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Black Country Type
Black Country Type is the work of artist Tom Hicks. Presented via the Instagram account Black Country Type it is an ongoing photographic project. In this series of images he applies his unique aesthetic to the region, focusing on words, typography, handmade lettering and signs. He also photographs ‘types’ of architectural features, objects and the post-industrial landscape of the area.
September 2023 saw the publication of the retrospective photobook, Black Country Type (The Modernist).
"Black Country Type documents, as the name suggests, the vernacular and incidental typography of his native West Midlands. The vivid colours he captures somewhat contradict the idea of the ‘Black Country’ and there is definitive jolliness and humour, if somewhat plaintive, nature to his work" - The Modernist.
Solo Exhibition - Birmingham City University
Tom's solo exhibition "Black Country Type: Ay It " was staged by the Parkside Gallery, Birmingham. In early 2025 Tom was also appointed Artist in Residence at the Faculty of Art, Design & Media at BCU. See link for more detail.
12th - 27th March 2025
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Tom has been commissioned by Ikon Gallery & Transport For West Midlands to design a new public artwork. See link for more detail.
​2024 - 2025
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Midland Metropolitan University Hospital Commission
Tom has been commissioned by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals to document two hospitals in the region that are set to close. Tom will exhibit his images in the art gallery at the new hospital site at Smethwick.
​​​2024 - 2025
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The British Museum - Where We Are
Tom was commissioned by the Where We Are project to deliver an artist's talk, photowork and collage workshop. The initiative was a collaboration between The British Museum and Wolverhampton Art Gallery that aimed to remove barriers to engagement that young people face within the cultural sector.​
​16th October 2024
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Tom was commissioned by Transport For West Midlands to deliver a series of photowalks through towns in the Black Country.
​Summer 2024
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​​Dezeen
The book 'Black Country Type' was selected in Dezeen magazines top ten architecture and design books for 2023.
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Feature article in Dezeen magazine.
12th December 2023
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Worldwide press photographs for the musician Actress.
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Commissioned by Ninja Tune Records
November 2023
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Ten post-industrial structures from the Black Country.
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Feature article in Dezeen magazine.
19th October 2023
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The Black Country's bright side in pictures.
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Feature article in The Observer.
14th October 2023
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Book Launch to mark the publication of the photobook Black Country Type
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Published by The Modernist.
28th September 2023
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Finding beauty in the rugged sights of the Black Country
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Feature article in The Observer.
10th September 2023
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Public Art Commission. A curated exhibition of Hicks' work displayed across the Merry Hill site.
April - June 2023
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Series of artist talks and photowalks with teachers and educators from the West Midlands. Included photowalks with nine schools.
February - March 2023
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Artist talk and Photowalk exploring Digbeth, Birmingham. Part of Centrala's Temporary Digbeth events.
November 2022
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Photowalk exploring Birmingham city centre. A collaboration with The Modernist and Ikon Gallery
October 2022
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A creative workshop, fusing together photography, poetry and food.
September 2022
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Creative Filmmaking Workshop
Photowalk and workshop hosted by Chance Heritage Trust
August 2022
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The Hidden Heritage of Smethwick. Photowalk hosted by Chance Heritage Trust
June 2022
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Clent New Perspectives
A series of Photowalks hosted by Clent Connect
June 2022
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Ikon Gallery
Photowalk and artist's talk hosted by
May 2022
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Ikon Gallery Youth Programme
Photowalk and artist's talk on the Ikon Slowboat.
May 2022
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Stourbridge Glass Museum
Photowalk and artist's talk hosted by
April 2022
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Wolverhampton Literature Festival
Photopoetry Event with Liz Berry
November 2021
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Wednesbury Through The Lens - Lead Artist
Public Art Commission by Multistory and Arts Council England.
November 2021
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The Yam Cams - Project Manager/Lead
Public Art Commission by Creative Black Country and Arts Council England.
March 2021
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Bilston Art Project - Lead Artist
Public Art Commission for Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton School of Art
February 2021
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NOICE Magazine
Feature article in US based art magazine
January 2021
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If Destroyed Still True - Book
Book in collaboration with poet Liz Berry
Published by The Modernist
December 2020
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Wolverhampton Artsfest 2020
Online event with poet Liz Berry
24th June 2020
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Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Solo Exhibition
Wolverhampton
31st January - 22nd March 2020
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Black Country Studies Research Network
Black Country Living Museum
20th February 2020
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Grain Projects Photo Cafe
Birmingham
15th January 2020
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Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham
August - October 2019
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Eye Candy Festival
Dudley
June 2019
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Birmingham Photography Festival
Birmingham
June 2019
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Arts Fest Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton
June 2019
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Birmingham
May 2019
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Bar Opus
Birmingham
April 2019
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Wolverhampton Literature Festival
February 2019
Wolverhampton
September 2018
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Birmingham Design Festival
Custard Factory, Birmingham
June 2018
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Reclaim Photography Festival
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
June 2018
BMI Exhibition
Birmingham & Midland Institute, Birmingham
January-March 2018
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Wolves PhotoFest 2017
Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton
July 2017