In a continuation from Part 1, I take a look at more of the graffiti in and around the Digbeth area of Birmingham when I was working down there. These photos were all taken in 2019 and it is unlikely any of them still exist as the work was regularly painted over, but the quality of the work (then and now) is impressive.
Less than ten minutes from the centre of Birmingham, Digbeth is the bohemian/art hub of the city. Famous for it's connection with "Peaky Blinders", it was one of many Victorian industrial areas of the city which is slowly going through a redevelopment.
Filled with cafes, bars and an assortment of boutique shops, it is a world away from the centre of the city that is populated with all the usual high street chains.
Old red brick facades are splashed with colour and imagination, filled with inspiring images and art.
Graffiti by Gent
An area under the old bridges has been converted into a car park where many of the artists are able to produce their work on the supporting walls.
Arguably not Eden, but any wall space will be painted
The spectrum of work ranges from the basic to the intricate, but it all has it's place and is worthy of studying.
This stunning artwork of a human/scorpion is eye catching. Not sure whether the RIPs were added after or are part of the artwork.
Street scene shows high rise buildings covered in graffiti by Dan Kitchener
Tree man statue stands high in front of a building in Digbeth
The main boulevard is lined with art shops, cafes and takeaways so you can spend a good few hours wandering around enjoying the amenities and the Free Art. It has a relaxed atmosphere (during the day, at least) though I'd imagine the volume gets cranked up in the evening with the pubs and clubs in the vicinity.
Beautiful graffiti covers the streets in Digbeth around the Custard Factory
Within Digbeth is the Custard Factory, an area of 15 acres of old industrial building, converted into work spaces and shops, that was once the location for the production of egg-free custard by the Bird family.
A lot of the work derives from the City of Colours Festival in 2014 with work by Justin Sola, Jay Sharples, Dan Kitchener and N4T4.
Graffiti by N4T4
As well as graffiti there is some interesting sculptures.
car par with crushed metal walls
Crushed metal wall running along the street in Digbeth
The streets to look out for include: Rea Street, High Street, Dudley Street, Bordesley Street, Fazeley Street, Heath Mill Lane and Floodgate Street.
Graffiti by Justin Sola
These are only just a selection of the many photos I took in Digbeth. I'll try and add more later, but needless to say a trip down to Birmingham and Digbeth will not disappoint.
You can find more At www.hereandback.co.uk
All the best
Holly