Where is The Genie of Industry?

The Genie of Industry can be found on Longbridge Lane in Longbridge. About halfway between Longbridge Station and the bus stops.

In brief

In the early 2000s Centro commissioned various artists / sculptors to make public transport interchange sculptures. John McKenna was hired by Centro for the piece in Longbridge, he titled The Genie of Industry. John designed the genie as a tribute to the industry of the Birmingham metal bashers over the centuries. The Birmingham civic coat of arms has a black smith and anvil upon it which were starting points of information for the genie. It originally faced Longbridge Station on the other side of the pedestrian traffic lights. But was relocated in 2014, when the area near the station was landscaped, including new bus stops and a Cycle Hub (coinciding with the opening of the nearby Longbridge Town Centre).

The Genie of Industry Longbridge Interchange (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

Original location

Until about 2013-14, if you stepped out of Longbridge Station, pressed the button on the pelican crossing on Longbridge Lane. Cross over when the light is green, and you would have seen The Genie of Industry.

The Genie of Industry Longbridge Interchange (April 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

New location

By the spring of 2014, the Genie of Industry and the Longbridge Interchange had been moved. It is now near the bus stop and Cycle Hub, but on the same side as Longbridge Station on Longbridge Lane. If waiting at the bus stop to catch a 45 or 47 towards Cotteridge, you will be facing Sainsbury's.

The Genie of Industry Longbridge Interchange (May 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown