Birmingham seems to be a big fan of public art collaborations, having hosted Hoot and Sleuth events not to mention several iterations of fun festive trails involving penguins, snowmen and snowdogs. The latest Central BID initiative is a summer holiday selection of sculptures based on the popular 'We're Going On A Bear Hunt' children's story...
- Jester -
Inspired by Michael Rosen's much-loved tale and Helen Oxenbury's picture book illustrations, ten large bears have taken residence at various city centre locations where they'll be on show until the start of September. Saturday 6th July gives me chance to get acquainted with most of them, starting in Piccadilly Arcade where 'Jester' takes pride of place. Designed by Amanda Quellin Art, the jester costume theme is a reference to how bears were historically exploited for entertainment purposes.
- Biodiversity Bear -
Where New Street meets Victoria Square (i.e. just below the Floozy in the Jacuzzi) you can find 'Biodiversity Bear' as created by Jodie Silverman. Foxes, rabbits and owls conjure up a woodland scene where the animals and plant life are seen to live in harmony together; indeed, some of the other bears also have similar environmental or conservation messages at heart.
- Bobby -
Next up is the Great Western Arcade for a meeting with 'Bobby', a visually striking bear whose Cubist leanings appear to have been heavily influenced by the works of Pablo Picasso. Jenny Leonard is the artist responsible for this one, fashioning bold lines and block facial portraits into the mix for a very playful abstract effect.
- Groovy Bear-by -
Corporation Street then transports me to the 1960s era of Flower Power and the Summer of Love thanks to the presence of 'Groovy Bear-by' - I particularly like the floral motifs and pink sunglasses! Caroline Daly is the designer in this case, and it seems fitting that the bear is sited directly outside the Cass Art store just down from the Midland Metro tram stop.
- A Walk On The Wild Side -
Heading across to John Bright Street, I'm amused by a sculpture with something of a split personality. 'A Walk On The Wild Side' seems to be half leopard half zebra so you can decide whether you prefer spots or stripes. Several other exotic creatures also feature, from snakes to parrots to chameleons and even a rather dapper skunk!
- We Are Bearmingham -
Waiting for us just around the corner (at the bottom of the Mailbox's front steps) is the thought-provoking multicultural melting pot that is 'We Are Bearmingham'. The idea is to capture the vibrancy of Birmingham's many varied communities and ethnicities, with illustrator Ekaterina Sheath basing the portraits on local people she saw in passing during the design stages.
- Homaging Holders at the Craven Arms -
All this bear-hunting can make one thirsty you know, and whenever I'm in the vicinity of the Mailbox there is always one watering hole which jumps to the top of my hitlist. The Craven Arms cannot be ignored any longer, beckoning to me with its blaze of yellow and blue tiles which recall the long-defunct Holders Brewery. Inside is an oasis of calm - such a welcome escape from the usual Brummie bustle - so I eagerly avail myself of Bradley's Finest Golden (Black Country Ales's flagship BFG brew) followed by a Lenton Lane Twist & Stout, wowing me with powerful doses of cherry and vanilla. Dustily-floured cobs and a bag of scratchings ensure that my lunch needs are taken care of too, making for a contented hour well spent.
- Clarence the Climate Bear -
Happily refreshed, I've one more sculpture to seek before I head home to Wolverhampton. 'Clarence the Climate Bear' guards the Station Street steps at one entrance to Birmingham New Street Station, and boldly represents the intertwining of humans, nature and climate considerations in tones of blue, olive green and bright orange. There are three more bears awaiting my attention at some point over the summer but for now I'll settle for the seven I've seen and switch my attentions to Euro 2024 footballing matters. Come on England!!!
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