Unveiling of a Blue Plaque to Emma Barton
2024-03-14 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | The Next Generation Winners – Never Afraid to Take on Emotive and Controversial Issues to help Safeguard their Communities!
The Birmingham Civic Society invites you to attend the unveiling of a Blue Plaque to Emma Barton on Thursday 14th March 2024, at 10am.
Emma Barton was a pioneering portrait photographer who came from a working class Birmingham background. Beginning in the mid 1890s using simple equipment and often in her own home and featuring her family, she went on to exhibit at the Royal Photographic Society and was awarded their medal in 1903. At the height of her career, Emma Barton was possibly the most published female photographer of her time.
After the plaque has been unveiled it will be erected on South & City College’s Digbeth Campus, the site of the photography studio where she learnt her skill.
Please RSVP to the email below if you would like to attend. Tea/Coffee and biscuits will be served.

When: Thursday 14th March 2024, 10am
Where: South & City College Digbeth Campus, High Street Deritend, Birmingham, B5 5SU. Location – https://w3w.co/card.statue.pasta
RSVP: to birminghamblueplaques@gmail.com by 5pm, Monday 11th March 2024

Please do not hesitate to contact the above if you require any further information.
There is no car parking available at the venue. On-street paid parking is available in Floodgate Street and Milk Street and other roads in the area. There are pay and display car parks on Heath Mill Lane and the Zellig Car Park on High Street Deritend. The area is served by NXWM bus routes numbers 6, 17, 50, 60, 97, X1 and X2. New Street and Moor Street Railway Stations are a 10 minute walk.

Save the date for our AGM!
2025-01-30 17:00 - 19:00 | The Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret St, Birmingham B3 3BS, The Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret St, Birmingham, B3 3BS
Thursday 30th January 2025
5pm for 5.15pm
The Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret St, Birmingham B3 3BS
Join us in the new year for the Birmingham Civic Society AGM on Thursday 30th January, 5 for 5.15pm, being held at The Birmingham & Midland Institute.
Following the formal part of the evening, 5.15 – 6pm, join us for refreshments as we focus on our year ahead. We will hear more on the Society’s key initiatives and why your membership really matters.
We would like to thank you for your continuing support and look forward to seeing you in the new year. We hope that you will be able to attend and would be delighted if you wish to bring guests.
RSVP by e-mail to info@birminghamcivicsociety.org.uk by Monday 27th January.

Explore the Victoria Law Courts – A Guided Heritage Tour
2025-09-18 15:00 - 16:30
Step into Birmingham’s rich civic history with a guided tour of the Victoria Law Courts, an architectural gem built between 1887 and 1891 by renowned designers Aston Webb and Ingress Bell. This late Victorian public building, celebrated for its national significance, showcases striking red brick and terracotta on the exterior, while its interior glows with sandy-yellow terracotta—a material that became fashionable in the city thanks to this very landmark.
Constructed during Birmingham’s transformation into a “great city,” the courts were part of a broader civic vision. The city was officially granted status in 1889, midway through the building’s completion. Inside, the Great Hall features grand windows at either end, adorned with depictions of local luminaries—from Shakespeare to Matthew Boulton—and trades that shaped Birmingham’s industrial legacy.
Tour Details
The tour begins outside the main entrance with a brief historical overview, followed by a visit to the Great Hall and public corridors. While courtrooms will be in session during the tour, access to a heritage courtroom may be possible if proceedings have concluded.
Security Information
Visitors must pass through airport-style security, including an archway detector and handheld scanner. Please allow extra time for this process. Phones and cameras may be brought inside, but photography and video recording are strictly prohibited. For full details on permitted and restricted items, visit GOV.UK’s court entry guidelines.
Booking
Reserve your place via Eventbrite. Tickets are £5.
Meeting Point
The tour, led by Irene de Boo of the BCS Heritage Committee, begins at 3pm on Thursday 18 September outside the main entrance of the Victoria Law Courts, 153A Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6PH.

Is there a lack of civic realm and civic space in city of Birmingham?
2026-02-12 16:00 - 18:00
The Birmingham Civic Society is concerned that recent and ongoing developments lack adequate open spaces, schools, medical centres and community amenities. We aim to champion a vision for a better city life through an improved civic realm.
Birmingham should not serve only professionals or entertainment; it must offer spaces and facilities that attract families and encourage young people to build their lives here.
Currently, many move to the suburbs for such amenities. Unlike European cities with vibrant squares and boulevards, Birmingham has few examples beyond St Philip’s Square.
Join in the debate to explore whether limited civic realm is reducing the city’s appeal.
Arup Office, Public Space One Centenary Way, Birmingham B3 3AY.
Thursday 12th February 2026 starting at 4pm.
Find out more BCS 12.02.26 Event Flyer
