Benjamin Zephaniah to be 'celebrated' in free city centre exhibition this summer

A new exhibition will celebrate the life and legacy of beloved Birmingham poet Benjamin Zephaniah. The outdoor exhibition called 'Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame' will be held in Victoria Square this July.

Poet and Peaky Blinders star Zephaniah, from Handsworth, died aged 65 in December 2023 after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. A major mural has been painted in Handsworth park to commemorate his life, with plans for a 'long-lasting' tribute to Zephaniah elsewhere in the city currently in discussion.

'Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame' will feature large-scale archival black and white portrait photographs of Zephaniah by Birmingham artist, Pogus Caesar, plus a series of poems and photographs by Zephaniah and Caesar taken from their first large-scale project, 'Handsworth 1985 Revisited.' The free exhbition, co-curated by Pogus Caesar and art historian Ruth Millington, will run from July 5-31, 2024.

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Alongside more than 20 specially curated artworks displayed in cabinets in Victoria Square, flags designed in his memory will fly high on Colmore Row. A Q&A with David O Springer, Zephaniah's brother, plus poetry recitals from spoken-word performers, will also take place at The Exchange on Broad Street.

'Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame' is funded by Colmore BID, the Business Improvement District for the commercial district. Co-curator Ruth Millington said: "Benjamin Zephaniah was a true giant of literature with a lyrical prose and delivery that drew attention to the issues faced by so many.

"It's only right his work continues to be recognised and celebrated, particularly in a format that takes his work to the streets through powerful photography and imagery. I hope The Brighter Flame continues to honour Benjamin Zephaniah's memory in his hometown."

Legendary Birmingham photographer Pogus Caesar said: "Benjamin Zephaniah was a local and international legend, an ordinary man who achieved extraordinary things. This exhibition, open to everyone, aims to tell one chapter in the multi-layered story of this humble man. Through talent and sheer determination, Benjamin Zephaniah proved what was possible and claimed the title, ‘Son of Birmingham’."

Melanie Williams, Board Director at Colmore BID and Chair of Outstanding Places Working Group added: "It's our honour to fund this fantastic free exhibition, The Brighter Flame, in tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah. Taking place in our District and across the city, we are proud to host this free exhibition that celebrates Zephaniah’s talent and contribution to Birmingham’s artistic landscape. We look forward to the local community joining us this July to honour his memory and creativity."

'Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame' is free to visit from July 5-31, 2024 at Victoria Square and along Colmore Row in Birmingham City Centre.