• Sparkhill: A Child’s Eye View engaged children and families in the historic experiences of childhood in their area.

• Participants worked with creative practitioners to develop artistic interpretations of their research and reflections.

• The exhibition is on display from 4 November until 6 January.

A community exhibition of artwork inspired by the experiences of growing up in Sparkhill through history opened at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on 4 November 2025.

Sparkhill: A Child’s Eye View emerged from a year-long programme of community heritage activities delivered by local charity The Springfield Project to engage local children and families in the historic experiences of childhood in their area.

The project focused on three key themes of Sparkhill’s heritage: community spaces, shopping and green spaces.

Led by children’s natural curiosity and supported by a programme of workshops, activities included local history walks, trips to museums and spaces of heritage and history to provide stimulus and opportunity for research and exploration.

Participating groups were paired with an experienced creative practitioner with whom they worked to develop and produce an artistic interpretation of their historic research and interests.

Sparkhill - A Child's Eye View is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the Springfield Project delivered a year- long programme of community heritage activities culminating in a heritage focused Festival of Sparkhill in 2025, celebrating the many experiences of childhood in Sparkhill through history.

Manon Evans, programme co-ordinator, said:

"It's been an absolutely wonderful experience, exploring the aspects of Sparkhill's history and heritage that sparked the children's fascination and intrigue.

“The children we've been working with are so generous and forthcoming with their stories, memories and creativity, and I'm so pleased that their artwork can be shared with those visiting Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery."

On seeing the finished artwork, one of the children who took part in the project, said: 

"Wow that's so cool! I made those jalebi and I think the road is mine, too!"
 

Andrea Bonnell, participation manager at Birmingham Museums Trust, said:

“We are delighted to host this exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. The artworks clearly show the creativity that has been inspired in the local community by taking part in the project, vividly portraying the historical experiences of childhood in Sparkhill.”

The Springfield Project exhibition will be on display at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery until 6 January 2026. General admission is free of charge. Donations are welcome.