Heroes of Birmingham are celebrated in giant airport mural
A GIANT mural has been unveiled at Birmingham Airport celebrating some of the city’s favourite sons and daughters.
Faces including Ozzy Osbourne, late poet Benjamin Zephaniah and an 11-year-old fundraising hero will welcome tourists to the city.
The tribute to Brummie icons was commissioned by easyJet and easyJet Holidays to mark the opening of the airline’s new base at the airport. Local street artist Gent 48, real name Josh Billingham, created it.
Passengers will see the famous curry mile and depictions of its manufacturing history and arts scene, while poetry from Zephaniah also features. It took 120 hours to create the artwork, which is 2.4 metres tall and 4.8 metres wide and occupies 62 square feet of the airport terminal.
Benjamin’s brother Dave Springer said: “Our family are incredibly proud that Benjamin’s tireless fight for justice and social change still resonates, not just in Birmingham but globally, and his cultural iconic status cements a lasting legacy of hope.”
Other featured faces include 11-year-old Ryan Hulance who turns waste into charitable food donations, by collecting empty tin cans from businesses and locals. He sells the metal to purchase items for food banks.
Football coach Asha Rage was also honoured for using the sport to keep young people away from gang violence.
Birmingham-based easyJet cabin crew member and community volunteer Kieron Sparkes is also displayed for his work supporting The Mary Stevens Hospice for six years, raising awareness of the charity even while travelling.
Gent 48 said: “There is far more to Birmingham than meets the eye. I hope my latest work inspires visitors to look more closely at the incredible people and culture the city has to offer.”