WME Flickr Focus - February 2026

Valentine's cards may have been sent and plenty of pancakes flipped over the last few weeks but for the West Midlands Exploration photostream February has been a month of steady simple progress. No pink hearts or sprinklings of lemon and sugar here, just a routine supply of new camera-created content...

If we were to declare a romantic interest, WME Dudley probably retains its leading role from January but you'll have to make your own minds up whether you adore my pictures of Gornal pub signs or the Halesowen Bus Station clock. Over in Stourbridge the Green Duck Brewery tap promises "really nice cobs", and if that isn't enough to turn your head we have a wavy-roofed Tecton turnstile at Dudley Zoo, one for any admirers of Modernist municipal architecture.

If Dudley doesn't dazzle you, maybe WME Staffordshire can tug at your heartstrings instead. I'm certainly a fan of Hanley's Golden Cup pub, and even if its Bass lantern isn't sufficient on its own to make me totally weak at the knees, once you sneak in some street signage (Pall Mall) and a couple of Potteries Museum exhibits I could be yours for an oatcake! A Furnace Grange flurry from Trescott is admittedly more mundane material unless you happen to appreciate farm driveways and temporary road surfaces.

To WME Wolverhampton which has been busily lusting after a Dunstall double act - I give you a Trading Estate unit and the Tabernacle Baptist Church - whilst also flirting with Finchfield (where the Chestnut Tree tries to lure us with its breakfast promotions). Fox's Lane Bridge and Fowlers Park trade teasing insults whereas Graiseley gobbles up the likes of Clayton Close, Ablow Street and the Broyce Control works. 

Usually avoiding the dating scene due to long-term shyness, WME Worcestershire pokes its head above the parapet with a helping of Hagley. The King Arthur is bostin' Bathams at their best, and while Park Road isn't especially exciting, there are two Worcester Stands Tall giraffes to take your fancy. The question here is do you wish to meet 'Deco' at the Royal Worcester porcelain museum or 'Arthur the Giraffa in Banana Pyjamas' at the Cornmarket?

Getting swiped left rather too much for their liking this month are WME Birmingham (despite a burst of Erdington energy courtesy of Summer Road, Silver Birch Road and some Go Go Go hoardings) and that erstwhile singleton WME Sandwell with its only offering of Old Factory Bridge in Tipton. WME Shropshire smooches through a couple of Shrewsbury - or rather Harlescott - street sign kisses, and with that the shortest month is done. With love, enjoy the pictures and see you in March for an early spring selection...