Earlier this year, we invited artists from across the UK to submit proposals for a new public artwork celebrating George Shaw – Birmingham pioneer, inventor, photographer and businessman. The selected artist will go on to develop their proposal into the final artwork, which will be installed on the glass panels at the Town Hall tram stop, creating a striking new piece of public art inspired by Shaw’s remarkable legacy. You can find more information about the open call and wider project here.
Following the open call, our panel has shortlisted six talented artists. Each has created an initial concept design offering a unique interpretation of George Shaw’s life, achievements and impact on Birmingham. These proposals are intended to communicate each artist’s vision and are not final designs. The successful artist will further develop and refine their concept before the artwork is produced and installed.
Below, you can learn more about each artist, view their proposed concept design and read a short summary of their creative vision.
We’d love to hear which proposal you think best captures George Shaw’s legacy. The public vote will form part of the final decision, alongside the views of our selection panel:
- Roo Kaur Dhissou – Artist
- Jo Gane – Artist and Photographic Historian
- Alexander Goodger – Director, Stourbridge Glass Museum
- Mike Mounfield – Chief Technical Officer, Birmingham Colmore
- Anna Sparham – Curator of Photographs, National Trust
- Ian Sergeant – Senior Curator, Global Majority Collections, Birmingham Museums Trust
Once you’ve explored the six concept proposals, scroll to the bottom of the page to cast your vote. Voting opens on Monday 6 July and closes at 9am on Monday 13 July.
Charlotte Ashman
Charlotte’s proposal uses hand-carved linocut illustrations to tell George Shaw’s story across the glass panels. Inspired by Birmingham’s industrial heritage, the design incorporates silver shoeprints tracing Shaw’s journey through life and celebrates his role in the city’s pioneering electroplating industry. The artwork is designed to work with the transparency of the glass, with the potential for lighting to bring the panels to life after dark.
Sajida Asif
Sajida’s proposal presents George Shaw’s life as a series of beautifully framed Victorian-inspired artworks, blending influences from British, Persian and Islamic design traditions. The designs chart Shaw’s journey from his early life to his scientific and photographic achievements, while interactive illuminated frames invite visitors to become part of the artwork through photography and encourage people to discover more about his remarkable legacy.
Kirsty Brooks
Kirsty’s concept draws inspiration from the protective cases used for early daguerreotypes, using layered forms, translucent colour and historical diagrams to reveal George Shaw’s story over time. Rather than presenting a straightforward narrative, the design encourages closer inspection, with details gradually unfolding and the option of a QR code linking visitors to the wider story of Shaw’s achievements.
Mazahir Hussain
Mazahir’s proposal celebrates the many facets of George Shaw’s life through a series of elegant Victorian-style illustrations spread across the glass panels. Rather than focusing on a single image, the design gives equal prominence to Shaw’s work in photography, science and industry, while also highlighting his family life and collaborations. Transparent linework allows the city itself to become part of the artwork, with natural light and shadow creating an ever-changing experience.
Yelena Popova
Yelena’s proposal explores the scientific principles that connect George Shaw’s work in photography, electroplating and water engineering. Flowing wave patterns represent light, electricity and water, while engineering-inspired illustrations show how Shaw’s innovations continue to influence modern technology. The design celebrates Birmingham’s industrial past while drawing powerful connections to the technologies that shape everyday life today.
Ben Stephenson
Ben’s proposal layers historical and contemporary images of Birmingham within the glass itself, creating an artwork that changes as people move past it. Using precision engraving on both sides of the panels, the design combines Shaw’s pioneering photography with the city’s architecture, industry and innovation. The transparent composition allows the movement of trams, pedestrians and the city beyond to become an integral part of the artwork, linking Birmingham’s past with its present.
