Statue of Thomas Attwood

Thomas Attwood. There he is. On the steps in Chamberlain Square. Clearly Mr. Attwood is a lazy so-​and-​so and has just decided to drape himself across the steps and never get up.
Alternatively, it’s an indication that he is down with the good people of Birmingham, for whom he was an MP, as well as founding the Birmingham Political Union and being the leading figure in the public campaign for the Great Reform Act of 1832.
In all honesty, I’m not sure why he’s off his plinth in Chamberlain Square, although he does form a nice obstacle for the skaters who enjoy these steps so much. I’m not sure if they’re aware of all the political things he did for Birmingham in the 19^th Century, as they fly off his arms & legs… Either way, I rather like the fact that there is a statue in a rather messy, reclining position, just hanging out on some steps, rather than being conventionally bolt upright on a plinth.

As Birmingham’s laziest statue, this bronze statue of Thomas Atwood reclines playfully on the steps of Chamberlain Square.
A slightly careless statue too, his bronze soap box and pages from his speech lie discarded on the steps behind him. So why is Tom so slothful? Well, on the one hand the teasing positioning makes him the best photo-​op of the city’s statues, rivalled only in popularity by the Bullring’s Bull. On the other, the reclining pose makes a political point. Viewed in context to the nearby elevated sculptures of Watt and Priestly, Attwood suddenly becomes attainable. This is not so much a statement about him being a man of the people, more that Attwood’s calling was to involve the people. Attwood was a democratic reformer who, amongst other things, increased the amount of representation Birmingham enjoyed in Parliament.
Conversely, we’re asked to get involved. He’s on his behind, so we don’t have to be.

Please do not be alarmed by Thomas Attwood, who is casually sitting on the Chamberlain Square steps; He won’t cause you any harm.
Many visitors to Brum have had their photographs taken next to the life sized bronze statue, which was created in 1993 to celebrate the life of one of Birmingham’s most important residents. I, for one, have sat down rather inebriated after a night out, and been startled by the figure, which has been realistically positioned on the steps.
Attwood was a Halesowen born banker and economist, most iconic for forming the Birmingham Politicial Union in 1830, and for later becoming one of the first members of parliament. So of course, it’s fitting that Birmingham should commemorate their highly pioneering MP.
The statue is fairly unnoticeable to passers by, and really could be mistaken for a resting member of public (if they were painted bronze). So keep your eyes peeled for Mr Attwood.