Explore the architecture of the Barber's Grade-1 listed building, looking at its design, form and function.
In September 2020, the Barber’s heritage building status was regraded from Grade 2* to Grade 1. Designed in the 1930s by Robert Atkinson, an architect known for his Picture House cinemas and the Art Deco extravaganza that is the interior of the Daily Express building (among others), our beloved edifice is often described as ‘Birmingham’s finest Art Deco building’. But is that an accurate description? Join us for a walk around the outside of the building to explore its form and function, its materials and decorative schemes, and judge whether architectural historian John Summerson was justified in claiming that the Barber represented “better than almost any other building… the spirit of English architecture in the 1930s”.
Look Club is a chance for those who love art to meet, see galleries, exhibitions and works of art together, and discuss what they like about the art they're seeing – and what they like dislike, too! It's not a lecture or seminar, and everyone's observations, ideas and opinions are valid – and encouraged!
Followed by tea, coffee and posh biscuits as usual.
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Visitor information
Address
University Of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TS
01214 147333
Opening times
The Barber galleries are currently closed for a major building improvement project, reopening in 2026.
Exclusions and safety measures
Refurbishments
Please check our website.
