Birmingham Central Library - Miniature Concrete Model

Model 003_Birmingham Central Library – Miniature Concrete Model
Hand-cast in fine concrete. Shaped by memory.

Some buildings define a city—and a generation’s sense of place.
Birmingham Central Library did exactly that. Opened in 1974, it stood at the heart of the city for decades, a massive inverted ziggurat of concrete that sparked fierce debate and deep affection in equal measure. Designed by John Madin, it became a touchstone for Brutalist architecture in Britain—loved, loathed, and never ignored.

I knew I had to make this model while there was still time.
Before demolition began, I visited, photographed, and measured everything I could. Getting the weight and tiered form right in miniature meant working through layer after layer of prototypes. It deserved that care. It deserved to last, even in a small way.

This is what remains—concrete cast from memory, carrying a piece of Birmingham’s lost Brutalism and icon architecture into the present.

Features
• Solid cast concrete, individually hand-poured
• 3.5cm high, 8.5 cm wide, 5cm deep (approx)
• Laser-etched cork base with building name
• Comes gift-boxed for the perfect concrete gift
• Designed, modelled, and finished in the UK

Made for anyone who remembers standing beneath its overhangs, climbing its steps, or defending its right to exist.
This model keeps the Birmingham Central Library’s story alive on a shelf or desk—a small reminder that architecture can shape identity and that even demolished buildings deserve to be held onto in some form.

15% off when you order two or more models

EU customers: please order via my Etsy shop due to customs regulations

Building Information

Location: Birmingham, UK
Architect: John Madin
Completed: 1974
Status: Demolished 2016
Brief Overview:
Birmingham Central Library was once the largest municipal library in Europe and an icon of British Brutalism. Designed as an inverted ziggurat, its bold form and concrete massing became a symbol of post-war modernity in Birmingham. Despite strong campaigns to preserve it, the library was demolished in 2016—its legacy lives on through memories, photographs, and small concrete tributes like this one.

Please note:

ALL EU ORDERS processed through our Etsy Store HERE

My concrete sculptures are individually hand cast in solid concrete. This means that each piece will have distinctive markings and minor blemishes due to air bubbles in the concrete. This is a natural part of the material and will mean that no two pieces are ever exactly the same.

Shipping:
I aim to make and ship your artwork within 30 days.  If you require your order by a specific date before this please let me know. 

Express shipping options at checkout for additional costs