Go Popular Tags

Posts

Let our community keep you entertained with regular articles that they would like to share with you.

Search our posts by passion or by type of post to find what you are looking for.

Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
14 Oct 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Superhero and Villains street art around Digbeth and elsewhere in the City

Most of the graffiti street art of superheroes and villains are located in Digbeth. There is some in Southside. Not all the pieces I've seen are still on the wall or hoardings they were painted on. Mostly from Marvel. You can find the Joker from DC in a car park in Digbeth. Plus Judge Dredd is in Zellig Car Park.

View feature View community

Superhero and Villains street art around Digbeth and elsewhere in the City





Most of the graffiti street art of superheroes and villains are located in Digbeth. There is some in Southside. Not all the pieces I've seen are still on the wall or hoardings they were painted on. Mostly from Marvel. You can find the Joker from DC in a car park in Digbeth. Plus Judge Dredd is in Zellig Car Park.


2000 AD

JUDGE DREDD

Located in Zellig Car Park. Seen during October 2019. As far as I'm aware these pieces are still there. Painted as part of the High Viz Street Art Festival.

dndimg alt="Judge Dredd" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Custard Factory street art 2019 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This piece of Judge Dredd below is by After the Robot Apocalypse.

dndimg alt="Judge Dredd" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Car Park Judge Dredd (Oct 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

JUDGE CASSANDRA ANDERSON

dndimg alt="Judge Anderson" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Car Park Judge Anderson (Oct 2019).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

PSI ANDERSON DIVISION

dndimg alt="PSI Anderson Division" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Car Park PSI Div (Oct 2019).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

DC Comics

TWO FACE AND THE JOKER FROM THE DARK KNIGHT (2008).

Located at The Paper Mill Digbeth in a car park off Allison Street in Digbeth. Seen in September 2019, it should still be there now. Two Face looks like ex PM David Cameron. Joker is obviously the late Heath Ledger in the Batman movie.

dndimg alt="Joker" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Two Face Joker Digbeth (Sept 2019).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

MARVEL

CAPTAIN AMERICA

This piece by the Forty Eights was seen in Digbeth near some wasteland from High Street Bordesley back in August 2011. It is still there. Seems to me to combine The Terminator T800 endoskeleton in a Captain America costume. This land has sometimes been used as a second hand car dealership.

dndimg alt="Captain America" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Captain America Terminator Digbeth (Aug 2011).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There used to be another Captain America piece in Lower Trinity Street Car Park in Digbeth. Seen during February 2015, I think this has long since been painted over. Had a K instead of an A on the top of the helmet. Possibly painted for the City of Colours in 2014.

dndimg alt="Captain America" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Captain America (Feb 2015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

IRON MAN

Located in Digbeth Court Car Park. Seen during May 2019. It is still on that wall. It is visible from High Street Bordesley from the buses in and out of the City Centre. Same artwork style as Wolverine. Credited artist seems to be Ziah.

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Digbeth Court Car Park (May 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

But was tags CRZ and VOID on either side of Iron Man.

dndimg alt="Iron Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Iron Man Digbeth Court Car Park (May 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

WOLVERINE

This was located in a wasteland in Acocks Green near the Warwick Road. Painted around the time that Stan Lee passed away. Seen in November 2018, it is no longer there. But at the time was visible from Olton Boulevard East.

dndimg alt="Wolverine" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wolverine Acocks Green (Nov 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back to Digbeth for this Wolverine street art. First spotted it in September 2019 on Milk Street.

dndimg alt="Wolverine" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wolverine Milk St Digbeth (Sept 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It was still there in March 2020 before the lockdown happened. Next to a Hoakser piece.

dndimg alt="Wolverine" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wolverine Milk St Digbeth (March 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This piece below was a bit like Wolverine combined with Mickey Mouse, if Wolverine was played by Mel Gibson. The USA flag with Marvel all over it. Years before Disney bought 20th Century Fox. Seen in Lower Trinity Street Car Park back in Sepember 2015. It is no longer on that wall. Was also Captain America's shields.

dndimg alt="Wolverine" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mickey Mouse Wolverine (Sept 2015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

SPIDER-MAN

The Marvel Playstation 4 Spider-Man mural located in Lower Trinity Street Car Park (now called Custard Factory Car Park). Seen during September 2018. Painted by the artist Jim Vision for the Hi Viz Festival. This might still be there, but was a Peaky Blinders banner over it in 2019, but I think it's still there.

dndimg alt="Spider-Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Lower Trinity St Digbeth SpiderMan (Sept 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Gent 48 painted this Spider-Man on the former Chinese Herbal Medicine & Health Care at 31 Smallbrook Queensway in Southside. It was there in March 2020, but Gent has painted over it with something else. It looks like the Miles Morales version of Spider-Man.

dndimg alt="Spider-Man" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/SpiderMan Gent48 Smallbrook Qway (March 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

DOCTOR DOOM

The super villain from the Fantastic Four was on the hoardings on High Street Deritend near Zellig Car Park and the Custard Factory in Digbeth during September 2019. Painted at the time for the High Viz Street Culture Festival. It is no longer there, and has been painted over a few times since with something else.

dndimg alt="Dr Doom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Dr Doom Custard Factory (Sept 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

BLACK PANTHER

The late Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther. Seen near the top of Hurst Street in Southside during October 2020. Painted for the B-Side Hip Hop Festival 2020, also for the Black Lives Matter movement. Chadwick sadly died in August 2020 of Colon Cancer, aged 43.

dndimg alt="Black Panther" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BSide Hurst St Southside (Oct 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

STAN LEE

The late great Stan Lee. Located on a wall on Barford Street in Digbeth, behind the former Birmingham Wholesale Market. Painted for the B-Side Hip Hop Festival 2020 and seen during October 2020. EXCELSIOR! Stan THE MAN Lee died during November 2018, aged 95. He famously made cameos in many Marvel movies over the years.

dndimg alt="Stan Lee" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BSide Barford St Digbeth (Oct 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
60 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
22 Jul 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Forward in Unity by Gent 48 on Meriden Street, Digbeth

While I've been aware of this Gent 48 street art in Digbeth, I wasn't able to travel into the City Centre until I could go on the bus again. With my pass sorted for a 4 week period, I got the bus up to Digbeth, and made my way to Meriden Street. Initally thought it was on Allison Street but couldn't see it there. Behind an old snooker club. Gates locked so took from pavement.

View feature View community

Forward in Unity by Gent 48 on Meriden Street, Digbeth





While I've been aware of this Gent 48 street art in Digbeth, I wasn't able to travel into the City Centre until I could go on the bus again. With my pass sorted for a 4 week period, I got the bus up to Digbeth, and made my way to Meriden Street. Initally thought it was on Allison Street but couldn't see it there. Behind an old snooker club. Gates locked so took from pavement.


Forward in Unity by Gent 48

It has been around 4 months since I was last able to travel to Digbeth. And many things have changed since then. The street art is mostly the same.

Foka Wolf has done a Love NHS heart at the Custard Factory.

dndimg alt="Love NHS" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Love NHS Custard Factory (July 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Meanwhile famed Birmingham street artist Gent 48 (known for his murals all over Digbeth and Southside) was commissioned to paint Forward in Unity.

It is located on Meriden Street, and an open area just behind a snooker club. Never noticed it before as there used to be billboards on this side.

The gates were locked on Saturday 18th July 2020, so I got these 7 photos (below) from the pavement. I will leave the photos to do the talking.

Thank you NHS and thank you to all keyworkers. Stay alert. Wear a face covering on public transport (and shops from the 24th July 2020).

dndimg alt="Forward in Unity" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Forward in Unity (July 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Forward in Unity" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Forward in Unity (July 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Forward in Unity" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Forward in Unity (July 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Forward in Unity" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Forward in Unity (July 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Forward in Unity" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Forward in Unity (July 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Forward in Unity" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Forward in Unity (July 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Forward in Unity" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gent48 Forward in Unity (July 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Also check out Gent 48's murals around the Chinese Quarter and Southside including a recent one in Bath Passage.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Thanks for all the followers.

 

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
60 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
11 Mar 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A look around Zellig at the Custard Factory over the years

For many years now part of the Custard Factory has been called Zellig. Inside is various businesses and shops. As well as art fixtures. There used to be a pond in the middle of the square, but think that's gone now. Recent changes including the "Only in Digbeth" parts. You can pass through from Gibb Street to the Zellig Car Park. Would be nice one day to get up on the roof.

View feature View community

A look around Zellig at the Custard Factory over the years





For many years now part of the Custard Factory has been called Zellig. Inside is various businesses and shops. As well as art fixtures. There used to be a pond in the middle of the square, but think that's gone now. Recent changes including the "Only in Digbeth" parts. You can pass through from Gibb Street to the Zellig Car Park. Would be nice one day to get up on the roof.


ZELLIG

My earliest photos around Digbeth and the Custard Factory were taken during October 2009. I think that this was before the area became known as Zellig. Here there used to be a big pond in the square, near The City is a Work of Art. On the right used to be Factory Kitchen.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Oct 2009) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view looking up at the Custard Factory, painted white and the windows.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Oct 2009) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Also seen during this October 2009 visit was a sculpture of a Dragon on the wall. Made in 1993 by Tawny Gray. Was scaffolding to the right at the time.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig art perm (Oct 2009).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The first time I got a photo inside of the Zellig public area inside was during July 2015. All these white tubes going up to the roof. A bit like the game KerPlunk. This is called Chaos by Philip Watts, There are bridges up there. Now how does a member of the public that doesn't work there get up, can the Custard Factory give us photographers access, including up on the roof?

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (July 2015).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

My first photo of this hanging sculpture taken during July 2015. The Deluge by Toin Adams made in 2010.

dndimg alt="The Deluge" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig art perm (July 2015) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Also a sculpture of a Lion. Artist and year made unknown.

dndimg alt="The Deluge" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig art perm (July 2015) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This view from April 2016 near the pond that used to be there. Towards The City is a Work of Art.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (April 2016).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

By April 2018, this area at Zellig was now a square without a pond. And I saw the TARDIS from Doctor Who. Police Box Public Call. Had the 13th Doctor landed? Behind to the left was Alfie Birds. They were in the process of regenerating the buildings.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (April 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Yellow hoardings with the Only In Digbeth hashtag seen during August 2018. Thinks were changing here.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (August 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A Christmas Tree seen in the Zellig square during December 2018. To the right was the TARDIS from Doctor Who. Work still being done on the Only in Digbeth alterations.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Dec 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

By October 2019 the Only in Digbeth works were complete. On this side was The Crib and Stag Digbeth - Coffee / Bar / Barbers and Cocktails.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Oct 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another look at Chaos by Philip Watts. Shop below called Wayland's Forge.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Oct 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the new looking entrances to Zellig during November 2019. Industrious, Individual, In it Together, #OnlyinDigbeth.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Nov 2019) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Same thing again, but a close up look at the sign.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Nov 2019) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

During December 2019 towards the Zellig Reception and Shops. Saw this pair of Christmas trees along with the decorations. Chaos is seen behind. The Deluge is above (by Toin Adams).

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In January 2020, I met up with Karl Newton for a Brumtography meet at Ghetto Golf. While there had a look around Zellig again. Looking up to the domed glass roof. Bit like a crystal from the Crystal Maze.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Jan 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A piano. There was an exhibition on the walls around here by Lisk Bot.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Jan 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some more views of Chaos by Philip Watts. Somehow it holds up those walkway bridges.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Jan 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There looks to be about three levels up there.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Jan 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

5 years after I last got a photo of this sculpture, I got a much better photo of The Deluge by Toin Adams (2010). Just look up when you are around there.

dndimg alt="The Deluge" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig art perm (Jan 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At Zellig during February 2020. This time meeting Karl again for the Roxy Ballroom meet. NQ64 Arcade Bar. We wont be doing a Brumtography meet here, as they want too much money, and wont let us do it for free, which is shame. So for now, this would be the closest I could get to it.

dndimg alt="Zellig" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Zellig Custard Factory (Feb 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown. Now at 1,100 followers. Thank you.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
50 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
06 Feb 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Roxy Ballroom on Heath Mill Lane in Digbeth

The entertainment / culture venues around Digbeth continue to open. Roxy Ballroom is at 58-60 Heath Mill Lane (around the corner from the Custard Factory). Has a bowling alley, pool tables, ping pong tables and shuffleboard. There was also some basketball games and vintage arcade video game machines too. Also they do Flatbread Pizza and have a bar / cocktails. Look for the Ozzy Osbourne!

View feature View community

Roxy Ballroom on Heath Mill Lane in Digbeth





The entertainment / culture venues around Digbeth continue to open. Roxy Ballroom is at 58-60 Heath Mill Lane (around the corner from the Custard Factory). Has a bowling alley, pool tables, ping pong tables and shuffleboard. There was also some basketball games and vintage arcade video game machines too. Also they do Flatbread Pizza and have a bar / cocktails. Look for the Ozzy Osbourne!


Another Brumtography meet in Digbeth. This one at the newly opened Roxy Ballroom on Heath Mill Lane. Before it was a bowling alley, this building used to be occupied by McLeman Forklift Services Ltd. Their offices were next door to the left where Birdies is now. To the right is now Drop Shot (that building was formerly occupied by B & K Fabrications Ltd). By 2015 that building had Lisk Bot art on it.

Back to Roxy Ballroom. Thanks once again to Karl Newton for organising the meet and getting permission from them. Much appreciated.

 

We were a bit early so we headed into what is now called Custard Factory Car Park (I've always called it Lower Trinity Street Car Park). The entrance is on Heath Mill Lane. Checking out the street art, saw this view of Roxy Ballroom. Behind you can see Colmore Gate and Three Snowhill.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) ext.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the first things you see when you enter, is this mural of Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath fame (it's to the right of the bowling alley). Get well soon Ozzy (he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease). There are various pieces of street art around with the names of various bands / groups).

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Ozzy Osbourne.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Bowling Alley

When we first went in, they had the normal lights on, so the lanes looked all yellow. Shortly they would turn off the normal lights with only the red and blue lights keeping the lanes lit.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) BA (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This is what the Roxy Ballroom bowling alley looks like with the normal lights turned off. Hashtag at the back #DigbethBallers.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The view from the first floor balcony, up here is pool tables, but you can enjoy watching the bowling while having a drink and food.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) BA (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Used one of the Creative effects filters on my camera for this photo.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) BA (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Three lanes were open for us, so we of course tried bowling (for free) and at the same time attempting to take photos. Bit hard at first getting gutter balls. I later came back to the lane on the right and did a bit better (bowling skills that I've had for decades, but don't go that often any more).

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) BA (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view from the top There is 10 lanes in total. Lane One is to the far left, while Lane Ten is to the far right.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) BA (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Pool

Up to the first floor mezzanine area where you will find the pool tables. They also have a couple of Shuffleboard tables and one Ping Pong Table. Customers can also watch the bowling from above while having a drink.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxyball Room Digbeth (Feb 20) Pool (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Initially the pool cues were laid out like this. Ozzy can't decide if he wants to play pool, or go bowling!

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxyball Room Digbeth (Feb 20) Pool (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Later Karl lined balls 1 to 15 up in a line for some photos.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxyball Room Digbeth (Feb 20) Pool (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From the other side.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxyball Room Digbeth (Feb 20) Pool (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Karl lined up the balls for a shot, and hit the white ball with his Pool cue.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxyball Room Digbeth (Feb 20) Pool (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Action shot as the white ball hits all the coloured pool balls.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxyball Room Digbeth (Feb 20) Pool (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Shuffleboard

Also up here was a game called Shuffleboard, or Shufl.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Shufl (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They have two of these long tables laid out.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Shufl (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of Shufl from one of the pool tables.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Shufl (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

And close up. I didn't see the discs on here.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Shufl (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Ping Pong

They have two Ping Pong (table tennis) tables at Roxy Ballroom. The first one was on the ground floor, on the left side of the bowling alley, just beyond the four vintage video game arcade machines.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Ping Pong (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The second Ping Pong table was upstairs near the pool tables. To the left of the stairs (above the main entrance).

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Ping Pong (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Roxy Ball Room written onto the side of the Ping Pong table. I've always known it as table tennis.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Ping Pong (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Found a Ping Pong ball on a pool table. I put the Pool cues into an X shape. X marks the spot. And placed the Ping Pong ball below. At this point I didn't know that Karl took a tray of Pool balls upstairs.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Ping Pong (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The only time I handled the Pool cue was for this shot with the white Ping Pong ball (pretending that it was a white Pool cue ball.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Ping Pong (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photobooth and NBA Game Time

First game you see as you head in from Heath Mill Lane is NBA Game Time. A basketball game. On the left is a Photobooth which you can use to take group photos. Looks like a tight squeeze!

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) NBA (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view from the bowling alley towards the Photobooth and NBA Game Time. To the right is the Games Desk where you get your bowling shoes, and also Pool balls. Further to the right is the bar. You can also order your pizza from there (I would assume).

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) NBA (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Zoom in to Photobooth and NBA Game Time when the left Basketball hoop was red and the right was blue.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) NBA (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This section represents the NBA team the Chicago Bulls.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) NBA (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This one represents the NBA team the New York Knicks.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) NBA (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Vintage Video Game Arcade Machines

These arcade machines are straight out of the 1980s or 1990s. They are to the left of the Bowling Alley. Four machines in total.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Arcade (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Left to right: Pac-Man, Leisure 2000, Hyper Sports and Burgertime.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Arcade (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Zoom in of the Pac-Man machine.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Arcade (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hyper Sports.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Arcade (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Burgertime.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Arcade (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Games Desk and Bar

The bar where you can order your drinks including Cocktails. Also you can order Flatbread Pizza here (and I'm sure probably other snacks / food).

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Games Desk (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The bar towards the Games Desk. This end though is the empty glasses and bottles, waiting to be served.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Games Desk (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Entrance to Roxy Ballroom to the left (from Heath Mill Lane). The stairs to the left leads up to the floor with the Pool tables, Ping Pong and Shuffleboard tables.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Games Desk (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At the Games Desk, switch your shoes for bowling shoes. If you are playing Pool upstairs, they will give you your Pool balls. Ping Pong rackets and balls on the top shelf. Also what looks like paper cups.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Games Desk (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The neon sign for Games Desk and the line of seven lights down the bar.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Games Desk (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Behind the bar, staff will serve you your drink, and from this position, hand out your bowling shoes etc.

dndimg alt="Roxy Ballroom" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Roxy Ballroom Digbeth (Feb 20) Games Desk (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

For my previous Custard Factory related post, click here for Ghetto Golf: Ghetto Golf at the Custard Factory.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
50 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
30 Jan 2020 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Ghetto Golf at the Custard Factory

A Brumtography photo meet on the 16th January 2020 at Ghetto Golf at the Custard Factory in Digbeth. A miniature golf course of 18 holes with graffiti, video games and horror movie references. For over 18's only. They also have a bar and areas for visitors to eat. We went before they opened, around 4 of us in the end. Thanks to Karl Newton for organising / gaining permission.

View feature View community

Ghetto Golf at the Custard Factory





A Brumtography photo meet on the 16th January 2020 at Ghetto Golf at the Custard Factory in Digbeth. A miniature golf course of 18 holes with graffiti, video games and horror movie references. For over 18's only. They also have a bar and areas for visitors to eat. We went before they opened, around 4 of us in the end. Thanks to Karl Newton for organising / gaining permission.


GHETTO GOLF

A Brumtography (Facebook) group meet on the 16th January 2020 at Ghetto Golf Birmingham. Which is located at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, on Gibb Street (on the other side of the Bordesley Viaduct). A Crazy Golf course for over 18's only. We went before they opened, and was there for around an hour. They have a Cocktail bar and also serve food for paying customers from Apocalypse Cow. There is amazing graffiti and artwork all over the place, in I think what used to be a former warehouse.

I liked seeing the video game artwork of Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong and Abe from Oddworld series. Was also artwork of horror movie characters such as Beetlejuice and Freddie Krueger.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf bar (Jan 20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 1 to the right. Apocalypse Cow BBQ Street Food to the left. The graffiti bus behind is hole 3.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 1 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In hole 1 was this communal bin with Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street! Graffiti all over the place.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 1 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

To Hole 2 which is a Petrol Station. This sign is near a recreation of The Old Crown pub. The stairs leads up to other holes.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 2 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I would guess that this is the petrol station with all the Mobil signs. The Old Crown is to the right of here. Also near the bus. The stairs leads up to other holes.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 2 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 3 is in this former single decker bus from Manchester. Now covered all over in graffiti. They built a DJ station on the roof of the bus.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 3 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Inside the bus from the main entrance. You can also get in and out via the emergency exit door to the back on the left. So much graffiti all over.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 3 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 4 is this skateboarding ramp. Then hole 5 near the adult shop and red post box.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 4 and 5 (Jan 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After hole 5 is a Blockbuster Video which is hole 6. Inside they "rent out" horror movies on VHS video cassettes.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 4 and 5 (Jan 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Inside of hole 6 aka Blockbuster Video. Dare you rent out My Girl? Head round the corner to find Pinhead from the Hellraiser movies and see Regan from The Exorcist get lit up!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 6 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Then head out past Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street movies and get a Coca Cola. The door to the left exits to hole 5.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 6 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 7 is a bathroom. Lots of graffiti street ar here with toilet seats used as heads. Bath in the middle.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 7 and 8 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It looks like you have to hit your golf ball up the ramp and into the dirty toilet! And put your hand in to get the ball out. Hope they provide gloves!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 7 and 8 (Jan 20) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 8 meanwhile is this chicken pen. Next up is hole 9 which is the recreation of The Old Crown pub.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 7 and 8 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At the time of this visit, the real Old Crown pub was closed for renovation works. So hole 9 as The Old Crown was the only one that you could visit.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 9 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It really looks like an old style public house inside. I've never been inside of the real Old Crown pub though, only walk past it outside (or see it from the bus). That door leads to holes 8, 7 and 6. For hole 10, you have to go upstairs.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 9 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 10 on the first floor is Tony's 8 Ball Snooker Hall. Wind your golf ball to the hole like a trick shot, Big Break style.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 10 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of hole 10 from the ground floor from near hole 1.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 10 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Next up is hole 12 which is this Dog Kennel.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 11 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They appear to be growing something inside of the dog kennel. Somehow you have to get your golf ball in there?

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 11 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 12 is like something from the Aztec world (I would guess).

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 12 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They also have images of the Green Man on the wall leading to that creepy face in the door.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 12 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The next hole is hole 13 which is this old room. It could be from the 1970s with dated wallpaper and furniture. But the globe and portraits look much older.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 13 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up look at the globe.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 13 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The last hole on the first floor is hole 14, which is a 10 pin bowling alley.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 14 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

6 pins in position while the other 4 is behind the barrier. Downstairs next to four 16 bit video game inspired holes I think you will love (if you grew up in the early 1990s).

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 14 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The first video game hole, is hole 15. Based on the 16 bit Super Mario Bros from the SNES (unless it's based on the 8 bit Mario Bros from the NES).

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 15 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Head past Mario and Bowser (also known as King Koopa). Mario would also have been on the Nintendo Game Boy.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 15 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Hole 16 is this Pinball game. Next to the Gameboy saying "Sicker than yo' Average.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 16 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

At least I think it's pinball and not Space Invaders. Donkey Kong is next at hole 17.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 16 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Almost near the end. Hole 17 based on Donkey Kong, which is an 8 bit game from the NES.

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 17 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was later a 16 bit game on the SNES called Donkey Kong Country with better graphics. I think you can tell that Sonic the Hedgehog is next!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 17 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Finally hole 18 is Sonic the Hedgehog from the Sega Mega Drive. The 16 bit game that was released in 1991 and will soon get his own live action movie!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 18 (Jan 20) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It is based on the Green Hill Zone that famously opened the classic 2D side scroller. Also featuring Dr Robotnik (who Sega now called Dr Eggman). Game Over Man Game Over!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf hole 18 (Jan 20) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now for some bonus photos to finish this post. Near the entrance was this artwork of Beetlejuice (from the 1988 movie directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton). But will they make Beetlejuice 2?

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf Beetlejuice (Jan 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of my favourite video game characters was Abe from the Oddworld series. First appearing on the Playstation 1 (32 bit console) and PC CD Rom in 1997 in the game Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee, and it's follow up game in 1998 which was Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus. Later Oddworld games were on the original XBox. Abe was known to ask his fellow Mudokons: "Follow me!" and they would reply: "OK!".

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf Oddworld Abe (Jan 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the Apocalypse Cow area was this logo from Mortal Kombat. The original game I think came out on the Sega Mega Drive. They are still making Mortal Kombat games to this day and Mortal Kombat 11 is on the Playstation 4, XBox One and Nintendo Switch (they are very violent).

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf Mortal Kombat (Jan 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

More seating here probably for Apocalypse Cow BBQ Street Food near what looks like to be a heavily gratified train!

dndimg alt="Ghetto Golf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ghetto Golf train bar (Jan 20).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Karl Newton keeps setting up these photography meets in the Brumtography Facebook group. If you are a Birmingham based photographer, please request to join. Karl or one of the othe admins may accept you. There is now regular meets and Karl sets up the tickets on EventBrite. It is private group, so you have to be a member to see the posts.

One of our recent meets was at the Electric Cinema on the 20th January 2020. We also met up for the first time at The Eagle & Tun pub before it closed for good by HS2, this was on the 11th January 2020.

I most recently joined Karl and another member of the group at the Bullring for the Festival of Light (on the 26th January 2020). Watch this space for an up and coming post!

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown.

Follow me on Twitter here ellrbrown.

Birmingham We Are People with Passion award winner 2020

Share  Spend Points  Connect with us
60 passion points
Show more