iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 1h

#MapOnATuesday is the plan of the Birmingham Freehold Land Society Kings Heath Estate - the 40th estate purchased by the Society. Showing building plots in Clarence Road, Woodfield Road, Cambridge Road and Springfield Road, c 1876. Ref: MAP/366633 #LibraryofBham

A map - a grid plan of the streets and roads named in the title. The outline of numbered building plots colour coded. A block of land and property in the bottom right of the map identified as Laurel Cottage. The names of landowners in the top centre of the map.

040

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 11h

Our most recent blog is based on research by one of Handsworth’s residents, Adeel Akhtar – on what is thought to be the first mosque to be established in the Handsworth district of Birmingham - theironroom.wordpress.com/2026/09/29/m... #LibraryofBham #BhamMosque

Photograph of a room - two windows on either side of an alcove with a microphoned minbar (pulpit) inside it. A bookcase up on the left side of the wall by the alcove and an order of service on the right with the words Masjid Quba at the top. The foreground is dominated by a carpet.

051

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 16h

An update on the #SuttonColdfield archive transferred from Sutton library to here in Summer 2025. All the archive is here and our Archivist is making good progress in assessing documents and updating catalogues #LibraryofBham #MySutton

Photograph of archival presses with shelves occupied by archival boxes – fluorescent lighting above the shelves. Notes below this on both presses.

050

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

#SundayShowcase is Tracing your ancestors using newspapers : a guide for family historians by Chloe O'Shea. This book is a genealogical guide to uncovering and interpreting newspaper articles - from court proceedings to obituary notices. Ref - A 929.1 #LibraryofBham

A book resting on a cushion - front cover facing on. Title of the book is Tracing your ancestors using newspapers : a guide for family historians. The title and subtitle separated by the masthead - Telegraph. Beneath are two photographic inserts - headshots of females. Also inserts of newspaper articles. The author’s name in the bottom right corner.

011

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

#CityOf1000Trades is this trade card for William Rogers – fancy haberdasher and family linen draper located at Temple Row West and Colmore Row. Ref – WK/B11/3802 #LibraryofBham

Illustration of a street scene, possibly the Regency period. Text at the top of the illustration indicates this is a trade card for William Rogers – fancy haberdasher and family linen draper. The illustration shows a row of properties with a large, impressive building at the end of the row on the corner with another thoroughfare. A crowded street scene in front of the buildings in the left foreground of the illustration – pedestrians gathered and people on horseback.

020

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

#PhotoFriday is the Ye Olde Royal Restaurant located on Temple Row. First opened c1781 and demolished by the late 1950s. Ref - WK/B11/3821 #LibraryofBham #Brumpic

A narrow passageway with buildings on either side. Above is an ornate iron sign - Ye Olde Royal Restaurant. Flourishes above each part of the sign with a crown on the very top of the sign. People on either side of the passageway with a van at the very end as the passage joins a road. A large building in the background outside of the passageway.

041

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

#BHM2026 is here. Female American Serenaders performed at Birmingham Town Hall on 9 June 1847. The entertainment was described as ‘the harmony of which has been pronounced a marvel in the history of music’. Ref - MS 1711 #LibraryofBham @blackhistorymonth.org.uk

An advertisement. Title at the top is Town Hall, Birmingham. Female American Serenaders. Beneath this is an illustration of seven female figures gathered round in a circle, each is holding or playing a musical instrument. Beneath this, a list of their names. Below this, details of the time and location for the performance at Birmingham Town Hall.

010

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

#BhamWomen today is Kate Freeman who according to a Birmingham Post article dated 11 July 1972 retired after 45 years at the Birmingham Rep. Ref – B’ham Bio Cuttings Vol. 67 #LibraryofBham #BirminghamRep

031

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

#MapOnATuesday shows the enlargement of New Street Station including the intended alteration of streets in the vicinity,1August 1881. Now we know what became of Bread Street. Ref - MAP/73266 #LibraryofBham

A map of Birmingham city centre. A collection of named thoroughfares crisscrossing one another - some of the streets have shading around them. Features such as churches and schools identified on the map. A shaded area in the centre with text - L & NW Railway Station above it. Text inside the bulk of the shaded area regards - Proposed Extension of Footbridge. A scale of measurement in the bottom right of the map. A compass lilting at an angle in the bottom left along with text which reads - Copyright Entered Stationers Hall.

071

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#Birmingham Here’s a rousing ditty extolling the restorative and nutritional benefits of Birmingham ale. Wonder what it would taste of? I’ll leave you to decide on a suitable tune to breathe life into the words. Ref - Birmingham Broadsides/Misc – no.39, LF 05.2 #LibraryofBham

A cartouche like illustration at the top of the page showing two male figures carrying a barrel by use of a rod. Their attire is typical of that of the eighteenth century - large tricorn hats, doublet and hose. Title beneath the illustration is Birmingham Ale. Below this, seven verses of a song. At the bottom, details of the printers - S. Taylor of Moor Street.

095

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

#BirminghamLibraries during our recent Closed Week, we spent considerable time repackaging new accessions to the archive - the lifeblood of our service #LibraryofBham

A room with numerous tables in it. The tables are loaded with archival boxes, folders and bundles of paper. A set of lockers on the far right of the room. A doorway just to the left. A window on the far right of the photograph with metal and wooden cabinets in front. The window has a filigree on the outside. A pillar between the table and the lockers. Panelled ceiling lights.

030

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

#SundayShowcase today is Birmingham - The Postcard Collection by Alan Spree. Postcards can be overlooked in regards of the visual record they provide. Alan draws on a selection of postcards to give a pictorial record of Birmingham in the past. Ref – L 85.4 #LibraryofBham

Two copies of a book on a table with front covers facing on. Title of the book is Birmingham - The Postcard Collection. Author’s name below this is Alan Spree. Photograph of Birmingham Council House below this. An office scene behind the table on which the books are standing including shelving and a window on the far right of the photograph.

030

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

#CityOf1000Trades is this advertisement for Cheatham's of Hindoo House, 22 New Street included in the Illustrated Birmingham Times, no. 2, Sept 1854. Ref - LF 08.2 #LibraryofBham

An illustrated advertisement. The word Archery repeated three times across the top of the page. The words Wholesale and Retail beneath this. Then a paragraph of description explaining the wares sold. Beneath this, numerous line drawings of figures engaged in sporting events including cricket, fishing and archery. Beneath this, another paragraph detailing the goods sold by Cheetham’s. Then details of the shop’s location on New Street.

021

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#PhotoFriday today is this 1870s view of Harpers Hill at the junction of James Street and Northwood Street. The house was the home of James Watt. Ref - WK/B11/5940 #LibraryofBham #Brumpic

An austere brick building. Central building is Georgian - windows of equal symmetry. Corridors leading off from both sides of the central building to smaller structures which have chimneys and symmetrical sets of windows. Barren foreground with bare trees on both extremes of the photograph.

030

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#BhamWomen Dr Winifred Cavenagh became only the second female professor at Birmingham University at the time according to this Birmingham Post article from 10 June 1972. Ref – Birmingham Biography Cuttings Vol. 67 #LibraryofBham @unibirmingham.bsky.social

A newspaper article. Heading – Dr. Cavenagh gets university chair. Text on the left side of the article and an insert of a photograph of a female on the right.

031

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Our #ShakespeareCollection contains many wonderful finds including this 1947 Esperanto version of Antonio kaj Kleopatro : tragedio en kvin aktoj. Ref - Shakespeare/ALL 583465 #LibraryofBham @shakespearebtrust.bsky.social @shakesinstitute.bsky.social @esperanto.org.uk

Front cover of a book. Title is Antonio kaj Kleopatro : tragedio en kvin aktoj by William Shakepeare. Text in Esperanto. Publishing details at the bottom of the page.

011

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

#IDOB2026 starts this Thursday - the House That Brum Built takes over the Council House on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September 2026. Explore ten rooms over two days: www.idob.co.uk #LibraryofBham

A poster. A cartoon figure, possibly Humpty Dumpty sat astride a bull and holding a flag. The figures are placed inside a circle. The words International Day of Birmingham running along the edge of the circle. Beneath this are details of the dates along with further text.

021

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

#MapOnATuesday Our map collections extend beyond Birmingham – here is L.S. De La Rochette’s 1788 map of Hindoostan, today the nation is officially recognised as India and Bharat. Ref - MAP/924352 #LibraryofBham

A map of the Indian sub – continent. A scale in the top right of the map. A legend in the bottom right indicating this is Rochette’s map of Hindoostan dated 1788. Published by William Faden. The legend is surrounded by an elephant on the left and palm trees behind.

030

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

#BirminghamLibrary Check out our Level 4 display of 1940s & 50s birthday cards sent to two addresses in #Moseley #LibraryofBham

An illustration of three fairies on a birthday card. All three figures form a curve running from the top left of the card. The words - Happy Birthday to You hugging the curve formed by the fairies. They are all playing different musical instruments. The number 7 in the top right with a bird perched on top of it. Musical notes dispersed across the card.

020

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We're looking for a freelance conservator to survey and rehouse audio heritage as part of the Sounds of the Midlands project. For more information please email us. Deadline for applications is Monday, 12 October #LibraryofBham @uniofleicester.bsky.social

Page 1 detailing the Sounds of the Midlands freelance conservator post. Heading has the logos for Birmingham City Council and the Library of Birmingham.

048

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

#SundayShowcase today is The Jamaican people,1880-1902 by Patrick Bryan. A look at the period after the end of slavery up to the burgeoning of democracy. Ref - 972.9204 #LibraryofBham

Two books on a table - front cover facing on. Title at the top of the page is The Jamaican People, 1880 - 1902. Illustration inset beneath this - a graphic design of a female figure at work. Below the illustration is the name of the author. A wall behind the table on which the books are standing. A chair tucked under the table.

000

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

#CityOf1000Trades is this trade card for the Soho Plate Company - Matthew Boulton’s manufactory of silver & plated goods. Ref - MS 4834/119 #LibraryofBham

A trade card. Illustration of a large building at the top of the card - a Georgian style premises, a factory. A garden scene outside of the building. Beneath this are details of the name of the company and its locations in Birmingham and London.

020

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

#PhotoFriday today is this photo of the Hall of Memory on 12 May 1937 with a commemorative column celebrating the coronation of George VI. The Hall of Memory officially opened on 4 July 1925. Ref - WK/B11/6618 #LibraryofBham #Brumpic

Birmingham Hall of Memory on the far right of the photograph, a circular Neo – Classical style domed building. Brass statues on either side of the entrance. A building to the left of the hall in the mid background of the photograph. A very large column with a figure of a knight on horseback on top holding a staff - this is on the far left of the photo. A policeman to the left of the column on the ground. The column and hall are surrounded by a fence and a search light is in the bottom right of the photo.

020

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

#BhamWomen Myra and Kate Bunce at the Lord Mayor's fancy dress ball in 1914. Myra, seated - was a landscape painter and designer. Kate is renowned as a painter. They worked together on commissions for local churches. Ref- Martineau Album #BM_AG #LibraryofBham

Photographic portrait of two female figures in fancy dress. The seated figure is dressed in dark heavy laced clothing. She is wearing a bonnet with a veil attached and holding a parasol. She has bunches of flowers at each ear and is wearing spectacles. She is holding a card in her left hand. The standing figure is dressed in light clothing. She is wearing a bonnet and has flowers at her ears. She is also holding a parasol and wearing very heavy lace clothing which covers her footwear.

020

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Today we bring you this #ElvisPresley Fan Club flyer from 1978 - an event we believe to mark the first anniversary of Elvis’ passing. Thank you very much! Ref - LS 4/Ephemera Collection/Music 51 #LibraryofBham

A flyer. Text at the top indicates it has been produced by the Birmingham branch of the official Elvis Presley fan club. Details of the Elvis Presley Memorial Disco. Inset photograph of Elvis to the right of this text. Details below relating to the time and location of the event along with acts.

020

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

#MapOnATuesday this week is this map of the town centre included in Pinnock's Guide to Knowledge - Number 129 (1834). Ref – LS 11/7/36/15432 #LibraryofBham

A map. Text at the top of the map reads No. CXXIX on the far left of the header. Title in the middle of the header is Pinnock's Guide to Knowledge. The words - Price One Penny on the far right of the header. Below this in the centre of the bottom of the header is the word Birmingham. Beneath this is a section headed Table of References with a numerical listing of buildings. Below this is a map of Birmingham town centre. Street names and the outlines of buildings are visible along with numbers which refer to the Table of References. Another Table of References beneath this and then publisher details at the bottom of the map.

040

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

#HarvestFestival will soon be with us - here’s a photo from the Harvest Home festival in Northumberland, 1901. The last corn gathered would be made into a human shape, crowned with flowers and called the Kern Baby. Ref: Stone Box 270/ Print 9 #LibraryofBham @nlandarchives.bsky.social

A figure wearing a long billowy cotton dress in the late Victorian style which reaches the ground. The figure is not human but rather stalks of corn gathered together. Stalks of corn are sprouting from the top of the dress and resemble a head. A large gathering of foliage behind the figure. Flora in front of the figure.

050

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

#BirminghamHistory - Little Cherry Street was located in the city centre. It was cleared and demolished in the late 19th century as part of the grand Birmingham Improvement Scheme. Ref – WK/B11/3475 #LibraryofBham

An illustration of a courtyard. The building dominating the scene has the facia Crown Tavern above the entrance. An active foreground to the building with various humans and animals in action. Two figures in the top left of the courtyard and then left to right - another two walking arm in arm. Then a horse with two figures next to it with various animals running about. Another two figures on the far right of the courtyard with a building behind them with signage identifying a tailors operates from the premises. Lt, Cherry Street scribbled in the bottom left of the drawing along with some indecipherable text.

052

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

#SundayShowcase today is Estates: an intimate history by Lynsey Hanley who grew up just outside Birmingham. An account of the rise of social housing through to its decline. Ref - L 41.8 #LibraryofBham

A book on a table facing towards the camera. Title is Estates: An Intimate History by Lynsey Hanley. Photograph in the background of the cover showing three sets of balconies with people on each. An office scene behind the table on which the books are standing. Desks and chairs and a window inlay reflecting the outside view.

010

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

#CityOf1000Trades #BhamWomen Mary Rollason & Sons of Steelhouse Lane. Rollason (1764/5 – 1835) was a Birmingham businesswoman who dealt in china, cut glass and brass items. Ref: MS 4834/123 #LibraryofBham

A trade card. Title at the top is Mary Rollason & Sons. China, glass and earthenware warehouse. Numerous paragraphs below this detailing the wares sold by the company.

021

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

#PhotoFriday today is Paradise Street on 21 April 1938 looking past the Midland Institute towards the Town Hall. Most of the street now unrecognisable from the photo. Ref - WK/B11/5389 #LibraryofBham #Brumpic

A street scene. A long row of multistorey premises on the left of the photo with vehicles outside and a horse and cart in the bottom left. The Birmingham Town Hall at the end of the row in the bottom right of the photo. Pedestrians frequent the street.

042

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

#BhamWomen is back with Enid Parsons of Spark Hill who at the age of 17 was whisked off to America to join the Ziegfeld Follies on a £1,000 a year salary which was quite a sum in 1926. Ref - Birmingham Despatch, 24.2.1926/ Birmingham Biography vol 13 #LibraryofBham

A newspaper article -handwritten date at the top is 24.2.26. Title is Birmingham’s Zeigfeld Folly. Below is a photograph of a young woman sat side saddle. She is holding a dress close to her chest and her shoulders are bare. She is wearing a Flapper style dress and her hair is in ringlets. The text of the article is beneath this.

050

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Birmingham Super Prix. The inaugural race was the culmination of years of setbacks and successes to make the event a reality: theironroom.wordpress.com/2023/07/03/i... Ref: Ephemera Collection, Motor Racing, item 27 #LibraryofBham

A poster for the 1989 running of the race. Borders at the top and bottom of the poster illustrated with chequered flags, a horse and paraphernalia of other images. Details about the date and time of the race and a faint photograph of racing cars on a track in the background.

033

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

#MapOnATuesday today is this 1889 diseases map of Birmingham included in the Medical Health Officers’ Reports showing clusters of illness in the city. Ref - L 45.11 #LibraryofBham

A map. Title is Map of the Borough of Birmingham, 1889. A key below identifying what each of the coloured spots on the map of Birmingham signifies. Weights in each corner of the map.

080

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

#BHW2026 is back - this year taking place 11 – 20 September. Here’s a rundown of what Archives & Collections and the Library of Birmingham have to offer: theironroom.wordpress.com/2026/09/07/b... #LibraryofBham #BHeritageWeek

A group of five people gathered in a map room. A metal cabinet in front of them on which rest maps and indexes. A window directly behind from which a cityscape is visible. A glass doorway on the left of the photograph with a press behind it in the top left. A table directly behind the group and another metal cabinet behind this.

003

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

#BHW2026 - Members of the Friends of the Shakespeare Collection are giving a guided tour and introduction to some of its treasures. Book a session while spaces remain - birminghamheritageweek.co.uk/event/come-a... #LibraryofBham @shakespearebtrust.bsky.social @shakesinstitute.bsky.social

A tryptic running left to right. Sir Ian McKellan wearing a hat. He has some type of suit on which is covered by a polythene sheet around his shoulders. The middle panel is an illustration of Bottom from a Midsummer’s Night Dream stood underneath undergrowth. The final panel is of an actor dressed as Malvolio from Twelfth Night wearing yellow stockings and on bent knee.

021

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

#SundayShowcase today is The Beautiful Death of Ozzy Osbourne which explores how Ozzy’s life and death attracted such generosity of spirit. The answer lies within the story and culture of metal. Ref – L 78.1 OSB #LibraryofBham #OzzyOsbourne

Two copies of a book on a table with the front cover facing on. Title of the book is The Beautiful Death of Ozzy Osbourne. A socket in the table between the two copies of the book. A window on the right of the photo. A chair directly behind the table on which the books are upright. A box on the far left back of the photo.

000

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

#CityOf1000Trades today are Lisseter & Miller, nineteenth and twentieth century confectioners & caterers who were based at 20 Bennetts Hill. In 1916, the company were asked to supply catering for the café in the Botanical Gardens. Ref – WK/B11/3473 #LibraryofBham

A photograph of a group of male figures in chef’s whites gathered in a semi-circle formation in a kitchen environment. A row of cooking pots high on a shelf in the mid background of the photograph. Text above the photograph reads Lisseter & Miller, 20 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham. Text below the photograph reads Confectioners & Caterers. The phone number is in the bottom right corner.

040

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

#PhotoFriday today is this photo of Union Passage looking south, c 1928. The passage still exists but in a truncated form now. It begins in New Street with a tunnel entrance. Ref – WK/B11/6494 #LibraryofBham #Brumpic

Photo of a passageway with the frontages of buildings on either side. A stepladder outside a premises on the bottom right. A figure wearing an overcoat and a cap stood on the corner of the passage in the top left of the photo. A balcony in the far mid background of the photo. A horse and cart beneath it with a crowd of people to the left side.

062

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

#BirminghamHistory Lady Huntingdon’s Chapel on Paradise Street which opened in 1843. The congregation worshiped initially in King Street between 1783 – 1842. Ref – WK/B11/3451 #LibraryofBham

An illustration of the exterior of an imposing chapel very much in the high Gothic Victorian style. High elongated windows and imposing stone brickwork. Three metal poles with ornate flourishes emanating from the front of the building. A stone staircase leading up to the front window.

031

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Guest blogger, Nikki Thorpe examines how the People’s Heritage Co-operative and Brum Loves Libraries collaboration to celebrate our local libraries and their community significance culminated in the ‘Bookmarks’ project: theironroom.wordpress.com/2026/08/31/b... #LibraryofBham #PHCooperative

011

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

#Birmingham is home to many scientists. Francis William Aston was born today in Harborne in 1877. Aston’s invention of the Mass Spectrograph paved the way to modern forensic science: theironroom.wordpress.com/2017/07/03/f... Ref – Biography Cuttings Vol. 38 #LibraryofBham

Photographic portrait of a male figure. A head shot with the figure sat looking their left to right. A receding hairline. He is wearing a suit and tie very reminiscent of the Edwardian period.

041

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

#MapOnATuesday We’re going back to 1785 this week with Thomas Hanson’s Plan of Birmingham. Interesting details provided by the map include the town had 9,500 houses and 52,250 inhabitants. Ref – MAP/72831 #LibraryofBham

Circular legend in the top left of the map contains the following text - Plan of Birmingham surveyed by Tho. Hanson, 1785. In the top right of the map, another legend - this one oblong, provides information on the demography of the town including details such as the town had 9,500 houses and 52,250 inhabitants. The map is a series of parallel lines running across one another identifying streets and roads. The bulk of this activity is in the centre of the map whilst the periphery is less detailed and chiefly consists of the outlines of fields. Blocks of grey appear at intervals indicating the use of land for commercial, industrial and agricultural purposes.

0174

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The Faery Calendar drawn and written by Birmingham artist Bernard Sleigh (1872 – 1954). Engraved on wood by Ivy A. Ellis. Do we believe in fairies, children? Ref - LS 6/287915, Local Authors Collection #LibraryofBham

Woodcut illustration titled July Hamadryads. A forest scene, female figures on the left and right of the illustration appear to emerge from the trees. Both are naked - the figure on the left offers up her hands in prayer while the figure on the right has her head bowed looking down at three rabbits in the immediate foreground of the illustration. In the centre of the illustration are a group of naked figures dancing in a circle. In the top centre is a male figure - half man, half goat blowing into an instrument composed of reeds.

040

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Joshua Scholefield (1775 - 1844) was elected to serve Birmingham in 1832 along with Thomas Attwood as the borough’s first two MPs. Ref - MS 1717, Box 6, Bundle 13 #LibraryofBham

021

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

#SundayShowcase today is Bangladesh : The Mosaic in Green edited by Mamoon Mansoor. This 1995 Ministry of Information guide sits in our Black & South Asian History Collection: www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50134/a... Ref: AQ 954.92 #LibraryofBham #BAHCBirmingham

Front cover of a book. Title is Bangladesh : The Mosaic in Green. A blurred image of a human figure in the background of the photograph on the cover. Foreground shows a butterfly amongst long grasses.

000

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

#CityOf1000Trades is this trade catalogue for Suckling Limited – silversmiths and electroplaters founded in Birmingham in 1895. Operating from several addresses in the Jewellery Quarter until closing in 1965. Ref – MS 318, Box 21 #LIbraryofBham

Front cover of a trade catalogue. Image of the outside of a factory at the top of the page with billowy clouds behind. Beneath this, the words - Kingsway Silverware. Text below this including details of the various international locations of the company.

130

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

#PhotoFriday today is St John's School on the corner of Johnstone Street and St Mary Street, Ladywood in 1960. It opened as St John's National School in 1857. The view looks north. Ref - WK/L5/21 #LibraryofBham #Brumpic

A street scene. A school building on the right side of the road with large church style windows. A row of houses alongside it. A car in front of the building. A telegraph pole to the right of the school. A small child on the other side of the road with its back to the camera. Cars further along the street behind the child.

041

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

#BirminghamWomen Councillor Joan Tomlinson, Chair of Birmingham City Council Parks Committee. Featured in this Sunday Mercury article 25.4.1964. Just about to take a two month trip to America invited by the US State Department. Ref: Birmingham Biography Vol. 56 #LibraryofBham

A newspaper article. A photograph of a female figure with a young boy behind her. Caption below identifies her as Councillor Joan Tomlinson and her son, Andrew.

000

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

To mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, a letter in the Matthew Boulton and Family Papers from Thomas Jefferson, Virginia to William Small here in Birmingham. Small was a member of the Lunar Society and had been a mentor to Jefferson. Ref - MS 3782/12/76/189 #LibraryofBham

A handwritten letter in ink. Dear Sir in the top left and then Virginia and May 7 across the top. The year is difficult to distinguish. Some water damage in the middle of the letter.

140