Here at Cambrian Wharf it was super quiet over night, and the Flapper and Firking Pub that overlooks the basin is closed so we don't even have to wait until 23:00, or 22:00 currently. I was expecting to wake up a little stiff in the lower regions, I mean legs, after yesterday's lock work out, and I wasn't wrong. I was also expecting the rain to start later in the day but we had a brief shower over breakfast. It had stopped by the time we ventured out to explore what had changed in Birmingham city centre.
I was intrigued to see that the West Midlands Metro has expanded from New Street Station up to Centenary Square in front of the 'New Library'. I couldn't work out how they were able to get here as there were no wires for a pantograph to be raised to connect up for the electricity. Looking on the website of the manufacturers, CAF from Spain, and their new trams can be fitted with lithium ion supercapacitors and batteries to enable it to run with out direct electricity for short periods.
There have been £13.5 million worth of improvements on the square in front of the library as well as the tram stop. A competition was held and this was the winner from a Scottish Company. It looks like a massive pool but in fact it is about half an inch deep and acts as a reflection pool for all the buildings around. There is a series of 28 water jets that have coloured lights and can be timed to make 'interesting' patterns. The tall lighting columns are interesting as they spread a 'datum of starlight' over the square with their twinkling LED's. It seems that they are to have a sound waves effect with the water features. The pool can be quickly drained to create an events space. There was also a countdown clock for the Birmingham Commonwealth games in 2022, hence all the works. I was a little worried that the number of days indicated until the start of the Games was 666!!
The 'old' brutalist concrete, leaking concrete, building and surrounding buildings have been demolished a while now and it has opened up a great vista of Chamberlain Square and the Museum and Art Gallery and the Town Hall. The new buildings behind me did not over inspire me, so I forgot to take a photo. However the rounded front facing the Museum was quite attractive.
I must have passed this obelisk many times and not noticed what it was. It seems that it was erected in 1885 for a national hero Colonel Fred Gustavus Burnaby. He was born in Bedford and was a large and powerful man. He joined the army and was famous for getting on with all and being able to jump over a snooker table from a standing start and carrying a donkey under each arm. His exploits quickly found him becoming an national celebrity. He left the Army and did a lot of travelling, and spying! The bust is obviously of the man himself. The Abu Klea 1885 refers to the place of his death. Having rejoined the army he was sent on lift the siege of General Gordan at Khartoum. He was too late and was killed at the watering hole of Abu Klea when he dashed out of the defensive square to rescue a soldier. He was only 42.
The Khiva 1875 refers to when he had left the army had gone travelling on his own, with a bit of spying on the side to travel to the Khanate of Khiva (modern day Uzbekistan). It was his book 'A ride to Khive' that brought his his extreme fame. He spoke several languages and had mastered hot air ballooning too. The only reason I can find that it is in St. Philips Square is that he stood for parliament against Joe Chamberlain!
St Philip's Cathedral is not whatnyou may expect for the Second City of England but I must say I like it and the square is always busy.
79 - 83 Colmore Row attracted my attention. It seems to have housed RBS Bank recently but it was built in 1873 for William Spurrier. I'm not sure whether it was a home or a showroom. William Spurrier sold silver and gold items, and it seems that he also perfected the art of making electro silver plate in Birmingham. It is Grade II listed.
Benvento Cellini was an Itallian Goldsmith who lived 1500 - 1571 and is the right hand bust on 79 - 83 Colmore Row. He was also a poet, artist, sculptor and soldier.
Lorenzo was also an Italian goldsmith that lived 1378 to 1455 and his autobiography maybe the oldest surviving. It makes you wonder why a bloke in Birmingham would select these two to adorn is building, when there must be more 'appropriate' candidates.
Outside the Council Offices was this little montage to the NHS. Birmingham Council always have a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.
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