By Christine Swan

My car is now twenty years old. MOT day is always rather stressful but last week, we journeyed a few junctions up the M5 motorway to Birmingham, and I gritted my teeth and negotiated the few miles into the heart of the City.

Recently, the council decided to reduce the speed limits on arteries into the city from 40mph to 30. I found this a really positive experience. Previously, you had to think more quickly and everybody seemed to know exactly where to go, and in which lane, while I was still trying to work it out. BEEP! BEEEEP! “Where did you get your licence? In a raffle!!”. I always found city driving a huge stress, it is no wonder that I prefer to take the train.

I arrived without incident and then walked from Digbeth into the city centre. This part of Birmingham is undergoing a transformation from former Victorian industrial heartland, into trendy clubland, with recording studios and a graffiti art trail thrown in. There are still signs of Birmingham’s past, and we wondered if the electric tram depot might be restored to its former deco glory.

Unfortunately, the HS2 rail development makes what used to be a five minute walk into a longer journey but we soon arrived at the iconic Selfridges building, which is part of the Bull Ring shopping centre. Our goal was more cultural and we headed towards the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The eclectic collection housed here is definitely worth a visit. The Pre Raphaelite paintings were my focus as I find them fascinating and incredibly beautiful.

Equally beautiful are the stunning items in the Staffordshire Hoard. Intricate gold filigree with inlaid garnets allow us to appreciate the craftsmanship of seventh century artisans. The Hoard was the largest ever treasure find and it is wonderful that it has been able to stay together and on public display to be enjoyed by all, at no cost.

Part of a sword hilt showing garnet inlays – By portableantiquities – Hilt Fitting, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7891177

One of my favourite paintings is Albert Moore’s Dreamers. In fact, several years ago, I bought a poster and framed it. It hangs above my bed in the hope that I too may drift off in restful sleep, like the classical ladies in their repose. Dating from 1882, I had not been aware that the women featured in the painting, are in fact all the same model. The subtle palette and dreamlike setting is perfect for creating a restful atmosphere. Unfortunately, my poster copy has become sun-faded and I really do need to buy a replacement.

Albert Moore’s Dreamers (1882)

Another painting that I have represented at home is Edward Robert Hughes’ Night With Her Train of Stars. This is a large painting that dates from 1912 and it may appear trivial but I have this design on a t-shirt. It is an incredibly moving painting as it shows Night, or rather Death, with a whole host of dead infants. She gently cradles one putting her finger to her lips as if to signify that we should be quiet. She is scattering poppy petals and leaves behind her. I love this painting for its tenderness. Sad, yes – but somehow also kindly.

Night With Her Train of Stars by Edward Robert Hughes – apologies for the reflection in the photograph. It does prove that I took it in the museum!

We spent some time discussing Dante Gabriel Rosetti’s La Donna Della Finestra – the Lady of Pity (1882). The painting in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is unfinished. The model’s fingers appear almost to be floating in the air, and capturing a light which we cannot see. The model was Jane Morris, wife of William. It is an unworldly piece but radiates Jane’s beauty.

Dante Gabriel Rosetti’s La Donna Della Finestra (1882)

Have you ever read a book so engaging that you just cannot put it down? Robert Braithwaite Martineau’s The Last Chapter captures this perfectly. Lit by a cosy fire, a girl kneels engrossed in her reading. It is evening outside but time has stopped for her as she must read the last chapter. What could be better than reading a good book by firelight and indulging yourself by shutting out everything else.

Robert Braithwaite Martineau’s The Last Chapter (1882)

While I was at school, I remember us dipping into Mallory’s La Morte D’Arthur with beautiful illustrations by Walter Crane. I found the language very challenging but the story worth making the effort for. The tales of King Arthur are a tradition, with wizards, witches, murder, romance, quests for magical items and chivalry. Set somewhere in the South West, many places have claimed to be Arthur’s Camelot – Glastonbury, Winchester, Tintagel. The mystery is enduring and fascinating. Morgan le Fey is a scheming, magical enigma. Frederick Sandys painted her in 1864. She is wearing robes bearing magical symbols, She is performing an experiment, or cooking up a spell, either way, it probably isn’t going to end well for the recipient. Or maybe this is a healing potion and she works with good intention? Who know, but this is a captivating and bright painting that definitely gives you plenty to think about.

Frederick Sandys’ Morgan le Fey (1864)

After all of the walking and thinking we had done, it was time for tea. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has a wonderful Edwardian tea room set in a beautifully embellished hall.

The Edwardian tea rooms

A short while later, my phone rang to tell me that my car had passed its MOT, had been serviced, and was ready for collection. it is amazing how much you can pack into a couple of hours and there are plenty of free, interesting exhibitions, museums and art galleries in every city.

Walking back around the Selfridges building, and past the HS2 works, I commented that we still hadn’t visited the Birmingham Proof House Museum. This is only open by appointment but sadly every year, I fail to get my act together and contact them. Maybe next year.

More information

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery – https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/birmingham-museum-and-art-gallery