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A recent visit to Birmingham gave us the opportunity to see at close range two contrasting statues.  The first was the bull, now on display at Birmingham New Street station. It was originally installed in Centenary Square for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It stood outside during the summer of 22 and after the games had closed, it was going to be dismantled and taken to the scrap heap.  The Birmingham Bull had become a popular attraction and there was quite an outcry from the public when the bull’s fate became known. After much campaigning and discussion about a permanent site, it was agreed to relocate it to the railway station where it would be protected from the elements.

The move to pastures new was also a chance to rename the bull, by public vote, Ozzy the Bull, after Birmingham’s very own Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath.  Wait patiently and you may see Ozzy’s head move and tail swish.

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Onto Centenary Square and just outside Symphony Hall stands the statue of Boulton, Watt and Murdoch, I.e. James Watt (1736-1819), Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) and William Murdoch (1754-1839) three key figures of the Industrial Revolution who were based in Birmingham and worked together on various projects.

It’s not difficult to see why this is usually described as The Golden Boys, (who can resist a bit of bling!) The statue was in storage for five year while the area was being redeveloped but was relocated and unveiled in time for the 2022 games.  Many reverently refer to the statue as The Three Wise Men. However, they are shown studying steam engine plans and this has resulted in the less respectful alternative description of The Carpet Salesmen.