Last weekend, Hub and I spent a few days in Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city.
The main driving force behind our visit was so that Hub could attend the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre. This is the main model railway event each year in the UK and, as a modeller himself, Hub was keen to see the 90+layouts and pick up a few bargains along the way.
If you are interested in seeing the progress with his layout, check out his YouTube channel here.
Although I am extremely supportive of Hub’s hobby, I didn’t feel the need to see the exhibition myself. Instead, I took the opportunity to spend one of the days in the centre of Birmingham with my Mum.
We had a great time checking out in particular the city’s Museum and Art Gallery. It is a magnificent testament to the city’s commitment to the arts.
The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, plus Christmas Market
We started off in the lovely Edwardian Tea Rooms – compulsory to have a cuppa and a piece of cake!
We then browsed around most of the galleries. This museum has a magnificent collection of pre-Raphaelite art, of which this is a beautiful example:
Waiting, John Everett Millais (1829-1896)
They also had plenty of more modern pieces. I especially liked the way the artist had captured light in this one:
Brindley Light, Reuben Colley
And I thought this sculpture was beautiful:
Pablo and Francesca, 1852, Alexander Munro
Bringing things right up to date, we were fascinated by the exterior of Birmingham’s rejuvenated main station:
The highly polished finish creates amazing images and impressions, even when the skies are dull:
In this shot, you can see a reflection of me taking the photo. NB I don’t have clubbed feet! 🙂
The interior of the station is pretty awesome too:
It was a memorable and enjoyable day out.
And if that was not enough, I had another very interesting time the following day – more on this in my next post. 🙂
Glad you got your priorities right, Liz, and started with tea and cake! 😀
I’ve passed through that station several times whilst it was being renovated. It’s good to see what finally emerged. Having lived within striking distance of Birmingham for 6 years I’m ashamed to say that I never actually visited and got acquainted with the city. Hailing from the south-east, my instinct was always to look towards London. A missed opportunity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol – yes, that’s the right starting point for any day out, isn’t it!! I know what you mean about looking elsewhere. I have never paid much attention to the Midlands, and was not inspired by the thought of it. So pleased to be proved so wrong!! 🙂
LikeLike
We had a super day, didn’t we Liz, full of interesting new things to see. More great memories XX
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, thanks for taking the trouble to come and join me – very happy memory of a lovely day xxx
LikeLike
What a splendid day!! I was especially interested in the statue of Paolo and Francesca, 1852 Alexander Munro. I was there with you in spirit. Hugs to all. (I know where my boys would have been)
LikeLiked by 1 person
You would have loved it (and the boys would have loved the exhibition!). Xxx
LikeLike
What an amazing station, so shiny….I wonder how often it needs cleaning????? I also like the loving couple, sweet. It sounds like you had a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ute. Mum and I wondered about the cleaning also – so glad we do not have to do it!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have passed through Birmingham on the train, travelled from Birmingham airport and driven round Birmingham in the car on the motorway but have never visited the city. Looking at images of fine art on-line I have discovered that many of my favourite paintings are to be found in Birmingham. I must visit the city!
I love your photos of the interesting architecture you discovered! xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have to say that it surpassed all my expectations! I thought the city would not be particularly inspiring – so wrong!! I’m sure you would find it interesting some time. 🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure I would! 🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely to be in a place where there’s something for everyone. I am wondering how the glare and sparkle factors are dealt with at the shiny new station?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point! Not sure, as we did not have any sunshine to evaluate!! I’m sure we will be back for Hub’s exhibition next year, so I can have another look then 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps take sunglasses as a precaution. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That station building is spectacular–very cool photos of it, too! It sounds like a really nice museum, as well–I love the pre-Raphaelites.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Kerry 🙂
LikeLike
I somehow deleted your comment on my first advent post–sorry! But it was so nice to know that someone else had ambivalence about this holiday season!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No worries – glad you were pleased to have a kindred spirit! 🙂
LikeLike
Fascinating and fabulous photos and I would love visiting here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cindy 😀
LikeLike
It’s an interesting place, Liz, isn’t it? I was astounded at New Street station and the Library was incredible. I was meeting Gilly, from Lucid Gypsy, there and we only had a day but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Almost made it into the Edwardian tearooms. Next time! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jo, you must definitely prioritise the tea room next time!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never been to Birmingham so enjoyed coming with you via your photos. I love the station, especially the reflections (the comment about the club feet made me giggle).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to share all the fun, Letizia! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person