University News Last updated 30 June
All four members of iconic heavy metal band Black Sabbath were celebrated at a landmark civic ceremony at the weekend – and walked off with silver gilt medals designed by a student from Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery.
Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Terence “Geezer” Butler were at the Council House in Victoria Square to receive the Freedom of the City from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham in recognition of their enduring connection to their hometown and extraordinary global success.
And as part of Saturday’s special event, organised by Birmingham City Council (BCC) and attended by BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, the legendary quartet received Freedom of the City medals designed by Toby Williams.
“I wanted the medal to represent the people of Birmingham because it’s awarded on their behalf,” said Toby, studying for a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery and Silversmithing.
“To have the enormous privilege of seeing it presented to Black Sabbath, a band with such deep Birmingham roots, was incredible. Then to speak to each band member was mind-blowing.”
Professor Mba, who played a key role in Saturday’s proceedings, praised Toby’s work.
“It was an immense honour to witness Black Sabbath – true icons of music and proud sons of Birmingham – receive the Freedom of the City,” said Professor Mba.
“Their story is not only one of global success, but of resilience, creativity and deep Brummie pride. We are especially proud that a student from our School of Jewellery, Toby Williams, helped shape this historic moment with the design of the official medal.”
Toby says he sought inspiration for his design by listening to Birmingham residents and visitors to the Jewellery Quarter to understand what defines the city.
“The two themes that kept coming up were industry and community, and those became the foundation of my design,” said the 20-year-old student from Cleobury Mortimer.
Dauvit Alexander, a Senior Lecturer in Jewellery and Silversmithing at the School of Jewellery, and Raaj Shamji, Head of Public and Community Engagement at Birmingham City University (BCU), were instrumental in the collaboration with BCC.
“To contribute to Birmingham’s civic life through jewellery design is an exceptional opportunity - and Toby rose to the challenge with intelligence, sensitivity and craft,” said Dauvit.
“These are the kind of projects that make our School - and our students - world-class.”
Raaj added: “This is exactly the kind of project BCU is proud to lead because it brings our Strategy 2030 to life. It’s about more than medals - it’s about our students working with civic partners to create something of lasting cultural and social value.
“It also reflects our commitment to place, to craft, and to preparing students for real-world impact through meaningful collaboration with the city we serve.”
The School of Jewellery worked with Thomas Fattorini Ltd to produce the medal - and Toby was given rare access to their factory during the manufacturing process.
“That was totally unexpected but a wonderful opportunity,” said Toby.
A 198-year-old company located in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, Thomas Fattorini Ltd produces a range of civic insignia, including knighthoods, as well as trophies for some of the biggest and most prestigious sports tournaments and competitions around the world.
"Thomas Fattorini Ltd has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the School of Jewellery, its tutors, and now its talented students,” said Company Director Tom Fattorini.
“We were honoured to be approached by the School for this prestigious project.”
Thomas Fattorini Ltd also helped produce the new City of Birmingham medal, commissioned by BCC to honour residents.
Designed by Fangjing Hu, another talented School of Jewellery student, it will be awarded posthumously to the late poet, actor and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, who died in 2023.
The 27-year-old Fangjing, who moved to Birmingham from China to study for an MA in Jewellery and Related Products, said it was a proud moment for her and her family.
She said: “This project helped me realise that design can carry more than beauty - it can express identity, recognition, and the spirit of a city.”
Tom Fattorini added: "The winning designs were beautifully realised in sterling silver and 24ct gold-plated sterling silver, hallmarked by the Birmingham Assay Office.
“We were pleased to welcome the students to our factory, where they saw their designs transformed into stunning finished pieces.
“It was a proud moment - for them, for us, and for the city - to see their creativity come to life.”
Formed in Aston in 1968, Black Sabbath are widely considered the pioneers of heavy metal.
They have sold over 75 million albums and received countless accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
On Saturday, 5 July, they perform their final reunion show to a sold-out crowd at Villa Park.
Pictured (from left): Councillor Sharon Thompson (Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council), Toby Williams, and Professor David Mba (Vice-Chancellor of BCU).