Iron: Man, Birmingham, UK

Yes, that’s Iron [colon] Man. Though the locals just call it The Iron Man. This tilted 1993 sculpture by Turner Prizewinner Antony Gormley lives in Victoria Square, home of Brum’s Town Hall, Council House and the Floozie in the Jacuzzi (more on that in a later post). It’s 6m-tall with it’s feet buried in the pavement and leans 7.5° backwards and 5° to its left. Why? Who knows. That’s art for you. But it was cast with more than a nod to Birmingham industrial heritage and forging skills. A lot of people don’t like it apparently – it’s ‘controversial’. Me, I think it’s probably the most interesting thing in the square - apart from the random concrete balls, that is. (Picture: Amanda Slater)

Vulcan, Birmingham AL

Just a teensy-weensy bit larger is Bham’s Vulcan, also referred to as the Iron Man. Vulcan is the world’s largest cast-iron statue at 17m tall - the circumference of his waist matches the height of Brum’s statue – and is located in its own 10-acre park complete with visitor’s centre. It has long been an iconic symbol of Birmingham, and is set on a 37m pedestal tower on Red Mountain, which overlooks the city… [cont.]

Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti had it cast from local iron in 1904 and it’s been in its elevated home since 1939. Why Vulcan? He was the Roman god of the Forge, also nodding to Bham’s industrial iron and steel past.

Thanks to Daniel, who was my local host and guide for my 24 hours in Birmingham AL, I not only got to see Vulcan close up but he treated me to a ticket to ride inside the Nasa-style elevator tower to the top. A dizzying experience as you can see from my painted smile and set of white knuckles below. (Pictures: Fiona Cullinan)