Two historically significant statues, removed during the demolition of the old Birmingham Central Library over a decade ago, are set to make their highly anticipated return to public view at the Paradise development this summer.
A newly installed sign at Paradise reveals that a bronze statue of Joseph Priestley—a distinguished clergyman, scientist, and member of the Lunar Society—will be reinstated beside the new Three Chamberlain Square building. Priestley, who lived in Birmingham from 1770 to 1791, is famously credited with discovering oxygen. This statue is a bronze recasting of the original marble sculpture that once stood in Victoria Square before weathering damage necessitated its replacement.
Following shortly after, the marble statue of James Watt will be positioned at the opposite end of Ratcliffe Passage. Watt, a Scottish-born engineer who became a pivotal figure in Birmingham’s industrial history after moving to the city in 1774, co-invented the steam engine with Matthew Boulton. His statue originally stood on Paradise Street near Birmingham Town Hall.
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Both statues have been carefully preserved in the Birmingham Museum Trust’s collection since 2015 and are currently undergoing cleaning and restoration in preparation for their return.
The Paradise development, which has recently made headlines due to a £60 million financial shortfall affecting local taxpayers, remains a focal point for the city’s regeneration efforts. Amidst these changes, one piece of Birmingham’s past endures—the Copthorne Hotel still stands in its original location, though demolition plans have not yet been announced.
As these heritage icons prepare to reclaim their place in Birmingham’s public realm, residents and visitors alike look forward to reconnecting with the city’s rich cultural and industrial legacy.