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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.
Tom has been commissioned by Ikon Gallery & Transport For West Midlands to design a new public artwork. See link for more detail.
2024 - 2025
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
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
Tom was commissioned by Transport For West Midlands to deliver a series of photowalks through towns in the Black Country.
Summer 2024
Dezeen
The book 'Black Country Type' was selected in Dezeen magazines top ten architecture and design books for 2023.
Feature article in Dezeen magazine.
12th December 2023
Worldwide press photographs for the musician Actress.
Commissioned by Ninja Tune Records
November 2023
Ten post-industrial structures from the Black Country.
Feature article in Dezeen magazine.
19th October 2023
The Black Country's bright side in pictures.
Feature article in The Observer.
14th October 2023
Book Launch to mark the publication of the photobook Black Country Type
Published by The Modernist.
28th September 2023
Finding beauty in the rugged sights of the Black Country
Feature article in The Observer.
10th September 2023
Public Art Commission. A curated exhibition of Hicks' work displayed across the Merry Hill site.
April - June 2023
Series of artist talks and photowalks with teachers and educators from the West Midlands. Included photowalks with nine schools.
February - March 2023
Artist talk and Photowalk exploring Digbeth, Birmingham. Part of Centrala's Temporary Digbeth events.
November 2022
Photowalk exploring Birmingham city centre. A collaboration with The Modernist and Ikon Gallery
October 2022
A creative workshop, fusing together photography, poetry and food.
September 2022
Creative Filmmaking Workshop
Photowalk and workshop hosted by Chance Heritage Trust
August 2022
The Hidden Heritage of Smethwick. Photowalk hosted by Chance Heritage Trust
June 2022
Clent New Perspectives
A series of Photowalks hosted by Clent Connect
June 2022
Ikon Gallery
Photowalk and artist's talk hosted by
May 2022
Ikon Gallery Youth Programme
Photowalk and artist's talk on the Ikon Slowboat.
May 2022
Stourbridge Glass Museum
Photowalk and artist's talk hosted by
April 2022
Wolverhampton Literature Festival
Photopoetry Event with Liz Berry
November 2021
Wednesbury Through The Lens - Lead Artist
Public Art Commission by Multistory and Arts Council England.
November 2021
The Yam Cams - Project Manager/Lead
Public Art Commission by Creative Black Country and Arts Council England.
March 2021
Bilston Art Project - Lead Artist
Public Art Commission for Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton School of Art
February 2021
NOICE Magazine
Feature article in US based art magazine
January 2021
If Destroyed Still True - Book
Book in collaboration with poet Liz Berry
Published by The Modernist
December 2020
Wolverhampton Artsfest 2020
Online event with poet Liz Berry
24th June 2020
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Solo Exhibition
Wolverhampton
31st January - 22nd March 2020
Black Country Studies Research Network
Black Country Living Museum
20th February 2020
Grain Projects Photo Cafe
Birmingham
15th January 2020
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham
August - October 2019
Eye Candy Festival
Dudley
June 2019
Birmingham Photography Festival
Birmingham
June 2019
Arts Fest Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton
June 2019
Birmingham
May 2019
Bar Opus
Birmingham
April 2019
Wolverhampton Art Gallery
Wolverhampton Literature Festival
February 2019
Wolverhampton
September 2018
Birmingham Design Festival
Custard Factory, Birmingham
June 2018
Reclaim Photography Festival
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
June 2018
BMI Exhibition
Birmingham & Midland Institute, Birmingham
January-March 2018
Wolves PhotoFest 2017
Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton
July 2017
