I’m a self‑taught printmaker and illustrator and fiercely proud Brummy! Growing up in the city during the 1980s had a huge influence on how I see the world. Those big concrete buildings that dominated the city centre have always stuck with me, and a lot of my work is really just me trying to show the beauty I’ve always seen in them.

I studied art to A‑level, then more or less stopped drawing for about a decade. I didn’t do anything particularly “artistic” until I picked up a camera and started documenting the architectural gems around the city. I’ve put the camera down for now, but that catalogue of photographs has become the starting point for much of my print work.

I began printing during a period of serious illness, when I couldn’t leave the house for long stretches and needed something to occupy both my mind and my hands. Most of my prints are single‑colour lino cuts, though I’ve done some experimenting with reduction printing as well.

Printing has become my way of celebrating Birmingham’s history and the buildings that shaped, and continue to shape its identity. I like to think that my work might help people to look past the concrete and notice the character, the stories, and the spirit behind these structures.

More recently I’ve started drawing again, using a mix of fine liner and ink. My subjects are still firmly rooted in Birmingham. Maybe one day I’ll branch out, but for now I’m happy in my comfort zone, steadily working away and hoping that others might see the city, and the buildings around them, in a new or different light. I’m not hugely prolific in my outputs owing to working full time and 2 small people but you can find me on Instagram at @brumprints or @edbrownphoto.