Birmingham in the 80s: The life and times of Brummies in the 1980s in 33 pictures
Fionnuala Bourke
·5-min read
British cellist, conductor and the principal of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoir Julian Lloyd Webber, UK, 31st January 1980. (Photo by Aubrey Hart/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The 80s were a decade like no other in Birmingham - from the new and trendy nightlife scene opening up to the sub-cultures emerging that have been a long-standing feature of Birmingham ever since.
It was a glamorous and glitzy decade with Yuppies and New Romantics - but it was also a time of great civil unrest for Birmingham with the Handsworth Riots and huge job losses.
Industries were dying out with Birmingham’s car industry hit. Margaret Thatcher came to power, and for many Brummies it was a final nail in the coffin.
Birmingham City player Alberto Tarantini (l) takes on fellow Argentinian Ossie Ardiles during an FA Cup 5th Round tie at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur on February 16, 1980 in London, England. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)
The recession of the early 1980s, however, saw Birmingham’s economy collapse. The city itself lost 200,000 jobs between 1971 and 1981, with the losses concentrated in the manufacturing sector; relative earnings in the West Midlands went from being the highest in Britain in 1970 to the lowest in 1983. By 1982 the city’s unemployment rate approached 20%.
Despite the anxiety, uncertainty and righteous anger - there were some good times as well which are still remembered today, especially those Rum Runner parties on Broad Street.
There was the SuperPrix and the construction of the International Convention Centre, the coldest ever winter since 1908, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Take a look back at life in 1980s Birmingham through these 33 fascinating photos:
Tramps Nightclub on Broad Street in the 1980s
Trade Unionist Derek Robinson reacting as it is announced that British Leyland workers have refused strike action in Longbridge, England, February 21st 1980. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
24th April 1980: Birmingham City attempt to clear a West Ham United airborne attack by Trevor Brooking. (Photo by Frank Tewkesbury/Evening Standard/Getty Images)
Faces nightclub in Five Ways in the 1980s
14th August 1980: The Land Rover production line, at Solihull in Birmingham, at a standstill following a strike by the TSGWU over British Leyland's proposed cuts. (Photo by Stuart Wicon/Evening Standard/Getty Images)
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is surrounded by press photographers as she arrives in her Mini Metro car to open the International Motor Show, Birmingham, England, October 17th 1980. (Photo by Graham Turner/Keystone/Getty Images)
Aston Villa striking partnership Gary Shaw (l) and Peter Withe look on before a Division One game between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, on April 18, 1981 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)
Tizwaz TV show filmed in Birmingham in the 1980s
30 Jul 1981: The two captains Kim Hughes of Australia and Mike Brearley of England before the 4th Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England. England won by 29 runs. Mandatory Credit: Adrian Murrell/Allsport
2 Aug 1981: Jubilant English fans celebrate after the historic victory in the Fourth Ashes Test match against Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England. England won the match by 29 runs. Mandatory Credit: Adrian Murrell/Allsport
Welsh boxer Colin Jones (left) fights American boxer Donald Curry at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK, 19th January 1985. (Photo by Jack Kay/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Welsh boxer Colin Jones (left) fights American boxer Donald Curry at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK, 19th January 1985. (Photo by Jack Kay/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Silver Blades Ice Rink in Birmingham city centre in the 1980s
Tessa Sanderson of Great Britain prepares to throw the javelin during the Pearl Assurance International against Japan and the German Democratic Republic on 7th July 1985 at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, United Kingdom.(Photo by Mike King/Getty Images)
Patti & Jayne The Rum Runner Club in Birmingham City Centre
Gary Paine swimwear at The Rum Runner Club in 80s Birmingham
Young Duran Duran inside the Rum Runner
1985: The European team pose for a photograph after the Ryder Cup at The Belfry Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield, England. Europe won the event with a score of 16.5-11.5. Mandatory Credit: Simon Bruty/Allsport
Midland Hotel in Birmingham city centre in the 1980s
People walk past a burned out car following riots in Handsworth, Birmingham, on September 11, 1985. (Photo by Joel ROBINE / AFP) (Photo by JOEL ROBINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Policemen stand guard during riots in Handsworth, Birmingham, on September 11, 1985. (Photo by Joel ROBINE / AFP) (Photo by JOEL ROBINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Burning cars are seen following riots in Handsworth, Birmingham on September 11, 1985. (Photo by Joel ROBINE / AFP) (Photo by JOEL ROBINE/AFP via Getty Images)
15 Sep 1985: (L to R) Paul Way, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam of the European team crack open the champagne to celebrate victory over the USA in the Ryder Cup at the Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England. Europe won by 16.5 to 11.5. Mandatory Credit: Simon Bruty /Allsport
American welterweight boxer Donald Curry, United Kingdom, 10th January 1985. Curry is in the UK ahead of his fight against Colin Jones at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. (Photo by Frank Tewkesbury/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Ice dance skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean of Great Britain perform their Bolero routine on 26 May 1986 for the Sports Aid Charity Gala at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom.(Photo by Bob Martin/Getty Images)
Odeon New Street in Birmingham city centre in 1987
1987: Marcus Adam of Great Britain crosses the line to win the 200 metres event during the European Junior Championships at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. Mandatory Credit: Simon Bruty/Allsport
Clare Short, MP for Birmingham Ladywood, at the Labour Party conference, November 1987. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lewis in Birmingham city centre in the 1980s
Aston Villa FC manager Graham Taylor poses at Villa Park in Birmingham, England on August 17, 1988. (Photo by Express/Getty Images)
Crowds of spectators watch the race action during the FIA International F3000 Championship Halfords Birmingham Superprix race on 29th August 1988 on the streets of Birmingham, Great Britain. (Photo by Pascal Rondeau/Getty Images)
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