The Lovely People, designed by acclaimed spray artist Temper (Arron Bird), were installed in The Cube in 2010 to emanate a quirky, positive nature. Whilst a much-loved photo opportunity within the building, the inspirational stories behind each sculpture are unknown to many of the guests.

Made from contrasting materials, with a bronze body and bright red heart head, the sculptures immortalise inspiring people from Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Each represents not only the city being at the heart of England, but its passion, positivity, pride, compassion and unity.

Urban
Positioned as though welcoming guests to The Cube, ‘Urban’ represents the difficulties of facing of adversity, as well as the triumphs of overcoming these to create a better life.
Inspiration: Lee Fortnam, who faced troubles throughout his early life, but with the help of The Prince’s Trust went on to begin a successful career as a Corgi registered gas and plumbing engineer – later becoming an ambassador for the charity.

Uplifted
Suspended high within the atrium, ‘Uplifted’ tells the story of bravery and self-sacrifice of those who help people in need. The sculpture was designed to show a person holding on to the balloon preparing for life’s ride.
Inspiration: Firefighter Dave Burns of the West Midlands Fire Service who, in 1992, entered a 20-storey building to rescue two colleagues from a floor engulfed in flames. Burns was later awarded the George Medal by Queen Elizabeth II.

Working Man
Found on Level 5, ‘The Working Man’ is sat on a bench reading a newspaper, representative of people who work to provide for their family and put a roof over their head.
Inspiration: Birmingham-born Barry O’Neil who turned the notion of ‘nine-to-five’ into something much more heroic. Having worked for some of the West Midlands greatest manufacturers, including JCB and MG Rover, O’Neil proved there is no pursuit more honest or dignified.

Survivor
An addition to Level 6, ‘Survivor’ reflects the perseverance and bravery of people when faced with times of crisis.
Inspiration: Holocaust survivor, Gerda Cavangh, who escaped Vienna, trekked across Europe and arrived in England as a stowaway. Born into a Jewish family in Austria, Cavangh’s mother encouraged her to flee the country. Once in England, she worked as a medical orderly in the Auxiliary Territorial Services, receiving two service medals for her work.

Mother and Child
The only pair of figures within the collection, ‘Mother and Child’ can be found on Level 7, sharing the unparalleled bond between a mother and her children.
Inspiration: Ellie-Mae, who was born in with a hole in her heart, and Rachel, who had no choice but to leave her daughter in the capable hands of the staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Pursuit
Tucked within the office spaces on Level 8 you’ll find ‘Pursuit’, representing Birmingham’s entrepreneurial heritage and the legacy it holds to this day.
Inspiration: Paul Bassi, businessman and first Asian president of the Chamber of Commerce, recognised for his contribution to business and the economy, as well as his selflessness.

How many will you find on your next visit? Be sure to use the hashtag #TheCubeBirmingham so we can see what you get up to.

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and offers by searching ‘The Cube Birmingham’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.