- Birmingham-based graphic artist Brumhaus created the One Aston artwork by special invitation in February 2024
- One Aston has now been reproduced on the side of the UNITE student accommodation block on the Aston University campus
- The mural is the latest addition to the public art on the University’s campus, joining the likes of Tipping Triangles and Tempus Fugit
Aston University has gained a new piece of public art on its campus in Birmingham city centre, in the form of a large mural of the artwork One Aston by Birmingham graphic artist Brumhaus.
Birmingham-based artist Alexander Edwards, known as Brumhaus, was specially commissioned to create One Aston, a modernist, abstract artwork featuring some of the University’s iconic buildings, public art sculptures and green spaces, which was unveiled in February 2024.
The artwork has now been recreated as a large mural on the UNITE student accommodation block by London-based company Global Street Art.
The One Aston mural joins many other pieces of public art on the Aston University campus, including William Pye’s 1985 water sculpture ‘Peace’ situated in the Chancellor’s Lake near the Students’ Union, Angela Connor’s 1994 water sculpture ‘Tipping Triangles’ near the Main Building and ‘Tempus Fugit’ outside the Library, created by Ray Lonsdale in 2004, which has a hidden surprise inside. Some of the artworks featured in a book entitled Birmingham’s Public Art, published in October 2023.
Adam Reilly, Aston University’s head of maintenance, engineering and infrastructure, said:
“We want to create a welcoming and inclusive space that gives people a reason to visit, work and play on our green, 60-acre site in the centre of Birmingham. We are delighted to have added the One Aston mural to the public art on display which we hope will encourage more visitors to our campus.”
Sam Berry, head of creative solutions at Global Street Art, said:
“We are proud to introduce hand-painted art in long-established places of learning like Aston University. This artwork serves as a permanent gift to Birmingham and the alumni of Aston University for many years to come!”
Alexander Edwards said:
“I want to extend my gratitude to Aston University for commissioning this mural. It's been a true honour to see one of my artworks transformed into such a large-scale piece.
“Originally, this artwork was created as an art print, and I'm thrilled with how well it has adapted to this enormous size. My creative process begins with small compositional sketches, so witnessing the final piece expanded to six stories high is incredibly exciting. It's definitely my largest work to date!
“Knowing that this mural will be displayed for years and (hopefully) appreciated by many is a wonderful feeling. The positive reception so far has been fantastic. I believe this project beautifully illustrates how art can transform an open space, making a blank wall much more interesting and appealing.
“The mural features key campus buildings, local sculptures, the lovely green spaces, and of course the iconic Canada geese. By highlighting these elements, I aim to foster a sense of community, shared identity, and pride among students and staff.
“If you're in the area, I highly recommend checking it out.”
High quality art prints of the ‘One Aston’ commission are available to buy from the Brumhaus website.
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming the Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Helen Tunnicliffe, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7827 090240 or email: h.tunnicliffe@aston.ac.uk.
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