Dramatic Birmingham Blitz sculpture goes on display to mark 75th anniversary

A multi-media sculpture built by schoolchildren and members of the public is being unveiled to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Birmingham Blitz. It's made from 2,241 handcrafted lanterns to represent each person who died. People in the city can enjoy and reflect on the work until Sunday 22nd November, from dusk until 9pm.

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Dramatic Blitz sculpture on display until Sunday

In the second World War Birmingham was the third most bombed place in the country, but because of media blackouts imposed during the war, the air raids on the city received far less coverage than other targets of the German Luftwaffe.

To mark the 75th anniversary of the bombings, the '2,241 Reasons to Remember' project has been organised by the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre, and it'll be on display for the next 4 nights. Children from eight primary schools across the city as well as members of the public have helped build the installation.

Creative arts company Metro-Boulot-Dodo are also behind the work, and hopes it'll encourage people to learn more about some of Birmingham's darkest days.

Birmingham Blitz installation on display in Bullring

Projections of the destruction caused during the Birmingham Blitz play directly onto the sculpture. Credit: ITV News Central

A multi-media sculpture built by schoolchildren is being unveiled to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Birmingham Blitz.

The sculpture is in the form of a demolished house bombed out in the Blitz. Credit: ITV News Central

Finishing touches to the artwork have been taking place all day outside the permanent memorial to victims by the Bullring Markets.

It's made from 2,241 handcrafted lanterns to represent each person who died. Credit: ITV News Central

People in the city can enjoy and reflect on the work until Sunday, from dusk until 9pm.

The project has been a collaboration between the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre and creative arts company Metro-Boulot-Dodo. Credit: ITV News Central

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  1. Chris Halpin

Schools build artwork for Birmingham Blitz anniversary

Schoolchildren across Birmingham are helping to create a poignant multi-media memorial to remember those who died in the Birmingham Blitz 75 years ago.

The project has been organised by the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre and involves drama workshops and art classes to try to bring some of the darkest days in Birmingham's history to life for children in the city today.

The final piece will be unveiled to the public on Thursday November 19th outside the Bullring Markets, near to the permanent memorial remembering the 2241 people who died during the Birmingham Blitz.

Ten schools are involved in building the artwork, and ITV News Central reporter Chris Halpin met some of the children taking part at Starbank Primary earlier today.

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