Luminate at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Another lights trail at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. During the Christmas 2022 season. Tickets need to be bought in advance. I went with a group on Tuesday 6th December 2022 between 7pm and 8pm in the evening. The trail was a bit different to the Magical Lantern Festival I'd previously seen here. At least it wasn't raining. But it was cold.

LUMINATE, BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIL 2022

 

Arriving at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. We didn't park here, so we had a bit of a walk from Frederick Road via Calthorpe Road.

The main entrance of the Botanical Gardens, with Christmas trees, where we waited for other members of our group to arrive.

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There was several Christmas trees in the foyer, these ones, near the exit to the shop.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Later on near the end of the visit was the #BBG hashtag in the foyer and one of the Christmas trees. These are more to do with the Botanical Gardens than Luminate.

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After the group tickets were shown, one of the first things you see is this Luminate sign.

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On the main lawn was these lights that kept changing colours.

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There was a full moon that evening over the Botanical Gardens. The Cold Moon apparently. It was still full two nights later.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The rainbow ribbon suspension bridge.

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The enchanted fairyland.

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The Glitterball Solar System.

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The rainbow light path.

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The Square light tunnel.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spotlights from the Viewpoint near the Refreshments area.

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The Globe lights canopy above a path.

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Bright white reindeer trail.

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The warped light tunnel. This was popular.

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The light bulb beads, you had to walk through these.

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Near the end. The Alpine Yard with lit up greenhouses.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial in Hippodrome Square

Until now, there has been no memorial sculpture to those people who lost their lives to AIDs & HIV. Garry Jones came up with it after watching It's a Sin on Channel 4, and his design was sculpted by Luke Perry. It was unveiled in Hippodrome Square on Hurst Street in Southside, outside Genting Casino on the 1st December 2022. It is two interlaced red ribbons.

For more on The Ribbons go to the Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial website.

The community and city of passionate individuals worked tirelessly over 18 months to deliver a lasting and symbolic memorial in the centre of the UK, in our hometown of Birmingham. It was unveiled on World AIDS Day on the 1st December 2022.

The Red Ribbons sculpture was created by Garry Jones, and was sculpted by Luke Perry. Also involved was co-founders Phil Oldershaw and Andrew Bentley-King.

 

The plinth, October 2022

In the last couple of weeks of October 2022, work took place to install the plinth in Hippodrome Square on Hurst Street, Southside in front of the Chinese Quarter shops: Sohair, Ying Wah, Happy Lemon and Mr Egg.

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAH%20Memorial%2029102022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Ribbons sculpture arrives wrapped, November 2022

With less than two weeks to go, The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial is installed on the plinth, but will remain under wraps until the evening of the 1st December 2022.

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dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAHM%20Hurst%20St%2020112022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Unveiling of The Ribbons, 1st December 2022

While Birmingham We Are's regular contributor Elliott Brown, was unable to attend the event that evening, Daniel Sturley and Jack Babington were able to attend.

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_0392b_HIVM.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_0726b_HIVM.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_0751b_HIVM.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

The Ribbons, a few days after unveiling, December 2022

Elliott had always planned to return a couple of days after the unveiling to get The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial in the daylight, and without anyone in the way. It is quite inspiring to see, and had flowers on the plinth below.

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dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAHM%20Ribbons%2004122022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Penguin Parade in Birmingham from Wild in Art

The Penguin Parade trail of 15 painted penguins started on 9th November 2022, and will run to early January 2023. Bit like the Snowman trail in late 2021 (and The Big Hoot, summer 2015 and The Big Sleuth, summer 2017 before that).

My advice is to do the trail over several days. Get as much as you can. Might be a lot of walking betwen penguins. Most outside, some inside.

Brum's Penguin Parade

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/VB%20Penguin%20map.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 1.

Location: Inside Selfridges (ground floor near Click & Collect).

Title: Buddy The Elf Penguin.

Artist:  Megan H Smith Evans.

Description: Buddy is a cheeky character that everyone loves to see in the run up to Christmas. He loves helping his good friend Santa and knows there’s room for everyone on the nice list! He says 'the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BTE%20Penguin%20Selfridges%2015112022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 2

Location: Rotunda Square at the Bullring (behind the Bullring Bull, not far from the West Mall entrance).

Title: It's Penguining to look a lot like Christmas! 

Artist: Laura Kate Draws.

Description: The design merges the fabulous festive world of penguins and Father Christmas with a dash of folk art patterns. It takes inspiration from nesting wooden dolls, known as Matryoshka dolls.

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IPtlalC%20Penguin%20Bullring%2010112022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 3.

Location: Inside Primark (2nd floor near the kids pyjamas).

Title: Percy The Party Penguin.

Artist: Reilly Creative.

Description: Percy is full of festive spirit and ready to party! Wearing his dashing winter print suit and candy cane glasses, he is dressed to impress and ready to rock around the Christmas tree.

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PTP%20Penguin%20Primark%2015112022(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 4.

Location: Piccadilly Arcade.

Title: In The Deep (Midwinter).

Artist: Sue Guthrie.

Description: Penguins can be comically awkward on land, but this design shows off their grace underwater. Go on an adventure as you dip and dive around Christmas baubles.

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ITDMW%20Penguin%20Picc%20Arc%2010112022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 5.

Location: The Mailbox (inside opposite BBC Birmingham).

Title: Snowy.

Artist: R P Roberts.

Description: Featuring mystical mountain tops in the warm glow of sunset, Snowy captures the feeling of being surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sn%20Penguin%20Mailbox%2013112022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 6.

Location: Great Western Arcade.

Title: Kevin The Kinguin.

Artist: Caroline Daly.

Description: A rare creature with the colours and delicate feathers of a Kingfisher but the larger, strong build of a Penguin. It is an excellent diver with unbeatable fishing skills! Taking the best of both creatures, it symbolises luck, loyalty and love.

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Number: 7. 

Location: Victoria Square, at the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market

Title: Santa Paws.

Artist: Jessica Perrin.

Description: Santa Paws is inspired by the weird and wonderful fancy dress that owners love to dress their pets in at Christmas. From proud Santa pooches to grumpy cat elves, this playful design is sure to make you giggle

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/SP%20Penguin%20BFCM%20Vic%20Sq%2013112022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 8.

Location: Corporation Street, outside Urban Outfitters and Santander.

Title: The Road to Giverny.

Artist: Studio Glenn.

Description: This penguin is inspired by Monet's 1885 painting of the same name. The stunning winter scene evokes memories of crunching snow and cold fingers and toes before settling down with a hot cup of tea beside an open fire.

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TRTG%20Penguin%20Corporation%20St%2010112022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 9.

Location: House of Fraser, outside on Corporation Street near Cherry Street.

Title: Vitamin P.

Artist: Mikesian Studio.

Description: He struggles with the cold winters but keeps warm by eating as much fruit and vegetables as he can get his flippers on. We should all be more like him - a ray of citrus sunshine.

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/VP%20Penguin%20HoF%2009112022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 10

Location: Christmas in Cathedral Square (outside on Colmore Row).

Title: Helter Skelter

Artist: Amanda Quellin.

Description: This penguin is inspired by a love of nostalgic fairground rides such as a helter skelter and carousel. See how many playful animals you can spot enjoying the ride on a penguin.

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Number: 11.

Location: Church Street Square (near Edmund Street).

Title: The Forest At Christmas.

Artist: Jodie Silverman.

Description: This design is inspired by an enchanting snow-covered forest at Christmas. Animals of the forest are surrounded by a magical night-time landscape of tall trees and falling snow.

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TFAC%20Penguin%20Church%20St%20Sq%2010112022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 12. 

Location: Centenary Square at Ice Skate Birmingham.

Title: Mr Easy Freezy.

Artist: Jenny Leonard.

Description: Mr Easy Freezy gives a nod to the classic 90’s penguin track race game. Snowboarding and skiing penguins race each other down the mountain in their classic ski gear.

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MEF%20ICB%20Centenary%20Sq%2013112022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 13.

Location: Hippodrome Square at Hurst Street, near Ladywell Walk (The Arcadian and close to Birmingham Hippodrome).

Title: Pullover Penguin.

Artist: Donna Newman.

Description: Arriving from the Arctic, this cute penguin likes to stay cosy in her favourite Christmas jumper. The cable-knit creation features festive knitting patterns, painted with a fluffy texture. Pullover Penguin is ready for cuddles! 

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PP%20Penguin%20Hipp%20Sq%2013112022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 14.

Location: Birmingham New Street Station (near the framed spades, close to Platform 7).

Title: Tiffany.

Artist: Lois Cordelia

Description: this penguin is specifically inspired by the beauty of Tiffany stained glass and evokes the magic of a winter landscape. How many details can you see?

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Tiff%20Penguin%20BNSS%2014112022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Number: 15.

Location: Corner of Hill Street and Navigation Street (near Birmingham New Street Station).

Title: The Emperor.

Artist: Amanda Quellin.

Description: Our classic Emperor Penguin stands tall and majestic like the royalty she is. But she's always ready for a cuddle as she and her colony get ready for the frosty winter.

dndimg alt="Penguin Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TE%20Penguin%20HS%2013112022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Birmingham Mail links: 

• Trail Map
• Secrets behind the Penguins

 

Wild in Art: Brum's Penguin Parade

Visit Birmingham map download

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

Faraday statue by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi at the University of Birmingham

On the occasion of the Centenary of the University of Birmingham in the year 2000, the sculptor Sir Eduardo Paolozzi presented the University with a bronze statue called Faraday. It was placed at the West Gate of the University. Close to the School of Computer Science. It would be the first thing students, staff and visitors would see after getting off the train or bus nearby.

Faraday by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi

In the year 2000, when the University of Birmingham celebrated it's Centenary, the artist Sir Eduardo Paolozzi gifted a bronze statue called Faraday. It was placed at the West Gate, on University Road West, outside of the School of Computer Science. You would see it when arriving at University Station, and walking towards University Square and Old Joe (and other parts of the campus). Even if you get off a bus, or walk from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, or Selly Oak Shopping Park (via Aston Webb Boulevard and New Fosse Way) you'd probably see it. Or it would be the last thing you see before heading into University Station, before catching a train on the Cross City Line up to Birmingham New Street.

The statue was probably inspired or named after Michael Faraday, who was an English scientist, who studied electromagnetism and electrochemistry. Various things were named after him. There is a statue of Faraday in London at Savoy Place.

 

Sir Eduardo Paolozzi CBE, RA (1924-2005) Faraday.
Bronze, 2000. West Gate, outside University Railway Station

Sir Eduardo Paolozzi said of this colossal bronze sculpture, commissioned to mark the centenary of the University of Birmingham's Royal Charter, that is was 'not of Faraday, but for him'. Faraday discovered the laws of electro-magnetic rotation and electrical induction and, among many other principles, explored the science of terrestrial magnetism. The loops of bronze between the figure's hands are a visual manifestation of natural fields of force.

Paolozzi has here articulated the achievements of all experimental scientists who unlock and transform understanding of natural phenomena, and has also created an allegorical figure representing the control of power. His figure of another great scientist, Newton (1995), stands outside the British Library (in London). Cut in the bronze around the base of the figure are lines from The Dry Salvages by T.S. Eliot. These reflect upon growth and change, and bear a valuable message for University students: 'Here between the hither and the further shore. While time is withdrawn, consider the future. And the past with an equal mind.'

 

I first photographed the Faraday statue in February 2013. There was a small bird on his head, and a tag around one of it's ankles. As a man looked on.

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Took Faraday again during January 2019. This time without any one or any objects on it. There appears to be a bench around the plinth.

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I next photographed the statue during June 2021. This time a view with 'Old Joe' the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower. At the time, the clock hands were being taken down, ahead of the clock getting repaired that year.

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In the other direction from behind Faraday, you can see part of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

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I also found a bronze plaque about Faraday by Eduardo Paolozzi (1924 - 2005). A gift from the artist to mark the Centenary of the University. 2000.

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In late August 2022, there was still Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Game wraps on the School of Computer Science, behind Faraday, including an image of the infamous Perry the Bull (remember him?) and 'Sport is just the beginning'.

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By October 2022, these had been replaced by the University of Birmingham, behind Faraday with 'Proud to be a World Top 100 University' and 'Welcome Game Changers'.

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Photography by Elliott Brown

Museum of the Moon at Lichfield Cathedral

Another Luke Jerram work of public art on display. Museum of the Moon was at Lichfield Cathedral from the 21st September to 31st October 2022. Elliott got a train on the Cross City Line to Lichfield City (on the 30th October 2022), and after a Costa stop at Three Spires, walked to the cathedral. During the day the entry ticket was free (paid evening tickets were sold out).

See also Gaia at Millennium Point (February 2022)

I was first aware of Museum of the Moon after Birmingham People with Passion Damien Walmsley and later Jack Babington visited and took photos at Lichfield Cathedral.

 

Museum of the Moon is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, the moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface*.

Over its lifetime, the Museum of the Moon will be presented in a number of different ways both indoors and outdoors, so altering the experience and interpretation of the artwork. As it travels from place to place, it gathers new musical compositions and an ongoing collection of personal responses, stories and mythologies, as well as highlighting the latest moon science.

The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. Each venue also programmes their own series lunar inspired events beneath the moon.

 

It has been over six years since I last got a train from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City. Back then I did a spire climb at St Mary's in the Market Square.

I found out that this moon exhibit in Lichfield Cathedral was ending on the 31st October, so I got the train up on Sunday the 30th October 2022. It got in around 12:30pm, and was there around 20 minutes, including a look around the inside of the Cathedral on the ground floor.

It appears that there is other moons at other venues all around the world, same with Gaia, the Earth sculpture.

Submitted one photo to the Birmingham Post & Mail Flickr group, and it got published in the Birmingham Mail readers letters page on Tuesday 1st November 2022, you can see that photo at the end of the gallery below.

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dndimg alt="Museum of the Moon" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/MoM%20Lichfield%20Cath%20(Oct%202022)%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown