New book brings Birmingham City University’s 182-year history to life
Birmingham City University (BCU) is turning the page on nearly two centuries of education with the launch of a new book.
Birmingham City University: A History in 100 Images showcases a variety of photographs and archival material, ranging from vintage advertisements, historic objects, and even a goat biriyani.
Spanning more than 180 years of innovation, creativity, and community impact, the images capture how BCU has helped shape Birmingham and its legacy.
Author Professor David Roberts said: “This book is about the variety of ways in which students and staff have influenced life in Birmingham but also in the wider world.
“Every continent in the world has felt the influence of a BCU graduate.
“I think people will be surprised by the depth and length of our history. Sometimes people think of us as young, but we’re really quite old!”
BCU’s origins date back to 1843 with the founding of the Design School, which later evolved into the College of Art.
In 1971, five colleges merged to form the City of Birmingham Polytechnic, which gained university status in 1992 and became the University of Central England (UCE).
Fifteen years later, it was renamed Birmingham City University, and today boasts a student population of more than 31,000 students from over 100 countries.
Mr Roberts, who is Professor of English at BCU, added: “It’s important to be reminded of how things were done in the past as a way of guiding future decisions.
“Birmingham constantly reinvents itself, and that is also the story of BCU.”
The official launch event featured a coach and barge tour of past and present BCU landmarks, including the iconic School of Art and School of Jewellery, as well as Alexander Stadium, which staged the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
At the University’s former Perry Barr campus, former vice-chancellor Dr Peter Knight CBE offered fond memories of his time there.
There were insights from BCU alumni too, including sculptor Luke Perry, jewellery designer Seungjoo Mun, midwife Tiyarna Lewis, and Professor of Sport and Exercise, Professor Adam Kelly.
Guests included Anita Bhalla OBE, chair of BCU’s board of governors, as well as representatives from the Ikon Gallery, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and West Midlands Growth Company.
Compered by television presenter James Bovill, another BCU alumnus, the event featured speeches from Professor Roberts, current BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, and Oluwadamilola Iyanda, the vice president for Welfare at BCU’s Students’ Union.
Professor Mba told guests that BCU’s history was evident “in every corner of our city” and pledged to "evolve in partnership with our home city and region”.
He also vowed to “represent this city with pride”, saying he was “proud to be associated with not just this university, but with Birmingham as a whole.”
