Birmingham Library tea towel

If you've ever lived in Birmingham over the last fifty years, then you'll recognize The Central Library. From 1974 to 2013, this was the main public library for Birmingham, and was for a time the largest non-national library in Europe!

Designed by architect John Madin, The Central Library was a real icon of British brutalism. Though the original plan was for the building to be clad in marble, budget cuts meant that a concrete finish was used instead, prompting some to refer to the library as a 'concrete monstrosity'. But we disagree! Its stark geometry and its inverted ziggurat design made it one of the most striking buildings in the UK, unique and way ahead of its time.

This design shows the Central Library from Chamberlain Square. English Heritage applied twice for the building to gain listed status, but unfortunately their applications were unsuccessful. The new Library of Birmingham was built in 2013, and The Central Library was finally demolished in 2016. Nonetheless, its wonderful brutalist features live on in this tea towel!