Hello everyone,
I hope it’s okay for me to share this here — I’ve been reading this forum for a while, and I’ve always admired how much passion and knowledge there is for Birmingham’s history and communities.
My name is Paweł Kostrzewa, and I’ve lived in Birmingham for well over a decade now. I came here from Poland with my family many years ago, and over time, this city has become our true home. From the parks and tower blocks to the markets and neighbourhoods, Birmingham has shaped who we are today — and I will always be grateful for that.
I’m working on a small creative project that I’d love to get your thoughts on. The idea is to design and print T-shirts (and maybe mugs, tote bags, etc.) that celebrate the pride people feel in their neighbourhoods — from Chelmsley Wood to Handsworth, from Erdington to Moseley.
Each design would reference something locals are proud of — maybe a phrase, a landmark, or even a bit of local humour or history. For example:
On a personal level, this is also my way of saying thank you to the city and its people — for accepting us, for teaching us, and for giving us a sense of belonging. I see this as a tribute to Birmingham’s spirit.
I’d be really grateful to hear your thoughts:
I’ve also attached a few example designs to give you a better idea of what I’m working on. I’d love to know what you think!
Thank you in advance for reading, and for letting me be part of the city’s story.
Apologies for using ChatGPT to help write this — my English isn’t perfect yet, and I wanted to make sure I expressed myself clearly. Thank you for understanding!
Warm regards,
Paweł
I hope it’s okay for me to share this here — I’ve been reading this forum for a while, and I’ve always admired how much passion and knowledge there is for Birmingham’s history and communities.
My name is Paweł Kostrzewa, and I’ve lived in Birmingham for well over a decade now. I came here from Poland with my family many years ago, and over time, this city has become our true home. From the parks and tower blocks to the markets and neighbourhoods, Birmingham has shaped who we are today — and I will always be grateful for that.
I’m working on a small creative project that I’d love to get your thoughts on. The idea is to design and print T-shirts (and maybe mugs, tote bags, etc.) that celebrate the pride people feel in their neighbourhoods — from Chelmsley Wood to Handsworth, from Erdington to Moseley.
Each design would reference something locals are proud of — maybe a phrase, a landmark, or even a bit of local humour or history. For example:
- “Straight Outta Chelmsley”
- “Brum Made, Local Raised”
- “Still Standing, Still Proud – Chelmsley Wood”
The goal isn’t just to sell T-shirts, but to create something that reflects the love people have for where they come from — and to honour the culture, diversity, and history of Birmingham through design.
On a personal level, this is also my way of saying thank you to the city and its people — for accepting us, for teaching us, and for giving us a sense of belonging. I see this as a tribute to Birmingham’s spirit.
I’d be really grateful to hear your thoughts:
- Do you think people would wear shirts like this to show off their local pride?
- Are there particular sayings, places, or symbols that mean a lot to your neighbourhood?
- Any ideas you’d like to see brought to life?
I’ve also attached a few example designs to give you a better idea of what I’m working on. I’d love to know what you think!
Thank you in advance for reading, and for letting me be part of the city’s story.
Apologies for using ChatGPT to help write this — my English isn’t perfect yet, and I wanted to make sure I expressed myself clearly. Thank you for understanding!
Warm regards,
Paweł