Birmingham’s skyline is continuously evolving and the city’s architecture is a diverse mix of periods showcasing a rich history. Artist Alex Edwards has developed a unique graphic style to capture some of Birmingham’s fondest buildings and produced them over a set of beautifully crafted prints that are available under the name Brumhaus.
Brumhaus is such a great concept, how did it start?
Before Brumhaus I was creating elaborate hand drawn doodles in my spare time. These were interesting but usually lacking any subject matter. I created an interpretation of Central Library which was very different to my usual style and I launched it on social media. It had an instant impact, appealing to people in terms of architecture and the city environment. This image was so different to my usual style and I needed to come up with a name to differentiate it and as I am influenced by the Bauhaus movement this helped me with ideas for the Brumhaus name.
Do you think Birmingham is particularly unique in terms of architecture or is you subject choice due to where you live?
In Birmingham, there is a fascinating and eclectic mixture of old and new. I like the Brutalist and Modernist buildings the most and I notice new things everyday; new ways of seeing and interpreting spaces and places. In my work as a designer I moved workplace to Gas Street in the City Centre and on my commute I am reminded daily that there are some inspiring places in this great city. I have grown up in Brum and the places I draw are usually ones I have personal experiences with.
What are your plans for Brumhaus?
I am very happy with the work I have created so far and hope to build on this. I’m developing new ideas all the time and for the short term I will be producing more art based on Brum and other UK cities will follow. Right now I’m working on another cityscape and also a wallpaper design.
Have you turned your talents to any other city skylines?
I like to take the architectural influences of somewhere and make something new with my art, I play with perspectives and viewpoints, so this treatment can be applied to anywhere. Among other things I have a London skyline in progress and I am keen to do other cities and buildings.
Do you have a building in the city that you are particularly fond of?
Yes there are a couple such as the Signal Box, with it’s unique faceted surface and the currently being demolished Central Library, the ziggurat, both examples of Brutalist architecture.
You can buy Brumhaus prints at brumhaus.uk and follow for new releases @Brumhaus
