Artists quick on the draw for Birmingham's historic conveniences

Mar 24 2008 By Jasbir Authi

A GROUP of Birmingham artists were flushed with inspiration when they gathered to sketch a set of Victorian toilets.

More than half a dozen men and women braved the snow flurries to draw the historical gents on the Harborne High Street on Saturday.

The urinals have provided a much needed refuge for pub-goers, shoppers and bus drivers for more than a century.

The stainless steel toilets, with no running tap water, and bottle green painted railing facade are a recognisable feature of the bustling High Street.

The outing was organised by social journalist and self-proclaimed eccentric activist Harry Palmer and is third in a series of visits to historical and social sites in Birmingham.

The first outing, led by Mr Palmer, was to six murals painted by children on Bristol Road and the second was to the Spencer House, which is part of the Digbeth Coach Station.

Mr Palmer, aged 37 and from Balsall Heath, said: "I invited people to come and draw the toilet in bringing attention to it."

One of the artists, Paul Nocher, a 42-year-old artist from Bearwood, said: "ItÕs a great structure and itÕs still standing.

"ItÕs a symbol and remnant of 100 years ago and itÕs unusual having it there. ItÕs functional and a little bit of social history.

"Too much stuff has been knocked down."

Artist Nikki Pugh, aged 30, from Balsall Heath, said: "ItÕs interesting and it will make me do stuff I havenÕt done before.

f=XClearfaceGothicLH-Bold HERITAGE: oArtists congregate at landmark urinals in latest outing

f=XZapfDingbatsno FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS... self-proclaimed eccentric activist Harry Palmer. |Picture: Jeremy Pardoe

Photo ref: JP220308Loo-07