University News Last updated 08 June
Birmingham will honour the life and legacy of internationally renowned Pop artist and Birmingham City University alumnus Peter Phillips with a major new public exhibition.
Developed by Birmingham Colmore, Pop Goes Brum! will transform Snow Hill Square into a vibrant outdoor gallery from 9–30 June 2026, showcasing striking artworks and photographs celebrating one of the city’s most influential yet often overlooked creative figures.
Born in Bournville, Phillips studied at Birmingham School of Art on Margaret Street before becoming a defining figure in the international Pop art movement.
His groundbreaking career placed him alongside iconic artists including David Hockney, Pauline Boty, Peter Blake, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, cementing his place within one of the most culturally influential art movements of the twentieth century.
Curated by art historian and author Ruth Millington, the free-to-view exhibition explores Phillips’ immense contribution to Pop art. It also creates a direct link between Phillips’ legacy and the next generation of creative talent, featuring contemporary works by current Art and Design students from Birmingham City University (BCU).
Although Phillips lived and worked across London, New York, Zurich and Australia’s Sunshine Coast, his Birmingham roots remained central to his identity and artistic practice.
His distinctly Brummie humour and fascination with industrial and automotive imagery continued to shape his work until his passing in June 2025, aged 86.
Nathan Tromans, Head of Department of Art and Design at BCU, said: “He’s a real inspiration for our students, both now and in the future. Bostin’ to see this Brummie artist celebrated in his hometown at last.”
MA Visual Communication students were invited to create work inspired by the bold imagery and visual style of Phillips’ paintings. Three students were selected to exhibit their work alongside the artist in the city-centre exhibition: Tara Obaidy, Linlin Du and Miranda Soldiew.
Professor Andrew Kulman, Professor of Visual Communication at BCU, said: “Peter Phillips created some of the most iconic examples of British Pop art, and his connection to Birmingham City University is an important part of our creative heritage. His work continues to inspire new generations of artists, making this exhibition a fitting celebration of his legacy.
“It is fantastic to see our students exhibiting alongside one of Birmingham’s most celebrated artists. Opportunities like this give emerging creatives valuable professional experience while helping them connect with the city’s cultural life.”
The exhibition is supported by Phillips’ family and forms part of Birmingham Colmore’s ongoing Colmore Life programme celebrating Birmingham’s cultural and creative heritage. It runs from 9-30 June. Entry is free.
For updates, visit colmorelife.co.uk or follow @ColmoreLife on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Pictured: BCU's School of Art in Margaret Street.