Erdington through Glass
Residents at Birmingham-based Mercian Housing Association’s sheltered scheme, Haven Court have taken part in an inter-generational art project to produce six glass painted panels of renowned Erdington landmarks, supported by the City Council’s Community Arts.
The initial meeting took place in April, where the residents from Haven Court met with Ev Beard, Project Manager from Studio Select (Birmingham African Caribbean Artists Foundation) and three young artists from Connexions Direct, which offers information and advice to young people. Here they gained information about the project and the process it would take. Landmarks and focal points in Erdington that could be reproduced in art form to mimic a stained glass window with a ‘twist’ were suggested by the residents.
A number of suggestions were put forward to Ev, including the statue of Josiah Mason, Saint Barnabas Church, the clock tower situated in The Gardens, The Alms Houses on Orphanage Road, Erdington Library and Rookery House.
The landmarks suggested were photographed by the three young artists, working with professional photographer Andy Spencer and Ev. The residents of Haven Court and the young artists from Connexions Direct then set about painting the six chosen images onto styrene, a form of Perspex, with glass paints, under the guidance of Ev.
Patrick Hayes, Community Arts Worker at Birmingham City Council, said, “It’s wonderful to see both the older and younger generations working together creatively in this community arts project – it has been all about mutual respect and understanding and has helped to rebuild community spirit in this area.”
Julie Wykes, Customer Involvement Administrator at Mercian said, “The final paintings are fantastic, I think a few of the residents were surprised at their own painting skills!” Resident at Haven Court, Mrs May Birley, added, “We thought it would be difficult when we first started, but it wasn’t – Ev Beard is an excellent teacher and we very much enjoyed ourselves.”
One of the paintings is of St Barnabus Church and in light the recent fire, is a poignant reminder of this local landmark. The finished paintings will be on display at Erdington Library for all to see.
The residents involved were: Mrs Hilda Hunter, Mrs Ivy Strachan, Mrs Phyllis Berrow, Mrs Marge Lewis, Mrs May Birley, Mrs Pat Bates, Mrs Jan Lewis, Mrs Iris Greenhill and Mr John Carter.
With thanks to: Ev Beard from Studio Select (Birmingham African Caribbean Artists Foundation), Patrick Hayes from Birmingham City Council, Barbara Taylor from Connexions Direct, Angela Reagan, young artist from Connexions Direct, photographer Andy Spencer, Gill Turner from Erdington Library and to Councillor Penny Holbrook who gave her support.
For more information please contact Vicky Jones on 0121 377 8899 or email
vjones@mercian.org.uk.