Last week, we swapped desks for discovery and stepped out into the streets of Birmingham for the Colmore Life Art Walk. It was a reminder (if one was even needed) that working in the Colmore Business District comes with more than just a great office address.
Led by the knowledgeable Mike Mounfield, the tour offered a fresh perspective on the area many of us pass through every day.
We began by revisiting some of Birmingham’s most recognisable landmarks. The imposing Iron: Man stands as confidently as ever, a symbol of the city’s industrial strength and identity. Not far from there, the statue of Joseph Chamberlain reminds us of the political legacy rooted in this very part of the city. These pieces you walk past everyday suddenly have a lot more meaning!
A particular highlight was our stop at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG), a cornerstone of the city’s cultural offering. We explored emerging creativity through the Birmingham City University School of Art open exhibition, showcasing the next generation of artists shaping the city’s future.
The walk didn’t just focus on the obvious. It’s often the hidden or overlooked details that leave the biggest impression like the subtle yet striking Umbra installation by Wolfgang Buttress on Church Street. In contrast to the complete transformation of spaces like the Livery Street Subway which has highlighted how art can completely redefine an environment—turning something purely functional into something memorable.
And then, of course, there’s the personality of the city. No art walk in Birmingham would feel complete without a nod to Alright Bab! A piece that captures the humour, warmth, and unmistakable character of the city. It’s playful, bold and unapologetically Birmingham.
What stood out most wasn’t just the individual pieces, but how seamlessly art, architecture, and daily life are woven together here. The Colmore Business District isn’t just a place to work—it’s a living, breathing cultural landscape. Every street has a story, every corner offers something new to notice, and every building contributes to the identity of the area.
For us at Livery Place, this really hit home. Being based in the heart of Colmore means we’re not just close to this creativity—we’re part of it. In fact, we’re incredibly fortunate to have two fantastic pieces of artwork right on our doorstep – the colourful and eye-catching Livery Street mural and the recently retiled Subway. They’re not just decorative features; they’re conversation starters, landmarks, and part of what makes arriving at and leaving the building feel a little more inspiring each day.
Events like the Colmore Life Art Walk are a brilliant reminder to pause and look up. To notice the details and to reconnect with the environment we’re in.
Not bad for a lunch break.