For many, 1978 feels like yesterday, but a series of photographs from the archives reveal a Birmingham that has undergone a profound transformation. The city's landscape, culture, and daily life were captured at a moment of significant change, showcasing a blend of post-war modernity and enduring community spirit.
A Cityscape Transformed
The architectural face of Birmingham was decidedly different. The Bull Ring Shopping Centre featured a raised roadway towering above the traditional markets below, a layout unrecognisable to today's shoppers. In the city centre, the Victorian library had been replaced by the concrete John Madin Central Library, a classic example of the 'brutalist' style that defined the era. This modern aesthetic also extended to the Birmingham Hippodrome, which had embraced a similar concrete look.
Meanwhile, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), which had opened just two years earlier in 1976, was rapidly establishing itself as a major hub. It hosted blockbuster events like the Motor Show, drawing celebrities from sports and entertainment. Football legend Trevor Francis and motorcycle racing star Barry Sheene were among the famous faces in attendance. In December 1978, rock icon Rod Stewart took to the stage for a major concert, cementing the venue's status.
Stars, Strikes and Community Spirit
Beyond the architecture, the photos capture a vibrant social tapestry. Prince Charles piloted his own RAF helicopter to the National Agricultural Centre in Stoneleigh in May. Actor Dirk Bogarde signed copies of his book 'Snakes and Ladders' in a city centre shop in October. The force of popular culture was evident as Star Wars fans queued for the film in February, while stars Mark Hamill, Kenny Baker, and Anthony Daniels held a press conference at the Holiday Inn.
Life in the West Midlands wasn't all glamour, however. The year also saw industrial action, with 1,400 stand builders staging a lightning strike at the NEC Motor Show in October, leaving half-built exhibits deserted. A major fire at the Cadbury's factory in Bournville in November left a burned-out lorry in the wreckage. Yet, community warmth persisted, as seen when locals toasted the retirement of Constance Morgan, landlady of the Dolphin Pub in Small Heath, after 19 years of service.
A Snapshot of Everyday Life
The collection offers intimate glimpses into neighbourhoods across the region. Images show prefabricated houses in Weoley Castle, flats in Erdington, and the streets of Stechford before the arrival of retail chains like Matalan. Shoppers braved the April weather at the open-air Bull Ring markets, while Dunlop showcased a colossal tyre at Fort Dunlop, weighing as much as a Rolls-Royce.
In sport, West Bromwich Albion manager Ron Atkinson oversaw training, and Sir Alf Ramsey, then Birmingham City manager, opened a shop with his wife. Comedian Lenny Henry was pictured in Dudley, and even Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath was captured at home in his garden in August, a world away from the stage.
These 26 frames from 1978 serve as a powerful reminder of Birmingham's ever-evolving story, documenting a pivotal chapter in the city's journey from its post-industrial past towards its future.
