'Midlands Mosaics' research project helps secure Grade II listing for Redditch's Paolozzi mosaics

Dr Dorothy Butchard, Lecturer in Contemporary Literature and Digital Cultures, and Dr Niall Gallen have been leading voices in the push for Grade II listing of a mosaic mural inside the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Redditch. The mosaics were created by famed Midlands pop artist Eduardo Paolozzi.

Commenting on the Grade II listing by Heritage England, Dr Butchard said: "The Grade II listing helps to protect the mosaics for a new generation and recognises a major landmark of public art in the Midlands."

Through the Midlands Mosaics project, Dr Butchard is working with local partner organisation Reimagine Redditch to improve understanding and awareness of the artwork with local residents and connect cultural heritage sites across the Midlands. The project responds to a 2022 survey, which found strong local affinity to the works, despite only 57% of respondents feeling they were sufficiently visible. Dr Gallen spoke on this, explaining: "While researching local public reception of the works, I found that people would share reminiscences about viewing the works as children, and with their own children. Grade II listing helps to ensure that this continues to be the case for future publics, as was the intention of the original commission, and it’s heartening to have contributed towards that through Midlands Mosaics.”

For Dr Butchard, the effort to get the mural listed, and the wider project she is leading to improve regional awareness of the artworks, is a deeply personal one. She explained: "Eduardo Paolozzi is one of my favourite artists and I was amazed to discover the mosaics in Redditch when I moved to the Midlands a few years ago. It's incredible to have such a unique artwork on our doorstep, and it shows Paolozzi's long-standing commitment to the region and to public art."

Work on the project so far has brought together impact, public engagement, and archival research. Activities have included community workshops and consultation events supporting both local and national initiatives, including annual participation in Heritage Open Days, as well as the creation of educational and creative materials for schools and community groups. The project has also promoted the mosaics at regional and international events, and produced publications exploring the craftsmanship of Eduardo Paolozzi's mosaics alongside related artworks and the cultural histories of technology.