Handsworth Park Arts Trail

Here is some of the main works of public art that you can find on the Handsworth Park Arts Trail, and some details on each piece. In no particular order. We recommend catching the no 16 bus from Birmingham City Centre to do the trail, find the pieces. Here and Now by Tim Tolkien installed in 2023. The Benjamin Zephaniah mural by I Create Not Destroy (Bunny Bread) unveiled in 2024.

Handsworth Arts Trail

SS Journey

It was sculpted in 2017 by Luke Perry as part of the Handsworth Arts Trail. Near the large lake.

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Here and Now bench

Commissioned for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Resembles a fairground waltzer car. Installed August 2023, artist was Tim Tolkien.

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Here and Now figures

Commissioned for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Installed August 2023, artist was Tim Tolkien. Part of the same work as the Here and Now bench. Near a path opposite Handsworth Cricket Club.

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Hands and Minds Speak

Located on an island within the small lake at Handsworth Park. It was sculpted in Lawson Oyekan and made in 2010.

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The Pyramid Tower by Veranda Stories

Located half way between the Sons of Rest building and small lake / pond at Handsworth Park. It was by the visual artists Pauline Bailey & Ola Brown, of Veranda Stories. It had many mandala patterns, which was then laser cut. It was designed with the Women's Sewing Group and Saathi House. Made in 2017.

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The Anchor

Located within the Handsworth Park Community Garden, near Holly Road. The artist was Katie Sturridge.  A symbol of the Birmingham Assay Office. Made in 2015.

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The Sons of Rest Mosaic

Located next to the Handsworth Park Community Gardens. The artist wasClaire Cotterill. Based on stained glass windows found in the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park. The mosaic was made in honour of the centenary of the end of WW1 in 2018.

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Handsworth Revolution: Steel Pulse

The large mural at the entrance to Handsworth Leisure Centre was commissioned as part of Punch Records’ BASS Festival’s celebration of 50 years of Reggae and coincided with National Album Day and Black History Month.

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Benjamin Zephaniah mural

Located on a wall at the Sons of Rest Building in Handsworth Park. Mural in tribute to the late Benjamin Zephaniah (1958 - 2023), a Birmingham born poet. By I Create Not Destroy, aka Bunny Bread. It was unveiled on the 14th April 2024. Commissioned by the Black Heritage Walks Network (BHWN).

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The Big Sleuth Birmingham 2017

At least two of the painted bears can be still found in Handsworth Park, years after the trail had ended.

Sun Guardian Bear

It was created by Goosensi (Mat Barber) working with Friends of Handsworth Park and the Handsworth Community. In the Handsworth Park Community Garden.

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Well Active Bear

It was created by Mark Copplestone and Jennie Saunders working with Birmingham Wellbeing Service. Seen outside of the Handsworth Wellbeing Centre. Also called Handsworth Leisure Centre.

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Photography by Elliott Brown