DM: Dyxum Birmingham UK meetup 20/3/2024
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Category: Dyxum Photographs
Forum Name: Themed Views
Forum Description: Post your photos in one of our themed topics
URL: https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=144132
Printed Date: 27 April 2025 at 05:10
Topic: DM: Dyxum Birmingham UK meetup 20/3/2024
Posted By: Howard_S
Subject: DM: Dyxum Birmingham UK meetup 20/3/2024
Date Posted: 20 March 2024 at 11:52
https://www.flickr.com/gp/stanbury/s64P2K96Mc"> Here we are: Howard_S, AlanfromBangor, Saratoga, and Phil Wood ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Replies:
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 20 March 2024 at 11:55
Pre-DM. L to R Elwyn (Saratoga), Howard (Howard_S), Phil (Phil Wood).
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Posted By: bonneville
Date Posted: 20 March 2024 at 13:46
And they’re off  Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labours throughout Birmingham city centre. So sorry I couldn’t make it, especially as my op has now been rescheduled for Saturday!Hoping it stays dry for you guys. |
Posted By: Harm vb
Date Posted: 20 March 2024 at 20:37
Great, photo's a year before date already published  Enjoy your DM, guys! ------------- Harm with 3 camera's and too many lenses. https://www.flickr.com/photos/harmvanbeek/ - Flickr |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 21 March 2024 at 00:20
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Ha ha, oh dear, with luck an Admin or Moderator can fix that date? And perhaps move the thread to the meetings forum while they're at it. We had a grand time today - a glimpse of the future, clearly, as well as the past. I'm just back in Oxford, but in a few days you should see the fruits of our labours. In the meantime, a rewarding table of beers and cameras at lunchtime. https://www.flickr.com/gp/stanbury/GaQC6p03fa">  Perilously close! ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 21 March 2024 at 18:06
AC01: We met at New Street station, the facade offering distorted mirror views of the action on the tracks. Here an Avanti Pendolino is arriving. AC02: Shortly followed by a local train.  AC03: The Selfridges building is just around the corner.  AC04: Providing infinite compositional possibilities. 
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Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 21 March 2024 at 23:34
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DM-1. On our way into Birmingham I took a short detour to visit this post box, one of only four of this model left in service. PW02: Smith & Hakws fluted ca1858.  Having met up with Alan and Howard (Elwyn was running a little late) we decided a group shot was required. Not the most successful shot in terms of portraiture, but a good indication of the difficulty in getting three of us ready to take the shot and be looking in the right direction - all at the same time! PW03: Just the three of us.  The cladding on New Street station gives many opportunities for reflection shots. PW04: Taxi!  PW05: Restaurant.  A couple of shots from the short walk to Selfridges. PW06: Free Gaza!  PW07: Railings.  Selfridge's - love it or hate it, you can;'t miss it! PW08: Selfrige's walkway.  PW09: Selfridge's side entance.  |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 22 March 2024 at 11:39
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I travelled up with Phil and Jane and posted my photo of the Solihull postbox in https://www.dyxum.com/DFORUM/photographers-the-way-we-look-4_topic138829_post1737202.html#1737202 - Photographers: the way we look . Next day, outside New Street, we tried a group shot of the three of us, with Jane making sure she would not be in shot ... HS-01 https://flic.kr/p/2pELQdi">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Of course I was the one with the useless wide-angle zoom. You can play spot the Dyxummer in this one, HS-02 https://flic.kr/p/2pEMt2j">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Not much of Birmingham centre is beautiful, and distorting mirrors don't help ... HS-03 https://flic.kr/p/2pEEAsC">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Even the public art is sharp and angular HS-04 https://flic.kr/p/2pEK5B4">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS I'm kicking myself for not doing a bit of trainspotting, but so it goes. We went on to the Selfridges exterior. As Alan said, endless opportunities here: HS-05 https://flic.kr/p/2pELbgf">  NEX-7 + Sigma E 30mm F2.8 HS-06 https://flic.kr/p/2pELbwL">  A7 III + 85mm F2.8 SAM HS-07 or maybe TS-01 https://flic.kr/p/2pEEAPu">  Taylor Swift bus | A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS HS-08 https://flic.kr/p/2pEMteJ">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS HS-09 https://flic.kr/p/2pELQu5">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS HS-10 https://flic.kr/p/2pEMt86">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: pegelli
Date Posted: 22 March 2024 at 12:12
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Splendid guys, keep them coming. I'm enjoying this armchair tour of a city I have never visited. By the way, I've added this thread to the https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/dyxum-meetings-index_topic13590.html - Dyxum meeting index ------------- You can see the April Foolishness 2023 exhibition https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/april-foolishness-2023-the-exhibition_topic142439.html - here Another great show of the talent we have on Dyxum |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 22 March 2024 at 12:13
 ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
pegelli wrote:Posted By: owenn01
Date Posted: 22 March 2024 at 13:05
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Ah.... The city of my youth (except I wouldn't recognize much of it now). Selfridges is a star subject but, so far, HS-05 is THE stand-out shot of the series! Looking forward to seeing more from here everyone. Best regards, Neil. ------------- My Mantra: "Comment on other's work as you would wish to have yours commented upon". Go on - it's fun! |
Posted By: addy landzaat
Date Posted: 22 March 2024 at 14:04
   ------------- Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101 |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 23 March 2024 at 09:06
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Moving away from Selfridges Alan found some new friends. PW10 Poser.  I was keen to see this post box - described as 'nondescript' by one of my companions. There are only fifteen known examples of the large Type A pillar box from the short reign of Edward VIII. There are two variants with very minor design differences - this is the rarer of the two, there are only four of this specific design still in use. PW11 Edward VIII Type A  It would be a while before we escaped the looming presence of Selfridges. It was here that Elwyn caught up with us. PW12  G Makepeace was a retailer of second-hand clothing. The business is long gone, but their buidling remains. Described by Pevesner as Nos. 135-136 of 1913 by James Patchett, of Ombersley is late and crude but enjoyable Free Style: first-floor lunette, little oriels, green tiled frieze with the owner's name G. Makepeace, second-hand clothes seller. PW13 G Makepeace  PW14 Selfridges  Birmingham is a city of contrasts, old and new, pristine and derelict the shiny Selfridges store contrasts with the fairly well preservered Makepeace building and the facade of another old building, preserved to front a new building soon to rise behind it. PW15  |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 23 March 2024 at 09:26
AC05: We walked down Digbeth to a rare post box that Phil had identified, Elwyn caught up with us, and we turned left down Allison Street. Digbeth is the street but lends its name to the network of streets in the vicinity. This handy map provides some context. AC06: A Grade II listed building, constructed in 1872 for Corder & Turley, manufacturers of umbrella ribs. Adapted 1923 as a clothing factory for Fawcett Brothers and in 1975 as a food processing factory for RTP crisps. It appears to be currently disused.  AC07: A little further along Allison Street we spotted some graffiti as we passed an indoor parking space and ventured in.  AC08: Tribute to Captain Tom Moore who raised money for our underfunded National Health Service durinf the covid pandemic as he approached his hundredth birthday.  AC09: A withering comment on the state of our health service.  AC10: Martin Luther King.  AC11: And a local hero, Trevor Francis (1954 to 2023) who starred for Birmingham City before becoming Britain's first million pound footballer when transferred to Nottingham Forest in 1979. 
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Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 23 March 2024 at 11:23
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Some useful detail on the buildings up there - thanks! One last look at the Selfridges exterior - for a while at least, HS-11 https://flic.kr/p/2pEXKrt">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS As ever with Phil there are rare delights to be found in ordinary street furniture ... HS-12 https://flic.kr/p/2pEX7Fd">  https://flic.kr/p/2pEX7Fd - E VIII R postbox A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS This my second example in two days of pillar boxes of which only four of each are documented to survive. And then there is the Makepeace frontage, described above by Phil, HS-13 https://flic.kr/p/2pEX7Hc">  https://flic.kr/p/2pEX7Hc - G. Makepeace NEX-7 + 85mm F2.8 SAM Elwyn had joined us and so we had an opportunity for a group-of-four photo, HS-14 https://flic.kr/p/2pEQTAF">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS This was not far from the former crisp factory with the illustrious history documented by Alan above, HS-15 https://flic.kr/p/2pEVo9J">  https://flic.kr/p/2pEVo9J - Grand building A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS, two frames, stitched And down the road you can see the towering facade - too grand for a crisp facory, HS-16 https://flic.kr/p/2pEXL5c">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS On into the off-street art gallery, HS-17 https://flic.kr/p/2pEXKY5">  https://flic.kr/p/2pEXKY5 - Car park entrance A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS I don't know who Arthur is or was, but Captain Tom .. everyone knows, yes? HS-18 https://flic.kr/p/2pEWtb7">  A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Dystopian ou quoi? HS-19 https://flic.kr/p/2pEX892">  https://flic.kr/p/2pEX892 - Things to come? A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS And this is where we took the proper group photo (first seen at the top), here edited and straightened, etc. HS-20 https://flic.kr/p/2pEQTYK">  https://flic.kr/p/2pEQTYK - Group of photographers A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: Jozioau
Date Posted: 23 March 2024 at 13:21
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Great to put faces to names, and to see a bunch of mature codgers actively engaged in meeting, photo walking, taking refreshment with pints of ale (making me nervous at the proximity to expensive albeit moisture proof photo gear), and delivering for the rest of us a virtual tour of an interesting city and its sights. Quite a variety of subject matter, interestingly captured and presented. Historic to ultra modern architecture, distorting mirror reflections, street art, rare Edward VIII post box, there's a lot to like here. Thanks for posting. ------------- "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst" - Henri Cartier-Bresson https://www.flickr.com/photos/jozioau/albums - My FlickrPro site |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 23 March 2024 at 13:29
Thanks Joe. Don't go away, lots more to come  |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 23 March 2024 at 14:19
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Mature, us? Thanks for the comments! ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 00:03
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PW16 Jane did not escape!  PW17 My version of our selfie in Allison Street.  Looking down a side street another view of Selfridges - which is about to be dwarfed by a new development by Salhia. A 30ish storey tower and more. PW18 Salhia  This chap spent most of the time we were in the parking garage (a former metalworks) trying to get the machine to take his payment - he eventually gave up and went to find another machine in the outdoor part of the park. PW19 Don't you just hate car park machines?  My favourite piece of street art from the day - in the outdoor part of the car park. I found it strangely moving. I've seen the artist's work somewhere else, probably Cheltenham, apparently he is known as Phlegm and has an internation reputation. PW20 No man is an island?  Alan & Howard have already shown the Brolly Works, an old umbrella parts factory turned into appartments. PW21 Brolly Works, detail  |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 08:34
AC12: Richly decorated house on the corner of Bordesley and Meriden streets. AC13: Celebrating a multicultural and multi ethnic city.  AC14: Demolition.  AC15: There are ambitious plans to https://www.arcadis.com/en-gb/projects/europe/united-kingdom/digbeth-regeneration,-c-,-the-canal-corridor - redevelop Digbeth  In the meantime, there's plenty of street art to enjoy, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-45790672 - there's a useful story on its background here. |
Posted By: addy landzaat
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 09:54
Like the building!------------- Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101 |
Posted By: Dopol
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 10:20
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Wow. Graffiti must be Birmingham's middle name. I was there 40 years ago. It looked a little overdue in maintenance at the time. Not that much progress I see. But I like the scenery and the enormous amounts of selfies. You are children of your time. Keep them coming -------------  Be yourself; everyone else is already taken
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Posted By: Fred_S
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 10:34
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I am enjoying this thread guys! It seems you had a good day together (like all DM's) Kep them coming! ------------- https://www.flickr.com/photos/147603320@N02 - My Flickr https://www.instagram.com/fred_s_photography - My Instagram |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 10:51
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Thanks, Phil and Alan, for informative links and background. HS-21 https://flic.kr/p/2pF71J7">  https://flic.kr/p/2pF71J7 - At the sign of the bike NEX-7 + 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Unsurprisingly there was a bike workshop here and - more importantly - a café next door. A welcome stop at a community hub that was between operators. Alan posted the bigger view of this painted Digbeth house, but a closer look shows that everything seems to be in service of the artwork, HS-22 https://flic.kr/p/2pF9om5">  https://flic.kr/p/2pF9om5 - Digbeth detail NEX-7 + 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS And around the corner, HS-23 https://flic.kr/p/2pF71Qe">  https://flic.kr/p/2pF71Qe - Future of Birmingham A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Rotate 180 degrees and we have Phlegm's Bosch-inspired masterpiece, HS-24 https://flic.kr/p/2pF2y8L">  https://flic.kr/p/2pF2y8L - Street art by Phlegm A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS The BBC article linked to be Alan suggests these street paintings are 5-6 years old. And the distinction is drawn between street art and graffiti, HS-25 https://flic.kr/p/2pF2yes">  https://flic.kr/p/2pF2yes - Graffiti not art NEX-7 + 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS The wider site, HS-26 https://flic.kr/p/2pF8LEp">  https://flic.kr/p/2pF8LEp - Demolition site A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS And the demolition work in progress, HS-27 https://flic.kr/p/2pF85J1">  https://flic.kr/p/2pF85J1 - Demolishing NEX-7 + 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS A few yards down the road and look right - it's Oxford Street! In the London Monopoly board this is a dark green zone, second only to Mayfair and Park Lane. Here in Brum it's one of the brown, cheaper zones, I suspect. HS-28 https://flic.kr/p/2pF85Pg">  https://flic.kr/p/2pF85Pg - Oxford Street NEX-7 + 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 17:55
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After a coffee stop we left Allison Street and soon came across this former pub (The Spottted Dog) that has been decorated to celebrate the prospects of 22 young black residents predicted to do great things. Note the inclusion of a post box (Type K). PW22 The Future of Birmingham  Across the road an old warehouse is disappearing. PW23 Demolition I  The demolition technique seemed to involved machines tearing apart the building floor by floor, nibbling away at the ceiling and then dumping the debris out of an old window opening. PW24 Demolition II  Pubs seem to be more resilient than most buidlings, it's not that unusual to come across an isolated boozer like this. PW25 The Barn  PW26 Delish - where street art become signage  Another boozer called The Ruin (formerly the White Swan, then the Floodgate Tavern, followed by a few short-lived incarnations) inspired by the landlord's exerience of bars in derelict parts of Budapest. PW27 The Ruin  Lots of street art in Floodgate Street PW28 Floodgate I  PW29 Floodgate II  PW30 Floodgate III  PW31 Floodgate IV  PW31 Floodgate V  |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 18:43
| Nice bit of research Phil, always good to have some back story. I'm wondering what happened to Danny P. |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 20:26
Me too - but I haven't found anything yet. |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 24 March 2024 at 20:46
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I found a funeral notice for a Danny P Pedley, who died from cancer at the age of 27 in 2010, but I'm not certain he is the Danny P on the wall. I thought I had better catch up, at least to the Ruin. We were trekking along some mean streets, HS-29 https://flic.kr/p/2pF7Rt2">  https://flic.kr/p/2pF7Rt2 - Bordesley Street A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS And on Little Ann Street the battle between street art and regular old graffiti is being keenly fought, HS-30 https://flic.kr/p/2pFe5aK">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFe5aK - Little Ann Street NEX-7 + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS HS-31 https://flic.kr/p/2pFcktg">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFcktg - Yellow car NEX-7 + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS On the corner with Floodgate Street there was a giant, HS-32 https://flic.kr/p/2pFdpw1">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFdpw1 - Scale NEX-7 + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS And on the other corner, the Ruin; forgive my vintage-ish treatment, but it does look like something out of the wild west ... HS-33 https://flic.kr/p/2pFdpzc">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFdpzc - The ruin NEX-7 + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 25 March 2024 at 08:23
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The Ruin doesn't open until 16:00 so we pressed on. AC16: The factory of the former Birmingham Screwdriver Company is now advertised as studio and office space, which reflects the shift away from metal trades to creative industries in this part of the city. The preserved sign with its arm and hammer recall the crest on the Birmingham coat of arms. The building stands at the corner of Floodgate Street and Little Ann Street.  AC17:  AC18: Artwork by Philth Neveready  AC19: We didn't try scanning the QR code.  AC20: Another Philth Neveready piece.  AC21: Our Digbeth tour ended at Birmingham's oldest secular building, dating from 1368 where we sustained ourselves with food and beer before the afternoon session. 
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Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 25 March 2024 at 13:00
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Another memorial artwork as you pass under the railway crossing Floodgate Street. Perhaps Helen McCrory, star of Birmingham based Peeky Blinders? PW33 Helen RIP  PW34 Under the viaduct  Passing through the area of the former custard factory I was struck by the balconies added on to the facade of one of the buildings. PW35 Balcony  Traffic safety is not the top priority in this area. PW36 Signs  The courtyard inside the main custard factory building was not exactly lively - only one of the many businesses was open. PW37 Custard factory  The date on the front of our lunch venue is a matter of some dispute - the pub says 1368, historians say 16th century. Both may be right - a pub called the Crown may have been here in 1368 and rebuilt as the current building a couple of hundred years later. PW38 1368  PW39 The Old Crown  PW40 Lunch is over. 
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Posted By: RichardT
Date Posted: 25 March 2024 at 13:08
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Re the Screwdriver Factory sign and for information the 'Birmingham Screwdriver' used to be a derogoratory building industry term for a (big) hammer ! Much quicker than all that turning.... Apologies if you knew that but thought it might amuse. Very much enjoying the shots you guys have been taking, interesting selection. Keep 'em coming RichardT ------------- So many wines, so little time...... |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 25 March 2024 at 13:59
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I missed the Screwdriver logo/artwork, and enjoyed Richard's explanation, thanks! Here's my take from The Ruin to the Old Crown: HS-34 https://flic.kr/p/2pFnmtQ">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFnmtQ - Smiley NEX-7 + 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS HS-35 https://flic.kr/p/2pFnniL">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFnniL - Graffiti'd street art NEX-7 + 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS HS-36 https://flic.kr/p/2pFoB8K">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFoB8K - Mors est finis Solitudinis / Death is the end of Solitude NEX-7 + 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS HS-37 https://flic.kr/p/2pFnnAz">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFnnAz - LUPO! NEX-7 + 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS I thought this place was magnificent, a footbridge over a canal or stream and under a railway viaduct, next door to The Custard Factory. Forgive me for a non-alpha photo, but I had to capture this as a spherixal or 360 panorama with my phone ... https://flic.kr/p/2pFktB6">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFktB6 - Underneath the arches / 360 Pixel 7 Pro spherical panorama It's presented on Flickr as an equirectangular image, but you can click through on the web to interact with the sphere. It's also available on Kuula, https://kuula.co/share/56HGT?logo=1&info=1&fs=1&vr=0&zoom=1&autorotate=0.16&thumbs=1&margin=1 - https://kuula.co/share/56HGT?logo=1&info=1&fs=1&vr=0&zoom=1&autorotate=0.16&thumbs=1&margin=1 and can be viewed full screen there. ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 25 March 2024 at 14:07
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(Ooops, I pressed Post too soon ...) Moving on to Gibb Street ... HS-38 https://flic.kr/p/2pFo1qx">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFo1qx - Dreamy NEX-7 + 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS And we have a massive green man tucked into a corner of a high-rise building, the work of Tawny Grey in 2009, HS-39 https://flic.kr/p/2pFgMRz">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFgMRz - Green Man of Gibb Street | Tawny Grey (2009) NEX-7 + 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Round the corner and we have The Old Crown where all of us stopped for a drink (see top of thread); we did put the cameras on a separate table. HS-40 https://flic.kr/p/2pFgMW9">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFgMW9 - The Old Crown NEX-7 + 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 25 March 2024 at 15:10
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Hi Richard, I didn't know that about the "Birmingham screwdriver"
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Posted By: Jozioau
Date Posted: 25 March 2024 at 22:00
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A most interesting journey continues. Birmingham is obviously rich in texture and history, and seems to be a bit of a 'work in progress' as it redefines itself into the future. My main disappointment is that the participants didn't don peaked caps and do their 'Peaky Blinders' impressions in the group shot. ------------- "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst" - Henri Cartier-Bresson https://www.flickr.com/photos/jozioau/albums - My FlickrPro site |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 09:14
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I've not seen that programme, Joe, didn't know it was set in Birmingham. AC22: Suitably refreshed, we walked down the street Digbeth, passing this building with its adjoining restored painted advertising sign. Pevsner described the building as a crusty brick block of shops and warehouse of 1869 by Thomas Fawdry. It's Grade II listed and currently serves as the Digbeth Campus of South Birmingham College.  AC23: In the street, work progresses on an extension to the tram network.  AC24: Big wheel and big trucks.  AC25: Chinatown and tech town.  AC26: High rise.  AC27: Angle poise lamp (large size).  AC28: A section of the Cube hotel. 
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Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 11:38
PW41 More street art on a hoarding around another building site (custard factory on the background). Opposite a new tram stop - which may be linked to the London Underground style sign. PW42 The Kennedy Memorial - a fine mosaic meriting Howard's full attention.  PW43 Looking into the city from the new tram stop - opening soon.  PW44 Support for Ukraine?  PW45 Market  I was using Howard's Samyang 35mm f2.8 during the walk from the Old Crown to Chinatown and this was in way of a test shot. Sharpness is excellent in the centre and still pretty good at the edge, distortion is pretty well controlled - I might just invest in one, it's so nice and small. PW46 Selfridges again.  I'm not sure the reality comes up to the poster's promise. PW47 Funder City  I can't help feeling something has been lost in translation. PW48 Happy Lamb Hot Pot  I separated from the gang for a while agreeing to meet at the canal. So I felt I had to shoot this artwork of the canalside in New Street Station - little knowing that it would at the pub pictured that I would join the guys again. PW49 Mural  Another corner pub left standing. A splendid example of pub tilework from Holders, a brewery I have not come across before. PW50 The Craven Arms  I snapped this imposing bulding as I hurried past on my way to the canal, it wasn't until I looked at it on my PC that I realised it was a synagogue. PW51 Synagogue  Artwork outside Mailbox - but note that the spotlight is on the pillar box (admittedly this one is nondescript). PW52 Pillar box and Lamp  According to their website The Cube is Birmingham's 'Ultimate Landmark'. 135 flats, luxury hotel, fine dining, clubs etc. PW53 Facade at The Cube  |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 12:21
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I've never seen the pub in PW50 or heard of the brewery. I found this online: Holder's Brewery and over 200 pubs were acquired by Mitchells & Butlers Ltd in 1919 and the brewery was closed in 1923, the year that Sir John Holder died. When I lived in the city in the 1970s, almost every pub was tied to either M&B or Ansells, both of which I considered brewers of poor quality ale. I was a founder member of the Birmingham Camra branch, we held meetings in the few Davenports pubs and organised occasional coach outings to the Black Country and further afield. Nice positioning of the passer by in PW49. |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 13:04
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It's a cracking pace getting through the photos ... Leaving the Old Crown and looking down the side street, HS-41 https://flic.kr/p/2pFy73d">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFy73d - Heath Mill Lane A7 III + FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Past more graffiti on hoardings; I had swapped by Samyang 35mm F2.8 for Phil's 24-105 F4 (three of us, not me, had brought the lens for the day out) HS-42 https://flic.kr/p/2pFsyEn">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFsyEn - Krushed Grape NEX-7 + 24-105mm F4 G OSS I've been pleased with the way the NEX-7 held up under all sorts of lenses that day. HS-43 https://flic.kr/p/2pFy76V">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFy76V - Street pup A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS And then we came to the Kennedy memorial: HS-44 https://flic.kr/p/2pFx2rp">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFx2rp - J F Kennedy Memorial | Kenneth Budd (1968) and Oliver Budd (2013) A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS From Wikipedia: The J. F. Kennedy Memorial in Birmingham, England, is a memorial mosaic mural to John F. Kennedy, by Kenneth Budd. The mosaic, commissioned by Birmingham's Irish community and unveiled in 1968,[ and funded by public subscription, was constructed in panels, at Budd's company in south London, Kenneth Budd and Associates. It was dismantled in 2007 and remade, with alterations, in 2012, by the artist's son, for erection at a new site. When the road system was redeveloped in 2007 the mosaic was demolished. Key features, including the heads of some of the main figures, were retrieved and retained by Kenneth Budd's son Oliver. In 2012 it was re-created using new materials. The new mosaic was erected in January 2013, in the city's Irish Quarter, on Floodgate Street in Digbeth, in reworked form, including the controversial addition of a new face, that of former Lord Mayor of Birmingham Mike Nangle, the city's first Irish Lord Mayor. The work was overseen by Budd's son, Oliver, who worked from his father's original drawings. The retained sections were not used as the colours had faded and would not match the new Smalti mosaic tiles.A formal unveiling took place on 23 February 2013. HS-45 https://flic.kr/p/2pFy7an">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFy7an - Kennedy Memorial detail A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Nearby I was struck by the detail on part of the facade of the 1860 Bonser & Co Warehouse HS-46 https://flic.kr/p/2pFsyNi">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFsyNi - Bonser & Co warehouse detail NEX-7 + 24-105mm F4 G OSS I thought I would give Kong the full CinemaScope 21:9 aspect ratio treatment HS-47 https://flic.kr/p/2pFzkVJ">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFzkVJ - Kong NEX-7 + 24-105mm F4 G OSS Like Phil I was underwhelmed by the actualité of Funder City HS-48 https://flic.kr/p/2pFzkYu">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFzkYu - Funder City! A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS HS-49 https://flic.kr/p/2pFzm13">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFzm13 - Funder City? A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS It reminded me a little of the Willy Wonka Experience farce in Glasgow recently, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/27/glasgow-willy-wonka-experience-slammed-as-farce-as-tickets-refunded - link . Before we entered China town I caught a glimpse of Selfridges, HS-50 https://flic.kr/p/2pFy7kC">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFy7kC - Lurking in the background NEX-7 + 24-105mm F4 G OSS ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: neilt3
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 13:54
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A nice collection of shots of Birmingham from all of you . Looks much more interesting than when I was last down there twenty or so years back ! @ Phil Wood . I looks like you've tried switching the lamp on in PW52 , but it's still off. Makes you wonder where you'd pick up a new bulb or fuse ? ------------- see my photostream on flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/sets/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/ C & C welcome. |
Posted By: Hezu
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 15:11
------------- http://hezu.1g.fi/ - Galerie Hezu |
Posted By: neilt3
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 15:20
Maybe on a desk lamp , but at twenty feet high it might be a bit awkward to reach there !  ------------- see my photostream on flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/sets/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/ C & C welcome. |
Posted By: bonneville
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 15:31
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Well I have held on for a bit to see the varied collection of images grow, and how I regret missing that UK Meet. You have all done it justice and with far too many photographs to single out favourites. They are all an excellent record of talented eyes and skilful use of your tools. HS , PW , AC so far.I had said that I have never been to Birmingham, which is what I thought to be true until I saw the photo of the Cube! It reminded me that in my final year of working, (2013), I took the train to Birmingham and a taxi to the Cube for a one day "Senior Civil Servant Resettlement and Retirement course" in a conference room in the Cube! It was dark when I left and all I remember seeing was construction work everywhere, especially around the station. Clearly not a very memorable day Afterthought: I do fondly remember my very first day after retiring though (7th April 2013) as it was spent on a UK Dyxum meet at https://www.dyxum.com/DFORUM/dm-ansel-adams-meet-greenwich_topic97234.html - Greenwich . Happy Day. |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 18:05
We missed you Brian - next time perhaps. |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 19:20
| Yes, it's a pity you couldn't make it, an enjoyable social event as well as the photography. I was surprised how much of Digbeth was new to me, having wandered round there not too long ago. |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 19:45
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I’m at work and have been or buried with other projects. Hoping to have time soon to do my photos but don’t know if mine are good enough to what I’ve seen already ;) ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 19:53
| You can do the encore, Elwyn! |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 20:11
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Indeed a shame, Brian. We (I) covered 10 miles and 21k steps and the camera bag helped do my back in. (Pretty much clear now.) I hope Elwyn / @Saratoga is able to add his shots before long. In the meantime I have to press on and get to The Cube to catch up with the others ... Emerging from Chinatown there was a striking piece of Mexican / Deadhead imagery, HS-51 https://flic.kr/p/2pFCSpc">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFCSpc - Dead head A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS And then the Birmingham Back to Backs, a National Trust property that needs to be booked in advance, which we had not done and so missed the interiors. They showcase life in central Birmingham from the 1840s to 1970s. HS-52 https://flic.kr/p/2pFwEK5">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFwEK5 - Birmingham Back to Backs NEX-7 + Sigma E 30mm F2.8 Next, an example of 1960s brutalism, a mistake of urban planning, but something that Birmingham Civic Society wishes to preserve and enhance as part of the 'Brutiful Birmingham' campaign. I wonder what the residents think. HS-53 https://flic.kr/p/2pFDrwk">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFDrwk - Smallbrook Queensway buildings A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS The supporting pillars are wrapped in fencing, which gives another space for street painting. HS-54 https://flic.kr/p/2pFwEPP">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFwEPP - Under the building A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Around the corner we trudge up to Holloway Circus, navigate an underpass and look up at the Radisson Blu hotel, with reflections of the Sentinels, two massive blocks of flats looking down on to the Circus and Queensway. HS-55 https://flic.kr/p/2pFCdbh">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFCdbh - Holloway Circus A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS The Chinese Pagoda in the centre has already been documented, but on the far side a forgotten mosaic is crumbling away. The Horse Fair mosaic mural depicts an important event from the turn of the 20th century that was erected in 1966, and already much is gone. HS-56 https://flic.kr/p/2pFwEUD">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFwEUD - Horse Fair mosaic mural detail A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS I love the way that the Red Desk Lamp at the entrance to the Mailbox makes the postbox behind look like a miniature. HS-57 https://flic.kr/p/2pFwEWs">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFwEWs - Red Desklamp at the Mailbox NEX-7 + Sigma E 30mm F2.8 HS-58 https://flic.kr/p/2pFCSEY">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFCSEY - Red Desklamp at the Mailbox NEX-7 + Sigma E 30mm F2.8 And finally to the Cube, a building that evokes mixed feelings. At least they ask you to slow down to admire it. HS-59 https://flic.kr/p/2pFCdiM">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFCdiM - The Cube A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS But the building is too large in the narrow streets around it and hard to squeeze into a single shot. I tried stitching four photos together, but the result isn't great. HS-60 https://flic.kr/p/2pFDrL3">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFDrL3 - The Cube pano A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS I thought the shape of the platform in front of the building was interesting, but of course the enormity of the structure defeats my humble camera. ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 20:13
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I very much want to see your contributions, Elwyn, but can fully understand that things like work get in the way of sorting and processing. ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 26 March 2024 at 20:21
I especially like your composition in HS-55 Howard 
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Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 27 March 2024 at 00:01
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Howard term 'brutiful' sums up opinions on the Ringway Centre very nicely. A the recent decision to demolish it has caused a big enough furore for the City Council to decide to revisit their decision. PW54 Ringway - southern aspect.  PW55 Ringway - northern aspect. 
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Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 27 March 2024 at 09:04
AC29: Breathing instructions AC30: Hyatt Regency hotel  AC31: The Gas Street Basin area of the canal, redeveloped in the 1990s to create a leisure area of pubs and restaurants from the disused industrial sites.  AC32: Basin reflections.  |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 27 March 2024 at 09:53
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CANALSIDE The regenerated canal area is a great place for architectural contrasts like this old canal building turned into trendy restaurant and the tower blocks behind. PW56 The Botanist  In places the regeneration leaves little sign of what was there before. PW57 Shopping Mall  The key store in the mall is Legoland and the giraffe is advertising its presence. In the distance the distinctive new library. PW58 Giraffe's ****  After missing them on the first pass I find the guys loitering outside a pub - on the other side of the canal. PW59 Bar Lock footbridge and The Cube  Retracing my steps I crossed the canal and headed for the pub passing under the Broad Street tunnel - or the Black Sabbath Bridge as I have since discovered. A bench on the pavement above commemorates Birmingham's heavy metal heroes (though inspection of my photos show no sign of it). PW60 Broad Street & Tunnel  Sitting outside the pub I was back looking at The Botanist and Regency Wharf. PW61 Regency Wharf  |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 27 March 2024 at 10:42
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By now we had temporarily split into two groups, Phil taking a different tack from we three. We emerged from the side of the Cube onto the regenerated canalside area, marked on maps as the Birmingham Canal Old Line. HS-61 https://flic.kr/p/2pFCq6D">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFCq6D - Reflected Cube A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Crossing the bridge we pass a reminder that this is not the https://flic.kr/p/ntfR9S - Pont de l'Archveche in Paris. HS-62 https://flic.kr/p/2pFKbup">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFKbup - Padlocks A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS The old and the new in reflections at Regency Wharf, HS-63 https://flic.kr/p/2pFJAZn">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFJAZn - Regency Wharf A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS More old and new reflected, with the wooden structure being The Botanist. Google says it is a 'Country-style tavern offering elevated British fare, creative cocktails, live music & canal views', HS-64 https://flic.kr/p/2pFJB2g">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFJB2g - Canalside reflections A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS But it looked closed, and where was Phil? He sent us a photo of a Lego giraffe and I went off under the Black Sabbath Bridge to see if he was about ... HS-65 https://flic.kr/p/2pFHWYm">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFHWYm - Broad Street tunnel A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS | five frame HDR +/- 0.7 EV That bloke pointing a camera at a brick wall could only be a Dyxummer, so we retired to the Tap & Spile ('Comfort food and real ales in 1821-built, canalside pub with modern, stripped-floor interiors'). Sheltering from some rain we had coffee and beer before setting off on the last stage of the walk. ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 27 March 2024 at 16:55
PW62 What the bloke was pointing a camer at.. 
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Posted By: owenn01
Date Posted: 27 March 2024 at 17:05
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Guys, I'm really sorry I missed this event as it looks like you've had a truly great experience in Birmingham - and cataloguing some places where, in my youth, only the brave would have dared to tread! Just one comment about the JFK mosaic - I can clearly recall that being opened for viewing in the 1960's - it was then located at the intersection of an underpass system in upper Snow Hill not far from the then railway station of the same name. You could clearly see it if you were on the upper deck of the number 90 bus heading back towards Aston, Perry barr and Kingstanding (!). I recall that the redevelopment of the Snow Hill area in general meant that it had to be 'removed' but it's sad to hear that much of the original was lost through one reason or another. Good to see it back and looking better than ever though. Other images of note - HS-53 shows an area which once linked New Street shopping centre through to the 'Bullring' - that road passing by the brutalist architecture provided a link out of the city along the Bristol Street or the HAgley Road - both means of escaping the city centre to countryside reasonably quickly (back in the day). This has really created an 'itch I need to scratch' at some point - going back is sometimes not a great thing to do but these images - the artwork especially - make it a potentially fascinating place to spend time in. Finally - it's great to see some of the much older pubs have survived - my grandfather worked man and boy for Ansells from before WWII all the way through to the mid-60's and many of these would have been well known to him - I do hope they have managed to keep the interiors in good condition and not fallen foul of the 'redevelopers' - by the looks of the facade on PW50 - The Craven Arms then one can but hope that's the case. One last question - and I may be pre-empting things, but - No Rotunda images yet....?  well done everyone and looking forward to many more! Best regards, Neil. ------------- My Mantra: "Comment on other's work as you would wish to have yours commented upon". Go on - it's fun! |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 27 March 2024 at 18:26
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As for the Rotunda, we spent much of the day under it or walking away from it. Coming out of Digbeth I did catch a glimpse, looking up Moat Lane (?) / B4100. HS-66 https://flic.kr/p/2pFM9Y5">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFM9Y5 - Rotunda street view NEX-7 + 24-105mm F4 G OSS I short-listed this one for around HS-49, but it didn't quite make the cut there. What is Rotunda? It's all here, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotunda,_Birmingham - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotunda,_Birmingham . ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: owenn01
Date Posted: 27 March 2024 at 18:52
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What is Rotunda? Well, I haven't checked the link but I believe when the Bullring redevelopment was raised quite a few years ago, part of that process included the demolition of said building. There was, unsurprising;y, something of a hue and cry from the Brummie population over what had, by then, become 'a landmark' and I'm actually sure that it then had an English Heritage 'preservation order' slapped on it - so it is there to stay! It's been a few things during its time - the last to my knowledge was a hotel (in parts) but no idea what its function is now. Thanks for the post though and love to see more if available! Best regards, Neil. ------------- My Mantra: "Comment on other's work as you would wish to have yours commented upon". Go on - it's fun! |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 09:42
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Neil, we didn't venture north of the centre into the Jewellery Quarter so there's scope for another DM when you've settled into retirement. We could visit Digbeth in the afternoon and check out the Ruin! I remember the Rotunda but it made little impression on me, unlike the crowded ramp to the cavernous claustrophobic shopping centre above New Street station which connected to the Bullring. AC33  AC34: Stairway to heaven for a bibliophile but not for us, we arrived as the new central library was closing.  AC35: Top of the escalator.  AC36: Queen Victoria at the town hall.  AC37: Reflection.  AC38: Tall blocks near the library  AC39  AC40: Great Western arcade.  We finished here at 18:00. I returned to my hotel and crashed out. My original plan had been to trek out to Aston in the evening to the https://pubheritage.camra.org.uk/pubs/167 - Bartons Arms which I visited in the seventies, but read that it had closed only a few weeks ago. I'd have been too tired as it happens but this is a sad loss. |
Posted By: owenn01
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 09:58
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Hi Alan, I will bear that in mind - the Jewellry Quarter (and surrounding areas ) are also likely to have a wealth of interesting opportunities! As for The Bartons Arms - well; I can't believe that. It is a fundamental part of my history: no, not as a resident I have you know, but I passed by that establishment every time I went to the City Centre for shopping and, laterly, on my way to Aston University where I was a student and then employed until we got married and moved to Edgbaston. I believe it as one of the 'classic' late Victorian / early Edwardian pubs but was supposed to still have the wealth of ceramic tiling inside which was typical of the times. I do so hope that this, above all, gets a 'protected building' status as it really is a landmark in the Aston and Lozells area. Thanks again all and glad to see Birmingham exhausted you! With best regards, Neil. ------------- My Mantra: "Comment on other's work as you would wish to have yours commented upon". Go on - it's fun! |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 13:23
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Turning off the canal we entered the ICC, greeted by an artwork I haven't identified yet, HS-67 https://flic.kr/p/2pFVThG">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFVThG - Sculpture at the ICC NEX-7 + Sigma E 30mm F2.8 I wasn't that gripped by what I saw of the ICC, but there were some interesting patterns, HS-68 https://flic.kr/p/2pFUD2C">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFUD2C - ICC interior A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS We emerged on the other side close to the City of Birmingham Library. HS-69 https://flic.kr/p/2pFTzzY">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFTzzY - City of Birmingham library detail NEX-7 + Sigma E 30mm F2.8 HS-70 https://flic.kr/p/2pFUDcC">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFUDcC - City of Birmingham library detail NEX-7 + 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS We wanted to go inside and visit the top floor, but we were too late - another thing to be planned for in a future visit. Outside, Centenary Square offered some public art, HS-71 https://flic.kr/p/2pFP7Fb">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFP7Fb - Sculpture detail A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Further on, Victoria Square not only offers a fine statue of Queen Victoria (AC36), but also an even finer Antony Gormley sculpture, Iron:Man. https://flic.kr/p/2pFUDdQ">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFUDdQ - Iron:Man | Antony Gormley (1993) A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS There is so much more to this than meets the eye: Iron:Man's feet are buried below the pavement and although not apparent here he has a distinct lean backwards and to one side. The sculpture was a gift to the city by the TSB in 1993 and some ungrateful cynics suggested it should have moved with the bank when they relocated their headquarters to Bristol. The sculpture is said by Gormley to represent the traditional skills of Birmingham and the Black Country practised during the Industrial Revolution. It was removed in 2017 in order that tracks for the new Metro could be laid and restored to its present location in 2022. The Birmingham Mail wrote, 'Now Iron:Man is back in Birmingham more than 50 years after Black Sabbath pioneered a global form of music known as heavy metal and whose early songs included Iron Man, the closing track of side one on their second LP, Paranoid.' Moving on (and missing the Floozie in the Jacuzzi, which I hope someone else has caught) there is a bland piece of contemporary downtown high-rise buildings, HS-72 https://flic.kr/p/2pFTzHP">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFTzHP - City centre A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS The cathedral had just started evensong when we arrived and photography is not allowed during the service. Modest by many cathedrals' standards the church nevertheless has some magnificent Byrne Jones windows to capture on a future visit. We said goodbye at the Great Western Arcade, HS-73 https://flic.kr/p/2pFVjSk">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFVjSk - Great Western Arcade A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Phil and I walked on to find a tram (we had seen plenty of empty tracks), and turning the corner one came into view, HS-74 https://flic.kr/p/2pFP7P2">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFP7P2 - Tram! A7 III + FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS I was exhausted too and went to a coach stop to catch a Megabus that turned out to be running 90 mins late and was somewhere between Nottingham and Leicester. (Alas their refund policy applies only to delays of 120 minutes or greater.) I bailed and went to New Street for a fast train to Oxford at less than half-price and was greeted with others saying farewell at Ozzy the Bull, HS-75 https://flic.kr/p/2pFVTDt">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFVTDt - Farewell to Ozzy the Bull Ozzy (born Raging Bull) was created for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and now refurbished sits in New Street station and is named, by popular acclaim, for 'Birmingham music legend' Ozzy Osbourne. ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: owenn01
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 13:32
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"Floozie in the Jacuzzi" - you just cannot post a throw away line like that without providing photographic evidence! We need to see "the Floozie in the Jacuzzi"!!  Best regards, Neil ------------- My Mantra: "Comment on other's work as you would wish to have yours commented upon". Go on - it's fun! |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 13:46
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From the canal there is a shortcut to Centenary Square - through the International Conference Centre. PW63 ICC I  PW64 ICC II  PW65 ICC III  We emerged from the ICC into Centenary Square, which is dominated by the Birmingham Library - a confection like no other. I failed to take a shot of the whole thing (I have others from a previous visit in far better light) and settled on a few detail shots. PW66 Birmingham Library I  PW66 Birmingham Library II  Outside the library is this artwork by Gilliam Wearing entiled A Real Birmingham Family PW68 A Real Birmingham Family  PW69 A Real Birmingham Family detail  On entering the library we found that most of it was closed (it was gone 5pm) but what was open was being well used. PW70 Birmingham Library interior  Leaving the library we headed toward the cathedral - on the way I realised that I had truly been visiting paradise. PW71 Paradise 
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Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 14:37
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Phil, good captures of the ICC and the Library. I do have an exterior shot, but really it needs a drone view, I think (see e.g. from 1:40 here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-5IJKKutWY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-5IJKKutWY ). ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 15:04
| Howard, it was Neil who was asking, the "floozie" can be seen at the top of the steps in image #72 of the https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/cities-birmingham-england_topic98636_page2.html - cities thread . It was indeed obscured by building works for our visit. |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 17:25
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Moving on we encountered Gormley's Iron Man - not his greatest work. I can't say that I am a fan, nor it seems were Elwyn or Alan. PW72 Iron Man meets two Dyxummers.  I like the new New Street Station and love the opportunities the mirrored sufaces offer for photography - but I have to admit that it just a confusing muddle when viewed from a distance. PW73 New Street Station  Next a few shots of the high rise buildings we passed - the sunset light was nice. PW74  PW75  PW76  PW77  PW78  PW79  PW80 Great Western Mall  24 hours in Birmingham and I hadn't seen a tram - then as Howard and I walked the short distance back to New Street and his left luggage they came in droves. PW81 Tram  PW82 Leaving Howard to the mercy of Megabus I headed back to our hotel to meet up with Jane and experience my first Eritrean meal. On the way I took this final streetscene with the Ringway building on the right - as you can see the light was fading fast.  |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 17:43
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I guess that's it for this DM which has left me wanting to see more of Birmingham and to partake in more Dyxum Meetings. It was a great day, with good company, and masses of photo opportunities (despite the grey weather). But one thing continues to puzzle me - what is it about Ozzie Osbourne that makes him so popular? So, in closing, a couple of shots of Ozzie the bull during one of his wakeful periods. PW83 Ozzie the Bull I  PW83 Ozzie the Bull II  |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 18:30
Apologies, a brain slip at the time of writing. And thanks for the link to the Birmingham cities thread - the photos from you and Neil certainly complement what we have done at the DM. ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 28 March 2024 at 18:37
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I agree it was a great day out, and I'd be up for another tour of a great city - Manchester or Liverpool, or Bristol or Norwich perhaps. With the aid of my smartphone and the Sony IEM app I try to geotag all the photos I take with compatible cameras, https://flic.kr/p/2pFVjYC">  https://flic.kr/p/2pFVjYC - Photo trail 21,000+ steps, 16km/10 miles, 250+ photos of which 75 were posted here. Thanks all for making it a great day out and to Alan and Alwyn for local knowledge. ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 29 March 2024 at 16:37
Time for another "where next?" entry
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Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 29 March 2024 at 16:47
I'm already signing up for a day out in den Bosch when I'm over in NL in May, so perhaps after that, unless someone else takes the initiative?  ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: angora
Date Posted: 29 March 2024 at 17:36
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THANK YOU all for the eye candy, it has been a treat! (hoping for bonus-pics!). |
Posted By: pegelli
Date Posted: 29 March 2024 at 20:00
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I fully agree with Ine (angora), It's been a real treat following your walk through this city. And feel free to join Howard and the Dutchies on May 18 in 's-Hertogenbosch ------------- You can see the April Foolishness 2023 exhibition https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/april-foolishness-2023-the-exhibition_topic142439.html - here Another great show of the talent we have on Dyxum |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 30 March 2024 at 09:49
The man who made Peaky Blinders has a new series coming to BBC1 tomorrow,
Given that very little of PB was filmed in Brum I do wonder if this will use more of the locations we came to know and love over our gruelling day ... ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: minolta_mutley
Date Posted: 30 March 2024 at 15:43
| With the maps those wanting to repeat the photographical adventure can try to do better (but it won't be that easy). I enjoyed these postings. |
Posted By: neilt3
Date Posted: 31 March 2024 at 02:28
Consider Chester as well . I had a trip out to both Chester and Liverpool while I was off at the beginning of the month. Despite the weather I enjoyed both , especially Chester. ------------- see my photostream on flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/sets/ - http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilt3/ C & C welcome. |
Posted By: Jozioau
Date Posted: 31 March 2024 at 03:08
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Thanks guys for this comprehensive and most enjoyable virtual tour of Birmingham, showing off all its diversity. Most enjoyable and most impressive. Look forward to similar DM adventures and postings from other interesting cities, of which the UK has no shortage. ------------- "Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst" - Henri Cartier-Bresson https://www.flickr.com/photos/jozioau/albums - My FlickrPro site |
Posted By: bonneville
Date Posted: 31 March 2024 at 13:11
+1
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Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 31 March 2024 at 18:32
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Work has got in the way for me, as a lorry driver with odd and long hours. When I do get off work, I need to have the enthusiasm and patience to do the post processing. Although I’ve got some days next week now when I’m away on holiday as it turns out it’s now going to be raining most of next week/this week coming. I’ve seen a lot of amazing work from everyone else and feel that my own contribution may not be of the same standard, but at the same time you’ll still get to see it because a contribution is better than no contribution ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 31 March 2024 at 22:04
I'm looking forward to seeing your shots Elwyn - rainy days are great for processing images! |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 12:06
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So these were shot with my A7II with a 24-105 Sony lens. Having looked at the rest of the thread I don't have the same creativity or precision others do... But I still saw stuff I liked. Reflections 1 https://flic.kr/p/2pH9vrZ">  2 https://flic.kr/p/2pH3W5C">  3 https://flic.kr/p/2pHaMeW">  4 https://flic.kr/p/2pH3WiP">  5 https://flic.kr/p/2pH8unu">  ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 12:13
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1 https://flic.kr/p/2pH9vKj">  2 https://flic.kr/p/2pHaK9P">  3 https://flic.kr/p/2pHaKnz">  4 https://flic.kr/p/2pH3Ud6">  5 https://flic.kr/p/2pH3Uuo">  6 So we came across a fairground with some trucks and I've taken the oppourtunity, as trucks is my thing, to HDR this image. Without HDR https://flic.kr/p/2pH8svy">  With HDR https://flic.kr/p/2pH8sFP">  If I was able to do it again I would using a tripod or at least a way to stabilise the camera for the bracketting shots. Looks like this company uses Volvo trucks, and quite a few older versions are here too ;) ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: alanfrombangor
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 12:22
| You're too modest Elwyn, some nice images in there. It's a pity the iron urinal has been defaced with idiot graffiti in the two years since I previously photographed it. |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 12:32
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The older parts of the city that have been grafittied or just left to their own devices over the years... 1 https://flic.kr/p/2pH9wYb">  2 https://flic.kr/p/2pH3WgQ">  3 https://flic.kr/p/2pH3Vih">  4 https://flic.kr/p/2pHacQf">  5 https://flic.kr/p/2pHacT6">  6 https://flic.kr/p/2pHaMuq">  ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 12:38
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Some of the older buildings have been looked after, kept clean on the outside even though most of the internal rooms or entire parts of the building are empty. This is common for many parts of cities now, trying to find ways to use them here and there. 1 https://flic.kr/p/2pH9vyC">  2 https://flic.kr/p/2pH8rWc">  3 https://flic.kr/p/2pHabNa">  4 This is the Free Library, on the back of the Custard Quarter. Probably in the way that Bournville was run, they created spaces for the workers to do other things than just work, and reading is one of them. https://flic.kr/p/2pHaLby">  5 https://flic.kr/p/2pH3VGd">  6 Masonic Hall https://flic.kr/p/2pHadm5">  ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 12:40
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1 https://flic.kr/p/2pHacMj">  2 https://flic.kr/p/2pH9x4w">  3 https://flic.kr/p/2pH8tm1">  4 https://flic.kr/p/2pH3XkJ">  5 https://flic.kr/p/2pH9z9J">  6 https://flic.kr/p/2pH9zyg">  ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 12:41
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I'll put some more up later but I need to get ready for work now. Here is the album I've put up. 82 photos of the 350 I took that day. https://www.flickr.com/gp/covltwt/21Nr4d93s9 - https://www.flickr.com/gp/covltwt/21Nr4d93s9 ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: Howard_S
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 14:01
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Great to see your contributions, Elwyn. I missed the graffiti'd urinal, and the ceiling mirror tiles are a good catch. I look forward to seeing more here in due course (though the Flickr album is good for a preview). ------------- Howard Stanbury https://www.instagram.com/instadelusions/ - Instagram | http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbury/ - Flickr | http://stanbury.org/ - Web |
Posted By: bonneville
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 14:18
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Alan is right, you're too modest Elwyn. I like your approach and enjoyed your Birmingham city photographs. You held your own very well against a group of very talented and prolific Dyxumers. BTW, hasn't time flown, do you remember the Lichfield meet back in 2008? Bob caught us together in (another) pub https://www.dyxum.com/DFORUM/dm-lichfield-meeting-13-april-2008_topic29781_post312014.html#312014 - here although I don't know why I am looking so grumpy! It was my first Dyxum meet and I remember having a great day (it's just a shame that Flickr managed to delete all my photographs from that era). |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 16:06
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Yes. I remember Lichfield 2008. I also have some aerial shots of Birmingham in 2005 but can’t see anything we shot together that matches up. We could always have another Lichfield or somewhere close to you Bonneville? ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: Phil Wood
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 16:09
| Great to see these Elwyn - so many subjects I overlooked! Just shows how much Birmingham has to offer the photographer. TFS. |
Posted By: addy landzaat
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 17:51
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More pictures from Birmingham, nice ------------- Why not follow me on Instagram? @Addy_101 |
Posted By: Hezu
Date Posted: 06 April 2024 at 18:22
------------- http://hezu.1g.fi/ - Galerie Hezu |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 07 April 2024 at 00:12
Everything was uploaded in a block between food and going to work. There aren’t any descriptions either. That will come in time. You can at least be thankful. I attended and shot over a 1000 night photos of a battle at an event last year that I’ve not even got around to processing yet. Which is when I discovered shooting with an 85mm f/1.4 @ iso50,000!!! ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 11 April 2024 at 13:43
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I've gone in and added numbers. If I get a chance I'll find some time to put up the stragglers I shot but didn't put up... ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |