Family Outing statue in Solihull

The bronze Family Outing statue was made in 1985 by John Ravera F.R.B.S, and probably installed during the 1987-88 refurbishment of Mell Square in Solihull.


Where is the Family Outing statue?

The Family Outing statue is in Mell Square, Solihull (between Taste Collective and Dunelm).

 

In brief

After 20 years, Mell Square in Solihull was refurbished, the first phase took place during 1987-88. This involved removing the large fountain. In the middle a cafe was built. At the far end a statue made in 1985 by John Ravera F.R.B.S was installed called Family Outing. It was commissioned by the Norwich Union Insurance Group. It depicts a mother and father with their young son. For many years Costa Coffee was behind with a small garden, and at one point a pyramid sculpture(until it was replaced with Taste Collective in 2019-20). It used to face BHS (until they closed for good in 2016), but now faces Dunelm.

Family OutingFamily Outing statue in Mell Square, Solihull (April 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The statue was part of a small garden with benches around it. 

Family Outing

Family Outing

Family Outing

Family Outing

Family OutingFamily Outing statue in Mell Square, Solihull (October 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The garden and pyramid behind remained until they were removed in 2019 for the building of the Taste Collective.

Family OutingFamily Outing statue in Mell Square, Solihull (January 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The only time the pyramid was temporarily removed was during the November - December 2015 Christmas season when an ice rink was in Mell Square, behind the Family Outing statue. It was called Let's Skate Solihull.

Family OutingFamily Outing statue in Mell Square, Solihull (November 2015). Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

29 Mar 2022 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Art; Culture & creativity, Photography
People & community, Squares and public spaces

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com