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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
30 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A visit to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery on the August Bank Holiday Monday

On the August Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August 2023, I travelled to Wolverhampton, by train, for a visit to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Free entry. The entrance now on the side via St Peter's Walk. One early highlight was seeing the Maquette of King Kong. There was also a see-saw sculpture on the first floor. After a look around, had coffee and lunch in the Glaze cafe.

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A visit to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery on the August Bank Holiday Monday





On the August Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August 2023, I travelled to Wolverhampton, by train, for a visit to the Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Free entry. The entrance now on the side via St Peter's Walk. One early highlight was seeing the Maquette of King Kong. There was also a see-saw sculpture on the first floor. After a look around, had coffee and lunch in the Glaze cafe.


Wolverhampton Art Gallery was funded and built by Philip Horsman (1825-1890). It opened in 1884. The two storey building was designed by Birmingham architect Julius Chatwin (1829-1907). The Victorian building is Grade II* listed, and a modern extension later built in 2006-07, along with a refurbishment.

As of 2023, the main entrance on Lichfield Street is closed, it is an emergency exit only. The entrance is now near St Peter's Gardens on St Peter's Walk.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lichfield%20St%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A portrait of local businessman, Philip Horsman, who founded Wolverhampton Art Gallery in 1885. It was painted by George Phoenix (1863-1935).

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HWS%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The main staircase from the hallway, has a mixture of art from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. It leads up to the galleries on the first floor.

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Likeness Guaranteed by David Mach (b.1956), made in 1995. Welded metal coathangers.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/HWS%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Standing Relief VI 1958 by Frederick Edward McWilliam (1909-1992), made in 1972. Bronze.

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St Cecilia by Atri Cecil Brown (1906-1982) dates to the 1940s. Bronze.

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King Kong by Nicholas Monro (1936 - 2022). Fibreglass maquette of King Kong made in 1971. 

The full-sized replica stood for six months in Birmingham City Centre, during 1972, before being sold. A replica of the 20ft full-sized sculpture could be seen in the pop-up 'King Kong Park' during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The replica was created by 3D scanning this maquette.

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/King%20Kong%20WAG%2028082023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

End of Empire, 2016. By Yinka Shonibare CBE (b. 1962). Mixed media. Commemorates one hundred years since the First World War. Two figurative sculptures dressed in clothing of 19th century aristocrats sit on a 'see-saw'.

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This is the new main entrance from St Peter's Walk. Straight ahead is the gift shop. Plus a lot of helpful staff.

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Adam by Sir Charles Wheeler (1892-1974). Dates to the mid 1900s. Bronze.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rock Form (Porthcurno) by Dame Barbara Hepworth DBE (1903-1975). Made in 1964. Bronze, Edition of 6. Cast No. 5. On loan from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This is our Love and it Knows no Division. An exhibition presenting works by fifteen British artists in response to ‘the beautiful game’. Art in this room related to football.
Some objects from Joe Lycett. Including a magazine with David Beckham on the cover that he shredded on TV.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Football%20Wolv%20AG%2028082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Community Picks. Things in this room for kids to play with on their visit. Saw a large Campbells Condensed Tomato Soup can. Was also a frieze on the wall to the right.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CP%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Old Masters. 18th century paintings, on this room on the first floor. Was also a piano in here. Probably used for functions or events.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OM%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Another gallery on the first floor. Various objects, and paintings dating to the 19th century. One in the middle had an image of Dante on it.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Up%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A mixture of modern art in this first floor gallery. One painting from 2020 reminds you of the pandemic with the face masks.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Up%20Wolv%20Art%20Gallery%2028082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After a look around the art gallery, it was time to check out Glaze the Eating Space at the Gallery. I first had a coffee, as it was before 12pm, wasn't too busy then. Then after noon I ordered a sandwich, which came with salad. Got a bit more busier with families by then.

dndimg alt="Wolverhampton Art Gallery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Glaze%20Wolv%20AG%2028082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Hope you enjoyed this look around Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
27 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

King Kong at Nortons Digbeth by Gent 48

While the King Kong that was formerly at 'King Kong Park' in 2022 is now gone, there is another King Kong to see. Remember 'Forward in Unity' at Nortons Digbeth for Art 4 Charity? Well Gent 48 has come back and replaced it with a mural of King Kong. Also images of the BT Tower and Rotunda. Seen from Meriden Street.

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King Kong at Nortons Digbeth by Gent 48





While the King Kong that was formerly at 'King Kong Park' in 2022 is now gone, there is another King Kong to see. Remember 'Forward in Unity' at Nortons Digbeth for Art 4 Charity? Well Gent 48 has come back and replaced it with a mural of King Kong. Also images of the BT Tower and Rotunda. Seen from Meriden Street.


I noticed that the 'Forward in Unity' mural, painted by Gent 48 back in the summer 2020, during the pandemic had been painted over. So I travelled to Digbeth during the August Bank Holiday Weekend 2023 to see it up close.

The location as before is at Nortons Digbeth.

 

The wall now reads I ♥ BRUM, GUINNESS PLEASE BAB! also My My GUINNESS

A giant King Kong, the same one as the recration that was at King Kong Park last year from July to about October 2022.

The Rotunda resembles the way it was from the mid 1960s until before it was refurbished in the 2000s.

The top of the BT Tower has some satellite dishes, all of which are now removed from the top of it.

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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King Kong can be seen from passing buses on the Digbeth High Street if looking up Meriden Street (near the Eastside Metro extension).

dndimg alt="King Kong" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/KK%20Nortons%20Digbeth%2027082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown History & heritage
21 Aug 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Visit to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry

I went to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry on the 17th August 2023. Mainly to see Dippy the dinosaur again, 5 years after he was at BM & AG Gas Hall. Also the Work on Walls street art exhibition. The general content too, Peeping Tom and Lady Godiva. Various objects, sculpture and art were nice to see as well.

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Visit to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry





I went to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry on the 17th August 2023. Mainly to see Dippy the dinosaur again, 5 years after he was at BM & AG Gas Hall. Also the Work on Walls street art exhibition. The general content too, Peeping Tom and Lady Godiva. Various objects, sculpture and art were nice to see as well.


The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is located at Jordan Well in Coventry, between Bayley Lane, Priory Street and University Square. It can be approached from Earl Street, if walking past the Coventry Council House.

The art gallery & museum was founded by Sir Alfred Herbert (1866 - 1957). Who ran his company Alfred Herbert Ltd, one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of machine tools. He donated funds for the building of a museum in 1938, work began in 1939, but was stopped by the outbreak of WW2. After the war he donated more funds, then laid the foundation stone in 1954. But had died three years before it opened in 1960.

dndimg alt="Herbert Art Gallery & Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Herbert%20Art%20Gallery%20Museum%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A modern extension was built from 2005 to 2008 as part of a refurbishment programme. The covered court is where from 2023, Dippy the dinosaur is staying for three years (from the Natural History Museum, London). Dippy in Coventry opened in February 2023.

dndimg alt="The Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Herbert%20AGM%20Cov%20(Feb%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I booked in to see Dippy at 12pm on 17/08/2023. Although was upstairs before this point, spent a few minutes getting more photos of the Diplodocus life cast skeleton, that I'd seen back in June 2018 at Gas Hall in the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

dndimg alt="Dippy in Coventry" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dippy%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Work on Walls

There is several rooms over the summer of 2023, with street art on the walls, part of the Work on Walls exhibition.

 

Coventry Dinosaur

One room has art by Andy Council in tribute to Dippy the Dinosaur's stay in Coventry. The Coventry skyline as Dippy. The Coventry Dinosaur.

dndimg alt="The Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dippy%20art%20WoW%20HAGM%2017082023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Scribbleffiti

The first room by Scribbleffiti, red monsters, with objects from The Herbert.

dndimg alt="The Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Scribbleffiti%20HAGM%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Annatomix

Birmingham's own Annatomix has the second room, with her distinct origami style fox, bird and bull. Plus knives out!

dndimg alt="Annatomix" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Annatomix%20HAGM%2017082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Philth

Next up is Phill Blake aka Philth. With flowery style art. That was similar to wallpaper.

dndimg alt="Philth" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Philth%20HAGM%2017082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Window Artists

The final room by Window Artists. Luke Thrush and Anna Davies. They doodled on windows. And was commissioned to do a mural in Birmingham City Centre in 2020.

dndimg alt="Herbert Art Gallery & Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Window%20Artists%20HAGM%2017082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sir Alfred Herbert

Plaster bust of Sir Alfred Herbert by William Bloye, in the modern extension hall, dates to 1956.

dndimg alt="Sir Alfred Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sir%20A%20Herbert%20HAGM%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Portrait of Sir Alfred Herbert by Leonard Boden, dating to 1957.

dndimg alt="Sir Alfred Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bronzes

Female Head, 1959 by William Chattaway (1927 to 2019). Chattaway was born in Coventry and attended Coventry School of Art.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Yehudi Menuhin, 1963 by David Wynne (1926 to 2014). Yehudi Menuhin was a celebrated American violinist.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Figure (Walnut), 1964 by Barbara Hepworth (1903 to 1975). Acquired by the Herbert in 1966

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bronze%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Peeping Tom

What is now Peeping Tom, was originally thought to have been a statue of St George dating to 1500. Later it became known as Peeping Tom, who spied on Lady Godiva as she rode naked through Coventry. The figure was placed in a window overlooking Broadgate where it could watch the Godiva processions. At various times it was painted and given a hat to wear! Until recently this figure was on display in the Cathedral Lanes shopping centre.

Seen below at Cathedral Lanes shopping centre in 2014, and at The Herbert in 2023, where it is today.

dndimg alt="Peeping Tom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Peeping%20Tom%20Cov%202014%202023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Painting of Lady Godiva, dating to around 1898 by John Collier.

dndimg alt="Lady Godiva" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PT%20LG%20HAGM%2017082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Modern art

Action Stations.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Art%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Yellow and red flag thing with stars and a large i.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Art%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Swings with a yellow background.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Art%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Coventry history

City of Dreams.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Hillman.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Midland Railway poster, the rebirth of Coventry Cathedral.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Electric guitar.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wheels of fortune. Old bicycles including a penny farthing.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Statue of King Henry VI. From the Tudor Coventry Cross of 1544. The new Coventry Cross of 2023, is a 3D printed version of the statue, which is now at what was Trinity Street near Broadgate (Trinity Street Gardens).

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Carving of St George and the dragon. According to local legend St George was born at Caludon Castle near Coventry. However the real St George was a Christian Roman soldier in Turkey. He was executed on 23 April 303 for refusing to persecute Christians.

dndimg alt="Herbert" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Museum%20Herbert%20AGM%2017082023%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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90 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
30 Jan 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Ghetto Golf at the Custard Factory

A Brumtography photo meet on the 16th January 2020 at Ghetto Golf at the Custard Factory in Digbeth. A miniature golf course of 18 holes with graffiti, video games and horror movie references. For over 18's only. They also have a bar and areas for visitors to eat. We went before they opened, around 4 of us in the end. Thanks to Karl Newton for organising / gaining permission.

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Ghetto Golf at the Custard Factory





A Brumtography photo meet on the 16th January 2020 at Ghetto Golf at the Custard Factory in Digbeth. A miniature golf course of 18 holes with graffiti, video games and horror movie references. For over 18's only. They also have a bar and areas for visitors to eat. We went before they opened, around 4 of us in the end. Thanks to Karl Newton for organising / gaining permission.


GHETTO GOLF

A Brumtography (Facebook) group meet on the 16th January 2020 at Ghetto Golf Birmingham. Which is located at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, on Gibb Street (on the other side of the Bordesley Viaduct). A Crazy Golf course for over 18's only. We went before they opened, and was there for around an hour. They have a Cocktail bar and also serve food for paying customers from Apocalypse Cow. There is amazing graffiti and artwork all over the place, in I think what used to be a former warehouse.

I liked seeing the video game artwork of Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong and Abe from Oddworld series. Was also artwork of horror movie characters such as Beetlejuice and Freddie Krueger.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf bar (Jan 20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 1 to the right. Apocalypse Cow BBQ Street Food to the left. The graffiti bus behind is hole 3.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 1 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In hole 1 was this communal bin with Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street! Graffiti all over the place.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 1 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

To Hole 2 which is a Petrol Station. This sign is near a recreation of The Old Crown pub. The stairs leads up to other holes.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 2 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I would guess that this is the petrol station with all the Mobil signs. The Old Crown is to the right of here. Also near the bus. The stairs leads up to other holes.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 2 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 3 is in this former single decker bus from Manchester. Now covered all over in graffiti. They built a DJ station on the roof of the bus.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 3 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Inside the bus from the main entrance. You can also get in and out via the emergency exit door to the back on the left. So much graffiti all over.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 3 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 4 is this skateboarding ramp. Then hole 5 near the adult shop and red post box.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 4 and 5 (Jan 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After hole 5 is a Blockbuster Video which is hole 6. Inside they "rent out" horror movies on VHS video cassettes.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 4 and 5 (Jan 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Inside of hole 6 aka Blockbuster Video. Dare you rent out My Girl? Head round the corner to find Pinhead from the Hellraiser movies and see Regan from The Exorcist get lit up!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 6 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Then head out past Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street movies and get a Coca Cola. The door to the left exits to hole 5.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 6 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 7 is a bathroom. Lots of graffiti street ar here with toilet seats used as heads. Bath in the middle.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 7 and 8 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It looks like you have to hit your golf ball up the ramp and into the dirty toilet! And put your hand in to get the ball out. Hope they provide gloves!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 7 and 8 (Jan 20) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 8 meanwhile is this chicken pen. Next up is hole 9 which is the recreation of The Old Crown pub.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 7 and 8 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At the time of this visit, the real Old Crown pub was closed for renovation works. So hole 9 as The Old Crown was the only one that you could visit.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 9 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It really looks like an old style public house inside. I've never been inside of the real Old Crown pub though, only walk past it outside (or see it from the bus). That door leads to holes 8, 7 and 6. For hole 10, you have to go upstairs.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 9 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 10 on the first floor is Tony's 8 Ball Snooker Hall. Wind your golf ball to the hole like a trick shot, Big Break style.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 10 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of hole 10 from the ground floor from near hole 1.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 10 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up is hole 12 which is this Dog Kennel.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 11 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They appear to be growing something inside of the dog kennel. Somehow you have to get your golf ball in there?

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 11 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 12 is like something from the Aztec world (I would guess).

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 12 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They also have images of the Green Man on the wall leading to that creepy face in the door.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 12 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The next hole is hole 13 which is this old room. It could be from the 1970s with dated wallpaper and furniture. But the globe and portraits look much older.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 13 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up look at the globe.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 13 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The last hole on the first floor is hole 14, which is a 10 pin bowling alley.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 14 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

6 pins in position while the other 4 is behind the barrier. Downstairs next to four 16 bit video game inspired holes I think you will love (if you grew up in the early 1990s).

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 14 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The first video game hole, is hole 15. Based on the 16 bit Super Mario Bros from the SNES (unless it's based on the 8 bit Mario Bros from the NES).

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 15 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Head past Mario and Bowser (also known as King Koopa). Mario would also have been on the Nintendo Game Boy.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 15 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 16 is this Pinball game. Next to the Gameboy saying "Sicker than yo' Average.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 16 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At least I think it's pinball and not Space Invaders. Donkey Kong is next at hole 17.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 16 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Almost near the end. Hole 17 based on Donkey Kong, which is an 8 bit game from the NES.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 17 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was later a 16 bit game on the SNES called Donkey Kong Country with better graphics. I think you can tell that Sonic the Hedgehog is next!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 17 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Finally hole 18 is Sonic the Hedgehog from the Sega Mega Drive. The 16 bit game that was released in 1991 and will soon get his own live action movie!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 18 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It is based on the Green Hill Zone that famously opened the classic 2D side scroller. Also featuring Dr Robotnik (who Sega now called Dr Eggman). Game Over Man Game Over!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 18 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now for some bonus photos to finish this post. Near the entrance was this artwork of Beetlejuice (from the 1988 movie directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton). But will they make Beetlejuice 2?

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf Beetlejuice (Jan 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of my favourite video game characters was Abe from the Oddworld series. First appearing on the Playstation 1 (32 bit console) and PC CD Rom in 1997 in the game Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee, and it's follow up game in 1998 which was Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus. Later Oddworld games were on the original XBox. Abe was known to ask his fellow Mudokons: "Follow me!" and they would reply: "OK!".

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf Oddworld Abe (Jan 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the Apocalypse Cow area was this logo from Mortal Kombat. The original game I think came out on the Sega Mega Drive. They are still making Mortal Kombat games to this day and Mortal Kombat 11 is on the Playstation 4, XBox One and Nintendo Switch (they are very violent).

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf Mortal Kombat (Jan 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More seating here probably for Apocalypse Cow BBQ Street Food near what looks like to be a heavily gratified train!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf train bar (Jan 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Karl Newton keeps setting up these photography meets in the Brumtography Facebook group. If you are a Birmingham based photographer, please request to join. Karl or one of the othe admins may accept you. There is now regular meets and Karl sets up the tickets on EventBrite. It is private group, so you have to be a member to see the posts.

One of our recent meets was at the Electric Cinema on the 20th January 2020. We also met up for the first time at The Eagle & Tun pub before it closed for good by HS2, this was on the 11th January 2020.

I most recently joined Karl and another member of the group at the Bullring for the Festival of Light (on the 26th January 2020). Watch this space for an up and coming post!

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
29 Jan 2020 - Elliott Brown
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Chinese New Year around Birmingham, in 2020 it's the Year of the Rat

The annual celebrations are being prepared for in Birmingham City Centre. They dressed up the Bull. The Chinese dragons is going around, but I've not seen it yet this year in 2020. Missed it in the Colmore BID, and at the Bullring. But saw a dragon at the Custard Factory, and caught some of the dancing at the Bullring (but crowded and hard to see anything). Plus not waiting around.

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Chinese New Year around Birmingham, in 2020 it's the Year of the Rat





The annual celebrations are being prepared for in Birmingham City Centre. They dressed up the Bull. The Chinese dragons is going around, but I've not seen it yet this year in 2020. Missed it in the Colmore BID, and at the Bullring. But saw a dragon at the Custard Factory, and caught some of the dancing at the Bullring (but crowded and hard to see anything). Plus not waiting around.


Here's a quick brief post on Chinese New Year in late January 2020. The Year of the Rat starts on Saturday 25th January 2020. And there will be the annual celebrations in the Chinese Quarter on Sunday 26th January 2020. I did pop through Southside on Saturday, but could not see much more than them setting up the stage, and I wouldn't want to be around there on Sunday as it will be way too crowded for me.

The Bullring bull seen on the 23rd January 2020 in it's latest costume for Chinese New Year. Which starts on the 25th January 2020. A yellow and red outfit completely covering the bull, apart from it's feet.

dndimg alt="Chinese bull 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY of the Rat Bullring bull (Jan 20) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Think I prefer this outfit to the one they used in 2018. Best to get it as early as I'm aware of it, before it gets too crowded around here (especially at the weekend).

dndimg alt="Chinese bull 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY of the Rat Bullring bull (Jan 20) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The bull from the back. Festival of Light event to the right.

dndimg alt="Chinese bull 2020" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CNY of the Rat Bullring bull (Jan 20) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Festival of Lights at the Bullring is back. In 2019 I only saw it in the daylight, and so far in 2020 also in the daylight. This is Pulse of St Martin's Walk.

dndimg alt="Festival of Lights Bullring daylight" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festival of Light Bullring daylight (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Birds Fly Around With You in Rotunda Square. Seen them again since, but holding off taking more photos until I possibly head back when it gets dark. It opened on the evening of the 24th January 2020 and should be there until early February 2020. Spire of St Martin's Church down St Martin's Walk.

dndimg alt="Festival of Lights Bullring daylight" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Festival of Light Bullring daylight (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I went to the Colmore BID on the 24th January 2020, but did not see the Chinese dragon dances (had no idea at all where they were). So walked to Digbeth via the Gun Quarter and Eastside. Saw this Chinese dragon in the window of Ridding and Wynn at the Custard Factory in Digbeth.

dndimg alt="Chinese dragon Custard Factory" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Custard Factory Chinese NY (Jan 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Saturday 25th January 2020 at the Bullring. Was hoping to see some of the Chinese dragon dances, but when I got to the West Mall only saw this. DANS Dance. Taken from the top floor balcony.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring CNY (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a bit crowded on all floors to get decent views here.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring CNY (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Just caught the end as they walked to the Chinese arch made out of balloons.

dndimg alt="Chinese New Year Bullring" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bullring CNY (Jan 20) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I later popped back into the Bullring but could not see any dances going on, nor nothing around the Bull, I did not want to wait about. The City Centre around the Bullring was way too crowded for me. Nor did I see anything in Grand Central.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

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