%20(3).jpg" />
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from Chamberlain Square (July 2020). Photography by Elliott Brown
Go HERE for our feature on Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
Birmingham Town Hall is a Grade I listed building which is a concert hall and venue for popular assemblies.
It was opened in 1834 and is situated in Victoria Square and Chamberlain Square. Birmingham Town Hall was also the first significant work of the 19th-century revival of Roman architecture.
The Town Hall was built in 1834 by Joseph Hansom. When installed the Town Hall's 6,000-pipe William Hill concert organ was largest and most technologically advanced in the world. Between 1784 - 1912 the city hosted the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival and the Town Hall was built to cope with its popularity with greats like Felix Mendelssohn and Edward Elgar performing there.
The Town Hall closed in 1996 for refurbishment works. And renovation works were completed by 2007. It was reopened in 2008 by The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
Dishoom Birmingham can be found at One Chamberlain Square in Chamberlain Square. Here you can find a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food and enjoy first-class drinks all day, every day.
For more on Dishoom Birmingham, reservations and delivery service, go HERE.
One Chamberlain Square
One Chamberlain Square is a curvaceous 8-story building and a great example of how modern architecture can sit naturally alongside historic builds and complement a city's heritage. This is the first of the modern buildings to open as part of Argent's huge and transformative Paradise development. The building was designed by Eric Parry Architects and is home to international professional services firm pwc.
For our feature on One Chamberlain Square, go HERE.
Two Chamberlain Square
Two Chamberlain Square has closely followed One Chamberlain Square in the developments to open as part of the Paradise complex. Two Chamberlain Square is a mixed use office retail development.
The Chamberlain Memorial was unveiled in 1880 in honour of Joseph Chamberlain (while he was still alive) It was sculpted by John Henry Chamberlain (no relation). Joseph Chamberlain had served as Mayor of the Town of Birmingham. Birmingham didn't gain City Status until 1889. Chamberlain was also a Town Councillor, and later served as a Birmingham Member of Parliament. The memorial is in the neo-gothic style.
Chamberlain Memorial (following a post development jet wash) courtesy Daniel Sturley
Thomas Attwood Sculpture
Thomas Attwood was the first Birmingham Member of Parliament (from 1832 to 1840). He founded the Birmingham Political Union in 1830 and in 1832 held a rally calling for Political Reform. The "sitting" statue was scupted by Sioban Coppinger and Fiona Peever.
Construction & regeneration
29 Jul 2020 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates
Congreve Passage from Paradise Place in 2010 to Paradise Birmingham in 2020
As of July 2020, Congreve Passage has been reopened by Paradise Birmingham between Chamberlain Square and Great Charles Street Queensway. It runs between One Chamberlain Square and the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. It was closed in late 2015 (or early 2016) to allow for the demolition of Birmingham Central Library and the construction of One Chamberlain Square (that is now complete)
Congreve Passage from Paradise Place in 2010 to Paradise Birmingham in 2020
As of July 2020, Congreve Passage has been reopened by Paradise Birmingham between Chamberlain Square and Great Charles Street Queensway. It runs between One Chamberlain Square and the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. It was closed in late 2015 (or early 2016) to allow for the demolition of Birmingham Central Library and the construction of One Chamberlain Square (that is now complete)
Congreve Passage links Chamberlain Square to Great Charles Street Queensway and Paradise Circus Queensway. It was once called Congreve Street before Birmingham Central Library was built from 1969 until it opened in 1974. When the new Library of Birmingham opened in Centenary Square in 2013, the old Central Library closed. It was demolished from late 2015 into 2016. This meant that Paradise Birmingham had to close off Congreve Passage. And it remained closed until they reopened it near the end of July 2020.
21st August 2010 on Congreve Passage
Heading out of Chamberlain Square I headed up Congreve Passage away from the crowds. There used to be trees here and flower beds. On the left of the Central Library was a poem by William Hutton from 1803.
Pair of cherry pickers outside of the Central Library on Congreve Passage. In the last years of the libraries life, it had the Todo es Posible street art by Lucy McLaughlan. But it wouldn't survive the 2016 demolition.
Pedestrians were diverted via what was Edmund Street and Margaret Street if they wanted to get to Great Charles Street Queensway. Maybe the last time to see the Todo es Possible art before the library was knocked down on this side during 2016.
The view from Paradise Circus Queensway near Great Charles Street Queensway. There was now a gate / fence at the end of Congreve Passage to the right of the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
My first look at Congreve Passage in 4 years. It looks different. No Central Library or concrete footbridge. You can see the statue of Queen Victoria, Victoria Square House and the Town Hall from this vantage point.
I saw on Twitter that Congreve Passage was now open again, so I got the bus into town and walked up from the Bullring. Saw a PCSO on a bicycle near One Chamberlain Square.
It has changed a lot around here. Paving in Chamberlain Square is almost finished. One Chamberlain Square is complete, and The Dishroom is now open (delayed by the lockdown).
Looking up Congreve Passage towards Chamberlain Square from Great Charles Street Queensway. It's good to be open again after so many years. Looks better and cleaner too!
From here you can either walk to the Jewellery Quarter, crossing at the lights. Or walk past Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Great Charles Street Queensway (the museum remains closed sadly due to the pandemic).
Construction & regeneration
02 Jul 2020 - Daniel Sturley
News & Updates
Birmingham, Chamberlain Square is Close to Re-Opening
It looks as if Chamberlain Square in the very heart of the city is soon to re-open and will once again become a primary destination for Brummies and visitors alike. It does look familiar and at least one of the statues, Thomas Attwood, is being reinstalled. 8 of the latest photos in this post plus a look back at the square before the redevelopment, seems so long ago now, we can't wait!
Birmingham, Chamberlain Square is Close to Re-Opening
It looks as if Chamberlain Square in the very heart of the city is soon to re-open and will once again become a primary destination for Brummies and visitors alike. It does look familiar and at least one of the statues, Thomas Attwood, is being reinstalled. 8 of the latest photos in this post plus a look back at the square before the redevelopment, seems so long ago now, we can't wait!
A section of the Chamberlain Monument is test cleaned, 30th June 2020.
Construction & regeneration
05 Jun 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery
Chamberlain Square from Birmingham Central Library in 2010 to Paradise Birmingham in 2020
A look at the changes in Chamberlain Square over a 10 year period. Starting with what it looked liked in 2010 when Birmingham Central Library was still standing. Through the demolition works in 2016 and construction of 1 & 2 Chamberlain Square from 2017 to 2020. Since lockdown I've not been able to get into town. So my last photo was earlier in March 2020.
Chamberlain Square from Birmingham Central Library in 2010 to Paradise Birmingham in 2020
A look at the changes in Chamberlain Square over a 10 year period. Starting with what it looked liked in 2010 when Birmingham Central Library was still standing. Through the demolition works in 2016 and construction of 1 & 2 Chamberlain Square from 2017 to 2020. Since lockdown I've not been able to get into town. So my last photo was earlier in March 2020.
2010
Birmingham Central Library in Chamberlain Square during February 2010. From the John Madin Design Group. Built 1969-74. Known as the Ziggurat. The Chamberlain Memorial has seen all the changes since it was erected in October 1880 in honour of the Mayor of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain. He was also an Member of Parliament. Paradise Forum (behind) would remain open until 2015.
dndimg alt="Birmingham Central Library" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bham Central Library Ch Sq (Feb 2010).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />
2015
Paradise Birmingham had put up hoardings around the former Central Library by February 2015. The Library closed in 2013 before the Library of Birmingham opened in Centenary Square during September 2013. Paradise Forum closed was closed forever by January or February 2015. The shops and restaurants etc inside were closed by the end of 2014. Goodby to McDonald's and Wetherspoon's. This was one of the last times you could see the street art called Todo Es Posible by the artist Lucy McLaughlan, before the library was knocked down.
August 2016. There was a window in the hoardings at Chamberlain Square, and you could look through it at the time. Only a slither of the old library left on the left, just behind the Chamberlain Memorial. Maybe also a bit to the far right.
July 2017. Access to Chamberlain Square was blocked off, but you could go around the back of the Council House to get into the Museum & Art Gallery via Eden Place and what was Edmund Street. Chamberlain Square entrance was still open at the time.
November 2017. Chamberlain Square was reopened with the closure of Fletchers Walk, and the opening of Centenary Way to Centenary Square (for the first time in 2 years).
July 2018. Carillion went bust in January 2018. So construction didn't resume until BAM took over. BAM were also responsible for building Two Chamberlain Square, which was underway by the summer of 2018.
March 2019. Two Chamberlain Square had reached the top, and the glass cladding was going up. Made some nice reflections of BM & AG and Big Brum from here.
October 2019. From Victoria Square with the Town Hall, then Two and One Chamberlain Square. Council House to the right. Chamberlain Memorial will all new surroundings.
Since the lockdown started, I have not been able to travel into the City Centre. As you can not go on the bus or train. I don't drive a car, or ride a bike, and it would be too far to walk.
Construction & regeneration
17 May 2020 - Daniel Sturley
News & Updates
The Refurbishment of Chamberlain Square - May 2020
The refurbisment of Chamberlain Square has continued during lockdown and is really getting close to being finished. We hope it won't be long before Brummies and visitors can enjoy this particulary beautiful spot and it is back to the bustle, and chilling out, from 5 years ago! Lots of photos in this update of 7th and 10th May.
The Refurbishment of Chamberlain Square - May 2020
The refurbisment of Chamberlain Square has continued during lockdown and is really getting close to being finished. We hope it won't be long before Brummies and visitors can enjoy this particulary beautiful spot and it is back to the bustle, and chilling out, from 5 years ago! Lots of photos in this update of 7th and 10th May.
Squares and public spaces
23 Mar 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery
A variety of events that were held in Chamberlain Square until 2015
Before Paradise Birmingham took over Chamberlain Square at the end of 2015 to demolish Birmingham Central Library, the square had over the years been used for a variety of events. Here we will take a look at what took place here. From trails of Easter Eggs to the Big Hoot. Even 4 Squares Weekender took place here. The Lord Mayor's Show and the St George's Day celebrations.
A variety of events that were held in Chamberlain Square until 2015
Before Paradise Birmingham took over Chamberlain Square at the end of 2015 to demolish Birmingham Central Library, the square had over the years been used for a variety of events. Here we will take a look at what took place here. From trails of Easter Eggs to the Big Hoot. Even 4 Squares Weekender took place here. The Lord Mayor's Show and the St George's Day celebrations.
2009 - 2012
Back in the summer of 2009. June 2009 to be exact, the Monarch Beach was in Chamberlain Square with a fake beach. It was a hot summer. Pretend that you were getting on a Monarch plane at Birmingham Airport and jetting off to a European destination in the sun. The beach was full of sand, picnic benches with parasols and deckchairs. This view towards BM & AG and the Town Hall.
This view towards the Town Hall. At the time Monarch had destinations all over Europe from Birmingham Airport. I eventually flew with them once on a holiday to Spain in the summer of 2014 (flying to Malaga for a tour holiday of Seville and Granada and other places that were part of Moorish Spain).
Sadly Monarch, the airline no longer exists. They sadly ceased trading in October 2017. Since then we have also lost Thomas Cook and more recently Flybe. BMI Baby also ceased to exist years ago. So going back almost 11 years, this beach was nice to see. Not sure it will ever happen again.
The first time I saw the St George's Day Celebrations in Chamberlain Square was back in April 2011. It was a hot bank holiday weekend. The event also took place in Victoria Square that year, but was too crowded and couldn't see what was going on, so only got the photos here in Chamberlain Square.
dndimg alt="St George's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Square St Georges Day (April 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
Looks like there was a open air bouncy castle ride for kids, and behind a small ride. The view was towards the Town Hall. The city centre that day was packed and it was very hot, a heatwave. And I was walking back into town after seeing a film at a cinema in Five Ways at the time. So was just passing through at the time.
dndimg alt="St George's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Square St Georges Day (April 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
In August 2011 during the 6 week school summer holidays was Six Summer Saturdays. On this particular Saturday was Snow in the City. It was organised by the Birmingham Hippodrome. Event description as following:
Birmingham has woken up to a snow storm in the middle of the night and you can join in the fun and throw a snow ball or two. Yes, really! In partnership with Snow Business.
It was The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and this was celebrated in Birmingham during June 2012. There was a stage set up with deckchairs for people to sit in and enjoy. All they they had performances by a tribute act The Rat Pack, and Rock 'n' Roll music from The Bravo Boys and Skiffle. Although when I went past I didn't catch any of that. There was also Maquee Workshops set up in Victoria Square with Union Jack flags.
In August 2012 it was the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica from the UK. Jamaica in the Square was held in Chamberlain Square and in Victoria Square. There was a stage set up in Chamberlain Square next to the Town Hall. I was in fact on the Birmingham City Centre Floral Trail at the time, so just got a few views of this event at the time.
dndimg alt="Jamaica in the Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jamaica in the Square Chamberlain Square (Aug 2012).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
2013
The Big Egg Hunt was a trail of painted Easter Eggs around Birmingham City Centre, for around a week during February 2013. Unlike the later Big Hoot or Big Sleuth trails, it was on display all over the country. Before Birmingham, the trail was around London. After Birmingham it went to Liverpool. This view towards the Chamberlain Memorial and Birmingham Central Library (which would close later in 2013 before the new Library of Birmingham opened).
Lots of eggs here, so I didn't want to take every individual one. The view near Birmingham Town Hall. Buses at the time still used Paradise Circus, and a bus stop used to be outside of the Town Hall. Fletchers Walk was behind (now demolished).
The St George's Day Celebrations that took place in Chamberlain Square during April 2013. With a Punch & Judy puppet show near the Chamberlain Memorial.
dndimg alt="St George's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Sq St Georges Day (April 2013) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
The entertainer here seen juggling next to the Punch & Judy tent.
dndimg alt="St George's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Sq St Georges Day (April 2013) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
Visitors on deckchairs in Chamberlain Square. A bit like a beach. There was pictures with holes to stick your heads in, get your picture taken.
dndimg alt="St George's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Sq St Georges Day (April 2013) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
The event spread over that weekend into Victoria Square as well. Plenty of things to keep families and their kids entertained.
dndimg alt="St George's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Sq St Georges Day (April 2013) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
Moving on to September 2013, 4 Squares Weekender was held in Chamberlain Square (also in Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Central Square and Oozells Square, Brindleyplace) to celebrate the opening of the new Library of Birmingham. Dancers from DanceXchange were on the stage.
The last St George's Day Celebrations that I have a record of in Chamberlain Square took place during April 2014 (and in Victoria Square). This time it was a battle arena for Medieval Knights, not that I saw any them clashing swords!
dndimg alt="St George's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Georges Day Chamberlain Sq (April 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
The arena was set up between BM & AG and the Town Hall. So no deckchairs in the square this time. A different kind of event.
dndimg alt="St George's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Georges Day Chamberlain Sq (April 2014) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
Close up it's hard to see what the people were looking at, but was shields and bows and arrows down there (I think).
dndimg alt="St George's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St Georges Day Chamberlain Sq (April 2014) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
Close up look at the medieval style shields. It was also during the Easter weekend. They moved the St George's Day events to Centenary Square the following year in 2015.
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The Lord Mayors Show 2014 was held in Chamberlain Square during June 2014. View of deckchairs set out not far from BM & AG.
One of the last events of it's kind in Chamberlain Square. The event was also taking place over in Victoria Square where you could see the then new Lord Mayor for 2014-15 Shafique Shah. This view towards the main entrance to the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Where you could see the Marvellous Machines: The Wonderful World of Rowland Emett exhibition in the Gas Hall.
Held in Chamberlain Square during August 2014 was Minimum Monument WW1 by Brazilian artist Néle Azevedo. Ice sculptures on the steps. Held by the Birmingham Hippodrome. By the time I got there, most of the ice sculptures were melting. Was only aware of it that day due to seeing something on Social Media (Twitter probably). As you can see only the iced legs were left here.
5000 ice sculptures were placed on the steps of Chamberlain Square to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War in 1914. This was by 2:30pm that day. There was also red petals on the steps.
If I knew about it sooner, I might have travelled into the City Centre much earlier that day. But there was a lot of people around even in the afternoon, so wasn't too bad in the end. There had also been rain in the morning, then the sun came out. They might have lasted longer if they were inside in cooler conditions.
Seen in Chamberlain Square during July 2015 was Our Happy Hospit-owl. The artist was Cathy Simpson and the sponsor was Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. This view towards the Paradise Birmingham hoardings around Birmingham Central Library. Demolition would not start until December 2015, Congreve Passage was still open, as was Paradise Forum.
dndimg alt="The Big Hoot" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Square Big Hoot 2015 (July 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
This view of Our Happy Hospit-owl towards the main entrance of the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The trail was on that summer for 10 weeks before being auctioned off.
dndimg alt="The Big Hoot" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Square Big Hoot 2015 (July 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />
The next time I saw Our Happy Hospit-owl on it's own was two years later in August 2017. The location was at the Little Ripley Day Nursery on Goldieslie Road, Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield. I was in Sutton Coldfield at the time on the bear hunt for The Big Sleuth, so this was a surprise to see at the time. This nursery must have won it at auction. It used to be outside of BM & AG in Chamberlain Square for 10 weeks over the summer of 2015.
dndimg alt="The Big Hoot" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sutton Coldfield Wylde Green Big Hoot nursery (Aug 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />
Back to July 2015, and the other Big Hoot owl in Chamberlain Square was The Ship by the artist Neil Morris. The sponsor was Listers. The view towards BM & AG.
I didn't get a direct on The Ship as other people were having a look at it, at the time. This view towards the Chamberlain Memorial. There was also owls inside of BM & AG to see, including the Little Owls.
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