Dame Julie proves ‘inspirational’

ACTRESS Dame Julie Walters (pictured) and activist Malala Yousafzai have been voted the most inspirational Brummies of all time.

It follows a public vote in celebration of Birmingham City University’s 175 years at the heart of Birmingham life.

After more than 1,500 votes from the public, an initial long-list of 175 ‘Brummies Who Inspire’ has been whittled down to ten, with musicians Ozzy Osbourne and Duran Duran’s John Taylor making the final list alongside Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien.

Completing the list of ten are Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis, philoso- pher and chemist Joseph Priestley, Cadbury founder John Cadbury, poet and writer Benjamin Zephaniah and historian Carl Chinn. The ten ‘Brummies Who Inspire’ will be announced at a special concert tonight at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where some of the most iconic pieces of music created by Birmingham artists will be performed. Birmingham City University’s roots date back 175 years to the foundation of Birmingham Government School of Design in 1843, the forerunner to the present day schools of Art and Visual Communication. In 1884, the School evolved into Birmingham College of Art, moving to a purpose-built Venetian Gothic building on Margaret Street designed by John Chamberlain. Today, Margaret Street still houses the University’s School of Art and is a Grade I Listed Building.

Professor Philip Plowden, ViceChancellor at Birmingham City University, says: “These inspirational figures come from a variety of walks of life, but are united by their contribution to this astonishing and vibrant city.

“Their creativity and ingenuity epitomises the spirit of our great city.

“At this special concert we are celebrating both the 175-year history of this university as an institution at the heart of our city and those who have made a positive impact on Birmingham life.”