Members of UB40 dropped in to see Central BID’s overhaul of Mailbox underpass that includes artwork honouring their seminal album, Labour Of Love and had plenty to say.
Central BID worked with local artists and Castle Fine Art to transform it into a brighter, vibrant open-air art gallery and new attraction featuring some of Birmingham’s most famous bands.
Mr Murals was commissioned to recreate classic album covers by the reggae band along with Duran Duran, ELO and Black Sabbath – and UB40 was delighted to see the results during a visit on April 16. They even took time to pose for a photo with the hard-working team from Central BID, as shown here.
Using Central BID and Shared Prosperity Fund money, artists were commissioned while the underpass also underwent a deep clean, Commonwealth Games legacy pieces were refreshed and brighter lighting added.
UB40 frontman Robin Campbell said after seeing the artwork up close: “It feels fantastic.
“I love that Birmingham is recognising its iconic artists. They’ve done it for [Black] Sabbath and know they are doing it for us.
“The output of popular music from Birmingham over the past 60 years has been incredible.”
Mr Murals has described the transformed underpass, featuring his distinctive artwork, as being so different that you can’t help but “smile when you go through it”.
Steve Hewlett, Manager of Central BID, said: “We were privileged to have Birmingham legends UB40 come down to see the incredible Labour of Love artwork by Mr Murals at Mailbox underpass.
“Beyond the artwork in Mailbox underpass, we’ve improved the lighting, deep cleaned the area and repainted all the walls and columns, so the work was extensive.
“It’s made it worthwhile to get so much great feedback on how it improves the area and showcases Birmingham’s music history.”
Find the Mailbox underpass artwork infront of Mailbox under the Suffolk Street Queensway at the corner of Navigation Street and Suffolk Street shown on Googlemaps here.