Library of Birmingham Supplement
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Birmingham Museums Supplement
BIRMINGHAM: ITS PEOPLE, ITS HISTORY Birmingham MUSEUMS Published by History West Midlands www.historywm.com fter six years of REVEALING BIRMINGHAM’S HIDDEN HERITAGE development and a total investment of BIRMINGHAM: ITS PEOPLE, ITS HISTORY A £8.9 million, The new ‘Birmingham: its people, its history’ galleries at Birmingham Museum & Art ‘Birmingham: its people, its Gallery, officially opened in October 2012 by the Birmingham poet Benjamin history’ is Birmingham Museum Zephaniah, are a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history. They offer an & Art Gallery’s biggest and most insight into the development of Birmingham from its origin as a medieval market town ambitious development project in through to its establishment as the workshop of the world. But the personal stories, recent decades. It has seen the development of industry and campaigns for human rights represented in the displays restoration of large parts of the have a significance and resonance far beyond the local; they highlight the pivotal role Museum’s Grade II* listed the city played in shaping our modern world. From medieval metalwork to parts for building, and the creation of a the Hadron Collider, these galleries provide access to hundreds of artefacts, many of major permanent exhibition which have never been on public display before. They are well worth a visit whether about the history of Birmingham from its origins to the present day. you are from Birmingham or not. ‘Birmingham: its people, its The permanent exhibition in the galleries contains five distinct display areas: history’ draws upon the city’s rich l ‘Origins’ (up to 1700) – see page 1 and nationally important l ‘A Stranger’s Guide’ (1700 to 1830) – see page 2 collections to bring Birmingham’s l ‘Forward’ (1830 to 1909) – see page 3 history to life. -
DCDC19 Conference at a Glance
#DCDC19 DCDC19 Conference at a glance Tuesday 12 November (Day 1) Thursday 14 November (Day 3) Pre-conference workshops The National 08:30 - Registration Archives’ breakfast Speaking of Shakespeare – and the 09:15 briefng modern city 14:00 - Welcome to new and returning DCDC19 Removing the barriers: open access at 16:00 delegates by David Prosser, Executive Birmingham Museums Trust Director, RLUK 09:15 - Museum of the Jewellery Quarter tour 10:15 Keynote 18:00 - DCDC19 welcome social - Lae’l Hughes-Watkins, University of 20:00 Ikon Gallery Maryland 10:15 - Wednesday 13 November (Day 2) Morning break 10:45 08:30 - Registration P7. Digital engagement 09:15 P8. Digital transformation: Introduction to DCDC19 by Jef James, 10:45 - organisations and practices Chief Executive & Keeper, The National 12:15 09:15 - Archives W3. Transcription in the age of 10:15 machines: a workshop Opening keynote 12:15 - Lunch // Professional Fellows // Manage Tonya Nelson, Arts Council England 13:15 Your Collections drop-in clinic 10:15 - Morning break 13:15 - Closing keynote 10:45 14:00 David De Roure, University of Oxford 14:00 - P1. Developing digital platforms Room changeover 10:45 - 14:15 12:15 P2. Digital inclusion P9. A sustainable future: is digital the Funders Marketplace solution? 14:15 - 12:15 - P10. Changing formats, evolving Lunch // Funders 1:1 sessions 15:45 13:15 practice 13:15 - Keynote P11. Enabling digital scholarship 14:00 Liz Jolly, The British Library 15:45 - Afternoon break 16:15 14:00 - Room changeover 14:15 P12. Digital collections: measuring impact P3. The digital workforce: navigating the 16:15 - skills shift 17:45 P13. -
Library of Birmingham Archives & Collections
Library of Birmingham Archives & Collections John Baskerville of Birmingham, printer 1706 John Baskerville born 1737 Kept a school in the Bull Ring where he taught writing and book-keeping, and carved monumental inscriptions at Birmingham 1740 Started business at Moor Street as a japanner 1750 Began to occupy himself with type-founding 1757 After experimenting for several years, he produced a type with which he was satisfied 1758 Produced his Milton Elected printer to Cambridge University for ten years 1760 First printed his edition of the Prayer Book 1763 Printed his edition of the Bible 1770 A Quarto Horace 1772-3 A famous series of quarto editions of Latin authors 1775 John Baskerville died 1779 His printing plant purchased by Beaumarchaise “He had the reputation of being the finest printer of modern times, though the opinion of contemporary experts was somewhat unfavourable to his type.” The Concise Dictionary of National Biography, from earliest times to 1985, Volume I: A-F, Oxford University Press, 1992. “His principal trade was in japanned goods. An immigrant from Worcestershire, starting with very little capital, he began in Birmingham as a stone-cutter, was then a writing master and set up as a manufacturer of japanned goods in Moor Street in 1740. From 1745 his home was a fine house on what was then the fringe of the town, at Easy Hill [i.e. Baskerville House], and from there he directed his factory for japanned ‘tea tables, waiters, and trays’ and his printing business. Among his innovations was the introduction of papier-mâché into this country. -
History of Moveable Type
History of Moveable Type Johannes Gutenberg invented Moveable Type and the Printing Press in Germany in 1440. Moveable Type was first made of wood and replaced by metal. Example of moveable type being set. Fonts were Type set on a printing press. organized in wooden “job cases” by Typeface, Caps and Lower Case, and Point Size. Typography Terms Glyphs – letters (A,a,B,b,C,c) Typeface – The aesthetic design of an alphabet. Helvetica, Didot, Times New Roman Type Family – The range of variations and point size available within one Typeface. Font (Font Face) – The traditional term for the complete set of a typeface as it relates to one point size (Font Face: Helvetica, 10 pt). This would include upper and lower case glyphs, small capitals, bold and italic. After the introduction of the computer, the word Font is now used synonymously with the word Typeface, i.e. “What font are you using? Helvetica!” Weight – the weight of a typeface is determined by the thickness of the character outlines relative to their height (Hairline, Thin, Ultra-light, Extra-light, Light, Book, Regular, Roman, Medium, Demi-bold, Semi-bold, Bold, Extra-bold, Heavy, Black, Extra-black, Ultra-black). Point Size – the size of the typeface (12pt, 14pt, 18pt). Points are the standard until of typographic measurement. 12 points = 1 pica, 6 picas = 72 points = 1 inch. (Example right) A general rule is that body copy should never go below 10pt and captions should never be less than 8pt. Leading – or line spacing is the spacing between lines of type. In metal type composition, actual pieces of lead were inserted between lines of type on the printing press to create line spacing. -
In England, Scotland, and Wales: Texts, Purpose, Context, 1138-1530
Victoria Shirley The Galfridian Tradition(s) in England, Scotland, and Wales: Texts, Purpose, Context, 1138-1530 A Thesis Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature Cardiff University 2017 i Abstract This thesis examines the responses to and rewritings of the Historia regum Britanniae in England, Scotland, and Wales between 1138 and 1530, and argues that the continued production of the text was directly related to the erasure of its author, Geoffrey of Monmouth. In contrast to earlier studies, which focus on single national or linguistic traditions, this thesis analyses different translations and adaptations of the Historia in a comparative methodology that demonstrates the connections, contrasts and continuities between the various national traditions. Chapter One assesses Geoffrey’s reputation and the critical reception of the Historia between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries, arguing that the text came to be regarded as an authoritative account of British history at the same time as its author’s credibility was challenged. Chapter Two analyses how Geoffrey’s genealogical model of British history came to be rewritten as it was resituated within different narratives of English, Scottish, and Welsh history. Chapter Three demonstrates how the Historia’s description of the island Britain was adapted by later writers to construct geographical landscapes that emphasised the disunity of the island and subverted Geoffrey’s vision of insular unity. Chapter Four identifies how the letters between Britain and Rome in the Historia use argumentative rhetoric, myths of descent, and the discourse of freedom to establish the importance of political, national, or geographical independence. Chapter Five analyses how the relationships between the Arthur and his immediate kin group were used to challenge Geoffrey’s narrative of British history and emphasise problems of legitimacy, inheritance, and succession. -
Birmingham District Energy Scheme
Birmingham District Energy Scheme Delivering Low Carbon Energy Photo Credit: Dr Bartolomeo Gorgoglione - http://www.panoramio.com/photo/54057387 Birmingham District Energy - 1 Birmingham District Energy The Birmingham District Convention Centre, Barclaycard Energy Scheme is playing Arena, Library of Birmingham, Birmingham’s District a pivotal role in Birmingham residential and educational Energy Scheme was City Council’s climate change buildings on Aston campus conceived in 2003, strategy, which aims to and council housing. The reduce CO2 emissions by scheme makes extensive and the first 25 60% by 2027. use of highly efficient large- year energy supply scale combined heat and agreement with The scheme is a working power (CHP) technologies, partnership between ENGIE and uses conventional boilers Birmingham District and Birmingham City Council for ‘top up’, standby and Energy Company was and includes three district increased resilience. signed in 2006. energy networks, all built and operated by ENGIE, under the BDEC’s three core schemes name of Birmingham District initially involved the supply Energy Company (BDEC). of energy to ten prestigious users from both the The overall network comprises public and private sectors. three schemes, Broad Street, However, due to the scheme’s a Tri-generation (heat, power significant delivery of and cooling) led system, and financial and carbon savings two Eastside Schemes, Aston to its consumers, it has and Birmingham Children’s rapidly expanded to supply Hospital, both CHP led systems several third party private (heat and power). Customers developments. include the International 2 - Birmingham District Energy Scheme WHAT IS DISTRICT WHAT IS AN WHAT ARE CHP & ENERGY? ENERGY CENTRE? TRIGENERATION? District Energy is widely At the heart of every CHP plants simultaneously recognised as a sustainable, District Energy scheme is produce heat and electrical cost-effective solution to an Energy Centre serving a power. -
A Tale of Four Families-Part II, the Farmers Of
A Tale of Four Families: The Black History of Early Birmingham Part II: Black but also Native American: The Farmer Family of Wayne County by Leslie Pielack* Four families. A broad heritage that includes enslavement in Kentucky, Georgia, and Tennessee; Native American tribal ancestors; and pioneer prosperity in early Michigan. Brought together through a special connection in late 19th century, a not widely known but enduring Black history legacy developed in Oakland County. This three-part article series will highlight recent findings about the Taylor, Cason, Farmer, and Harris families, and how they contributed to the story of Birmingham. Seeking the History of People of Color organizations have an uphill battle to try to gather information to tell a more inclusive story, since the materials are unlikely to have been preserved, and When local historical societies and museums were research can be quite difficult. being founded in America in the late 19th century, their focus was dominated by the European This was the situation we faced at the Birmingham museum model. What was seen as historically Museum when we tried to fill in the blanks about important consisted of fine arts and culture, local 19th century Black and Indigenous history in classical antiquities, scientific curiosities, and Oakland County. We knew we had merely scratched famous public figures.1 Museums generally sought the surface in what we had discovered about the unique, the special, and the influential for their George (1823-1901) and Eliza Taylor (1827-1902) displays and collections. The result is that most local (see A Tale of Four Families: The Black History of history collections have preserved artifacts that tell Birmingham, “Part I: The Taylors”). -
Document.Pdf
01. The Lewis Building David Lewis THE LEWIS BUILDING “DAVID LEWIS, 19TH CENTURY PHILANTHROPIST AND INNOVATOR, CREATED ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE AND BEST LOVED INSTITUTIONS IN BIRMINGHAM” 03. The Lewis Building Introduction REAWAKENING THE LEWIS BUILDING WILL BE A MAGNIFICENT NEW OFFICE DEVELOPMENT IN BIRMINGHAM’S THRIVING COLMORE BUSINESS DISTRICT. THE REBIRTH OF THE ORIGINAL LEWIS’S WILL BE A ‘STATEMENT’ AND MAJESTIC LANDMARK A sensitive, sustainably designed and contemporary refurbishment will recapture the grandeur of the original building with beautiful finishes evoking its unique heritage, while delivering awe-inspiring 21st century offices designed with today’s occupier in mind. Located in the vibrant heart of Birmingham’s business district, with excellent connectivity within the city and beyond, it will provide nearly 113,000 sq ft of prestigious, grade A office space. Befitting a building of its stature, its floor plates will be remodelled to provide some of the largest and most sought-after space in the city. This is a rare and exceptional opportunity to locate in an imposing building steeped in history, which will once again be part of the city’s beating heart. PRESENCE The Lewis Building’s classic façades will create a majestic canvas for the new double height entrance hall on Bull Street ENTRANCE HALL The handsome new entrance hall will create an arrival experience worthy of one of the best HQ buildings in Birmingham 06. The Lewis Building Entrance Hall 07. The Lewis Building Entrance Hall ARRIVAL B A Entrance view into reception area B Entrance view into the library work space The new double height Manhattan hotel lobby-styled entrance hall will present a powerful sense of arrival at The Lewis Building. -
HISTORY of BIRMINGHAM FUN FACTS About Birmingham
HISTORY OF BIRMINGHAM Founded in 1871 at the crossing of two railroad lines, the city blossomed through the early 1900s as it rapidly became the South’s foremost industrial center. Iron and steel production were a natural for Birmingham; underground lay abundant key ingredients—coal, iron ore and limestone. As an industry town, Birmingham suffered greatly in the Depression. After World War II the city grew moderately while retaining its strong Southern character. At the same time a profound movement toward diversification was afoot. The huffing and puffing of Birmingham’s legendary iron and steel mills was gradually replaced by a work force of medical and engineering professionals. Today, Birmingham enjoys a balance of manufacturing and service-oriented jobs in a thriving work force. Civil Rights Long known as a city of civil rights conflict and reconciliation, Birmingham has matured into a city that acknowledges and embraces the impact of our past, both negative and positive. Opened in the 1990s, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a moving and educational example of how a city found a way to heal itself. Looking at the city today, there is little evidence of the scarring, though it will always be with us. Today’s social scene is the picture of diversity as well, with folks of all ethnic backgrounds enjoying and learning from one another, arguing issues of the day, and sharing professional and social time together in an era that has made the old days almost invisible. FUN FACTS about Birmingham Birmingham’s world-class musical talent has put the city in the national spotlight with two winners from the mega hit TV show American Idol. -
Building Birmingham: a Tour in Three Parts of the Building Stones Used in the City Centre
Urban Geology in the English Midlands No. 2 Building Birmingham: A tour in three parts of the building stones used in the city centre. Part 2: Centenary Square to Brindleyplace Ruth Siddall, Julie Schroder and Laura Hamilton This area of central Birmingham has undergone significant redevelopment over the last two decades. Centenary Square, the focus of many exercises, realised and imagined, of civic centre planning is dominated by Symphony Hall and new Library of Birmingham (by Francine Houben and completed in 2013) and the areas west of Gas Street Basin are unrecognisable today from the derelict industrial remains and factories that were here in the 1970s and 80s. Now this region is a thriving cultural and business centre. This walking tour takes in the building stones used in old and new buildings and sculpture from Centenary Square, along Broad Street to Oozells Square, finishing at Brindleyplace. Brindleyplace; steps are of Portland Stone and the paving is York Stone, a Carboniferous sandstone. The main source on architecture, unless otherwise cited is Pevsner’s Architectural Guide (Foster, 2007) and information on public artworks is largely derived from Noszlopy & Waterhouse (2007). This is the second part in a three-part series of guides to the building stones of Birmingham City Centre, produced for the Black Country Geological Society. The walk extends the work of Shilston (1994), Robinson (1999) and Schroder et al. (2015). The walk starts at the eastern end of Centenary Square, at the Hall of Memory. Hall of Memory A memorial to those who lost their lives in the Great War, The Hall of Memory has a prominent position in the Gardens of Centenary Square. -
BIRMINGHAM BUSINESSMEN and the POLITICS of the BRASS INDUSTRY Duncan Frankis
BIRMINGHAM BUSINESSMEN AND THE POLITICS OF THE BRASS INDUSTRY Duncan Frankis In 1866 W.C. Aitken concluded that ‘what Manchester is in cotton, Bradford is in wool, Sheffield is in steel, Birmingham is in brass’. Historians have written about the key trades of Manchester, Bradford and Sheffield but the Birmingham brass industry has been a neglected subject. Brass, an alloy of copper, tin and zinc, was used to make products in Birmingham which were exported across the globe. It was made into fashion items such as buttons and buckles, musical instruments, everyday items such as locks and bellows, components for guns, and it could also be applied to naval vessels, primarily the sheathing of ships. Trading in this versatile metal became highly lucrative in the eighteenth century and manufacturers recognised the advantage of monopolising control of the industry. Revolutionary Players/Library of Birmingham Players/Library Revolutionary Pocket compasses in plain, superior and locket style brass cases. BIRMINGHAM BUSINESSMEN AND THE POLITICS OF THE BRASS INDUSTRY The Beginnings of the Birmingham Birmingham’s Industrial Lobbyists Brass Industry The success of the Birmingham brass community was due Bristol dominated the brass industry at the beginning of the to the effective co-operation of local businesses, as well as eighteenth century, whilst iron and steel were the core materials the emergence of a politically conscious group of which were used by the metal workers of Birmingham from the industrialists who used lobbying and networking to early sixteenth century. There was a plentiful supply of iron ore in influence both the public and politicians, as well as to south Staffordshire and east Worcestershire. -
Georgia Vs Bodoni Y Y Y Y
Georgia, a relatively new serif typeface, was designed in 1993 by Matthew Carter. Microsoft adopted this typeface to be the serif companion to Verdana both of which were intended to be optimally read on a digital screen. Georgia was ironically used in the branding for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Georgia has many similarities with Times New Roman, but its differences make Georgia much more legible in the digital format. Over 200 years ago, Giambattista Bodoni designed a classic serif typeface that has been used prevalently in design ever since. The early versions of Bodoni were considered transitional but have since been altered to be a modern Didone typeface. Giambattista Bodoni looked to the ideas of John Baskerville when designing this font. He also studied the French type founders Pierre Simon Fournier and Firmin Didot and drew inspiration from their work but ultimately found his own style of typography. Although Bodoni is said to be difficult to read in digital format, printers have acceptedk Bodoni as a beautiful and classic typeface. Although Bodoni and Georgia are separated greatly by age, the both have roots in the transitional typeface catagory. Bodoni has developed over time to be a much more modern typeface, while Georgia has stayed truer to its original design. The greatest similarities to be found between Georgia and Bodoni are when they are bold and oblique. The serifs become much more rounded. Bodoni already has proven its longevity, and in a few hundred years, Georgia may prove to as well. Southern Charm Georgia vs Bodoni y y y y.