A black labrador called Ebony and why Victoria Square is such a historic gem of Birmingham!
Ebony was a black labrador who worked alongside her owner Larry Bae, a stonemason from Harborne. Ebony could be seen wearing a high vis during the revamping of Victoria Square during 1992-93. This plaque is in memory of Ebony.
Take our post for more about Birmingham's fascinating Victoria Square.
The original Victoria statue by Thomas Brock was erected in 1901 as part of the opening of Victoria Square, and was made of marble. Queen Victoria died 12 days later. The statue was recast in 1951 by William Bloye in bronze. The latest square, opened in 1994 by Diana, Princess of Wales has as its main feature an amazing water feature ‘The River’ by Dhruva Mistry which includes the famous ‘Floozie in the Jacuzzi’.
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Photo by Daniel Sturley
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Photo by Pat Taylor
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Photo by Daniel Sturley
Surrounded by 21st Century construction Queen Victoria surveys the scene.
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Photo by Daniel Sturley
The magnificent Birmingham Council House - Victoria Square (October 2018). Grade II* listed. Built 1874-79 from a design by H R Yeoville Thomason.
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Photo by Elliott Brown
Did you know? The Council House is a Grade II* listed building and has its own postcode. The open space which is now Victoria Square (containing a water feature and steps) was once occupied by Christ Church (built 1805–13, demolished 1899 to be replaced by shops and offices – the Christ Church buildings, themselves demolished 1970).
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Photo by Fay Loewy
The fountain, which is actually named The River but dubbed the 'Floozie' by locals, however, due to leaks and costly repairs, it resulted in the fountain being turned off in 2013 and then transformed into an elaborate flower display two years after.
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Photo by Daniel Sturley
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Photo by Damien Walmsley
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Photo by Karl Newton
Victoria Square is often seen as the most central point of the city, where people can get together to celebrate, share and showcase. Below are a few events that have taken place over the years and continue to do so, but there are many more including the Frankfurt German Market, which began in Victoria Square in 2001, and still takes place every year.
Birmingham Pride 2017
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Photo by Daniel Surley
Commonwealth games hand-over April 2018
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Photo by Elliott Brown
Remembrance Sunday (this photo from November 2017)
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Photo by Elliott Brown
The Chelsea Flower Show - Birmingham Entry July 2018
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Photo by Daniel Sturley
Velo (May 2019)
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Photo by Elliott Brown
Throughout all of the regeneration around Victoria square over the years, Queen Victoria still watches over. Below are the statues of Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert, held in the magnificent Birmingham Council House.
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Photo by Elliott Brown