Birmingham is Britain's second largest city. Lying in the heart of the
West Midlands, the centre of the canal network and close to coal mining
areas, the city became the leading manufacturing city in the world
during the Industrial Revolution with its myriad specialised and
innovative workshops. Its industrial heartland was devastated by aerial
bombardment during the Second World War and post-war redevelopment
turned against much of Birmingham's Victorian heritage. Large areas were
rebuilt in a modern style, opened up to the car, and Victorian brick
terraces were swept away, but in recent years the city has seen another
wave of redevelopment, demolishing post-war structures such as the
Bullring shopping centre and New Street station, and renovating sites of
industrial heritage such as the old canal area. Today it is a vibrant,
modern cultural centre in the heart of England. In this book
photographer Dave Jennings celebrates the new face of Birmingham in a
collection of stunning images that portray not just the new buildings
that characterise modern Birmingham but also how the older
industrial-era city survives - often turned to new uses. For all those
who are proud to live and work in Birmingham, as well as those visiting,
this book is a must. Look through these photographs and you will quickly
see the fascination of this changing city.
