Hello from Birmingham!

I’m finally here and I’m very excited that I get to share my adventures and experiences with you over the coming weeks as I undertake my Museums and Collections Award placement at the University of Birmingham.

One of Birmingham’s many canals. Photograph by Amy Walsh.

I arrived at the university campus station yesterday, pulling up alongside a picturesque canal. From there I walked along tree-lined driveways until I reached Pritchatts Road, where I’m staying in a lovely old house that has been converted into studio apartments. I also had a wander along nearby Harborne’s High Street, which is lined with shops and restaurants. The fact that several very inviting English pubs are so close to where I’m staying will be hard to resist…

7 Pritchatts Road, my home for the next four weeks. Photograph by Amy Walsh.

I had to head into Birmingham proper today to pick up a few last minute things before starting my placement but I only had enough time to very briefly explore this wonderful city. I arrived at Birmingham’s main station and visited the iconic Bull Ring and Selfridges shopping centres. At the other end of New Street, in Victoria Square, was the city’s impressive town hall and Council House, which also houses part of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. I’m really looking forward to seeing some more of the city’s cultural sites next weekend!

The Bull Ring’s iconic bull sculpture, a favourite with the kids. Photograph by Amy Walsh.

Birmingham’s town hall. Photograph by Amy Walsh.

The university campus itself is truly beautiful; green spaces abound and its many redbrick buildings revolve around the charming Old Joe (an affectionate name for the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, the tallest freestanding clock tower in the world!). The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 and has since become a leading tertiary education institution in the UK. Needless to say, I feel very lucky to be staying and working here for the next month!

“Old Joe”. Photograph by Amy Walsh.

I’ll be heading down the road to Redmarley, the beautiful home of the Research and Cultural Collections department, at 10am tomorrow to start my placement, so you’ll hear from me again during the week!

Redmarley, home of the Research and Cultural Collections department. My late afternoon photo doesn’t do this lovely building justice! Photograph by Amy Walsh.