Grand Central External Images

Grand Central Station Signage - Photography: Copyright © Alex Upton  

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Recently updated to my portfolio are a selection photographs documenting the external cladding installed on the lower portion of Birmingham’s Grand Central Station and the adjoining John Lewis retail development. Taylor Maxwell once again commissioned me to focus on the materials they supplied throughout the building with a focus on the curved granite walls.

The stainless steel cladding which adorns the upper portion of the structure is hard not focus upon when photographing the building as its undulating surface distorts the surrounding architecture creating myriad opportunities for warped images of the city and its inhabitants. As of this moment construction is ongoing with work still taking place on the platforms and around the perimeter of the building. Having access to observe and document such a large scale project is incredibly insightful, especially when it comes to understanding both the logistic and engineering difficulties which had to be overcome in order to keep the station operating, with this in mind I have an even greater appreciation for both the building and those whom worked on it. Also included in this set of photos are images from the grand opening of phase one. 

Grand Central Station Birmingham

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Grand Central Station Platform - Photography: Copyright © Alex Upton  

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I was recently commission by Taylor Maxwell to photograph both their internal and external cladding instillations at the recently renovated Grand Central Station in Birmingham - formerly New Street Station. I was especially excited to take on this project and return to the city I grew up in and see for myself the transformation that had taken place. With memories of the old, dreary concourse still stubbornly set in my mind I was pleasantly surprised upon my arrival to see how the once claustrophobic space had been expanded into such bright, spacious accommodating area. I can now enthusiastically recommend anyone to travel to Birmingham safe in the knowledge their first impression of the city will no longer be marred by its dystopian infrastructure.

If you head over to my portfolio you can see a small selection of the internal photographs I captured of the cladding installation on and around the platform area. Work is still ongoing and unfortunately due to strict health and safety regulations tripods weren't allowed on the platforms so you will have to forgo any ghostly shots of trains sweeping through the station. The external shots are to soon follow.