Birmingham Airport’s Icon Wall pays tribute to West Midlands heroes

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has today unveiled its Icons Wall, a new art installation located after security that showcases talent from across the West Midlands.

Departing passengers will get the chance to see the wall that features Ozzy Osbourne, UB40, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jasper Carrott, Steven Knight, Glynn Purnell, Hannah Hampton, Ellie Symonds and the Peaky Blinders.

The icons were chosen based on their West Midlands birthplace but also to celebrate their legacy and plays homage to sports, arts and culture heritage and talent from across the West Midlands.

Al Titterington, BHX’s terminal operations director, said: “When planning the Icons Wall, we wanted to give a sense of place but also a local feel that our passengers can resonate with. This specially selected group of icons represent the diverse sport, arts and culture heritage across the region.

“Ozzy Osbourne is one of the first to be seen as part of the artwork, followed by the remaining icons, interspersed by familiar sights of the Birmingham skyline including the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Library of Birmingham.

“BHX is proud to be part of the heritage of the West Midlands as well, as a critical piece of national infrastructure and a key transport Gateway, however we know that the best bit of the West Midlands is its people and today showcases some of our region’s best.”

UB40 commenting on the group being on the wall said: “It’s fantastic to be featured on the airports new wall which celebrates faces from Birmingham. It’s important that the city starts to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and the diversity of our city. So, thank you to Birmingham Airport for leading the way, keep right on!”

The Icons Wall project has been fully endorsed by all those represented on it. It has been a privilege for BHX to work with both the individuals and estates of those featured and to have their endorsement and support for their local airport.