The Birmingham School: Paintings, Drawings and Prints by Birmingham Artists from the Permanent Collection (1990)

While the work of a few of its painters, such as David Cox and Joseph Southall, is well known, the great richness and variety of the Birmingham School is barely recognised. In this selection of paintings, drawings and prints from the City’s permanent collection, Stephen Wildman, of Birmingham City Art Gallery, offers an introduction to over two centuries of art in Birmingham. It includes late 18th century portraits by James Millar and his contemporaries; landscape and figure subjects from members of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists in the 19th century; some outstanding pictures by staff and students of the School of Art, from its heyday around 1900; and work from the 20th century, including that of young contemporary artists. More than half the items are recent acquisitions, in recognition of Birmingham’s unique artistic heritage.