BIRMINGHAM 2005 BEER FESTIVAL LOGO

BIRMINGHAM!!  Nelson, Battle of Trafalgar?? What has it got to do with Brum?  Read on, perhaps you’ll be surprised. The HALLMARK on silver products made in Birmingham has always been an ANCHOR!  A clue to long traditions and connections with the sea and naval matters.

NELSON – what you know already!

Born in 1758, Admiral Horatio Nelson became an officer of the British Navy in 1777, only six years after first going to sea.  He fought in the French Revolutionary Wars and soon earned popular acclaim as well as service honours at the battles of Cape St Vincent in 1797 and the Nile in 1798.

His scandalous private life with Lady Hamilton had little effect on his popularity, and he made a visit to Birmingham in 1802, diverting from Worcester to the acclamation of a large crowd.  He sailed against Napoleon in 1803, meeting his end triumphantly at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21^st October 1805 – 200 years ago.

MEDALLION MAN

In 1805, Birmingham’s own Matthew Boulton was the natural choice to produce the commemorative medal of Nelson and The Battle of Trafalgar (currently on display at Soho House - Matthew Boulton’s home from 1766-1809).                                                  

Another, and possibly the best, inspiration for the theme for this year’s Beer Fest is the first figurative memorial to Nelson to be erected in Britain. No, not Nelson’s Column in London, nor the tribute in Liverpool. 

It’s in Birmingham, easy to find, overlooking St Martin’s Church in the Bull Ring, only three minutes walk from New Street Railway Station.

Now situated in the new Bullring area, produced in 1809, designed by Sir Richard Westmacott, this statue was the first monument to Nelson in Britain and the first publicly funded statue to be erected in Birmingham.

Westmacott’s bronze tribute is a very stylised sculpture, depicting our hero leaning against a reduced-size version of his ship VICTORY.  Sitting atop a pedestal or small plinth, the statue was unveiled on 25 September 1810 as part of the celebrations for the Golden Jubilee of George III.

When designing the logo for Brum’s Beer Fest, our artist has decided to include Nelson’s famous Tricorn Hat on the statue!! (We take our hat off to this hugely important man and the historic event of 200 years ago - Ed). What we think Horatio Nelson actually said was:

“England expects … that every man will do his duty … AND DRINK REAL ALE!”

2006

To continue our theme of celebrating Birmingham’s interesting history and people, have YOU a request or a suggestion for Beer Fest 2006 logo?

© Pete Preston 2005

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Last modified: 03/11/07