A new outdoor exhibition will spotlight and celebrate Solihull’s links to the Surrealist art movement.

Surreal Solihull will be located in Solihull town centre, and its starting point will hone in on the work of pioneering Surrealist artist and poet Emmy Bridgewater, who founded and worked with the Birmingham Surrealists throughout the 1930s and 40s.

As well as featuring several pieces painted, collaged and drawn by Emmy Bridgwater, 30 local artists have been commissioned to create new Surrealist artworks which will be debuted at the free-to-attend exhibition.

Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Wazma Qais, said: “The ‘Surrealist Manifesto’ was published just over 100 years ago in 2024, but Surrealist art continues to influence contemporary art, fashion and interior design

“Surreal Solihull will shine a light on Solihull’s very own Surrealist, Emmy Bridgwater, and also provide a space for emerging and established contemporary local artists to engage with this exciting and thought-provoking art movement. I am excited to see what they will produce!”

Contemporary artist, Helen Grundy, who regularly exhibits around the world, added: “Emmy Bridgwater was an important part of the Surrealist movement and I am delighted she is being rediscovered and her work is finding a new audience.

“My piece ‘Bird Land’ is a homage to her work and promotes my belief that she is an inspiration to modern artists. In my piece she is a hybrid – part human, part bird – and she towers over a surreal imagined landscape that represents a dreamlike version of Solihull.”

Surreal Solihull will take place from Thu 6 Mar – Sat 31 May in an outdoor gallery on Solihull High Street. Full details of all the artists and supporting events will be announced soon.

Featured image credit: Bird Land by Helen Grundy