Artists add colour to Livery Street with the creation of new mural

Colmore BID has added a splash of colour to its streets, with a brand-new art installation on the walls of Livery Street as part of its Green in the City initiative.

Following a tender process that saw over 30 ideas put forward, artistic duo Edward Luke Thrush and Anna Davies, also known as the Window Artists, were commissioned by Colmore BID to create an 8ft high by 60ft wide mural at the entrance to Livery Street by the junction of Great Charles Queensway, with the theme ‘Green in the City’.

Luke is an illustrator with over 11 years’ experience in commercial and large format design. Anna is an interior architect with a background within the commercial sector. They describe themselves as proud Brummies with a shared passion for the city and all the creativity it inspires.

The duo’s design features a series of Birmingham landmarks and historical events influenced by the Brutalist architecture genre, particularly the concrete murals of sculptor William Mitchell.  Large, stylised trees provide a recurring theme throughout the painting, which invites people to pick out well-known city buildings, public artworks and key events.

The mural is the latest in a programme of artworks to be installed in Colmore Business District. During 2020/2021, the BID’s parklets were installed and adorned with artwork, which includes further pieces by Luke and Anna.

Melanie Williams, chair of Colmore BID’s Outstanding Places working group, said: “When the tender went out in 2019, we were inundated with ideas from a range of high calibre artists.  It was really difficult to get down to a shortlist of four, but with help from Birmingham City Council’s Cultural Development team, local businesses and other support we got there in the end.  Luke and Anna’s submission has translated into exactly what we were hoping for: a vibrant, interesting and engaging piece of mural art that encapsulates so much of what Birmingham City Centre is about.  It’s the kind of work that bears repeat viewing, finding things you didn’t see before.  Colmore BID is very pleased with the final result.”

Artist Anna Davies said: ““We feel that the wall brings life and vibrancy to Colmore Business District. It captures imaginations and provokes conversations. It encourages escapism, a moment of still in the city as people stop to take photos and ponder upon the references and meaning of the artwork.

“While working on the wall, we really enjoyed overhearing conversations about people’s interpretations of the design. Children in particular, really enjoyed spotting the urban creatures. We feel that the art wall creates a positive impression, adding a much-needed contrast to what was quite a dark span of wall. The piece is located in a very prominent location. It can clearly be seen by passing traffic on the main road. It works well as a new landmark for the area.”