We’re very happy to present Herstory of Birmingham, a zine about women who played an important role in Birmingham’s rich and diverse history.

The zine was produced as part of Roundhouse Birmingham’s partnership with We Don’t Settle, which aims to empower young people of colour from Birmingham and the Black Country to change the voice of heritage through the arts, research, and governance.

Why ‘Herstory of Birmingham’?

The zine was co-produced with a group of young curators: Nathan, Avi, Harry, and Beth; young writers, artists, photographers and designers who each share a strong connection with Birmingham. Their aim was to give a voice to those who have been traditionally underrepresented. 

During their research, they had a light bulb moment: learning about the nation’s female lamplighters. Sadly along with the stories of many significant women, they have failed to reach our history books.

The zine takes the reader on a journey that spans across the globe. How so? Well, people have migrated to Birmingham from all over and through their labour, campaigning, and creativity they have shaped – and continue to shape – the city today.

To tell this story, our curators commission new work by:

• Lexia Tomlinson @lexialegend
• Daya @dayaillustrations
• Beth Bennett @lonxia
• Zaina Mayat @zaina.mayat