‘Beyond Glitter & Feathers: My Artivism is my Pride’ exhibition opens at Birmingham’s Back to Backs

National Trust’s Back to Backs in Birmingham have opened a new exhibition celebrating the history of Pride through the life and work of artist, Garry Jones. Garry, who was instrumental in the design and creation of Birmingham’s HIV and AIDS memorial has been one of several key faces at the heart of Birmingham Pride since the city’s first Pride in 1997.

Garry’s final degree show in 1997 featured costumes he had designed for the drag queen, Tilly (now known as the DJ, Mark Wilson), who hosted the first stage at Pride that same year. The new exhibition at Birmingham's Back to Backs showcases Garry’s art and activism – or as he calls it Artivism – spanning across the decades of Pride that he has been involved with.

Costumes by Garry Jones

The exhibition features the costumes from 1997 alongside other pieces from the parade, information about the history of Birmingham Pride and LGBTQ+ rights in general, Garry's HIV activism including several of the memorial quilts, and other artworks including two new pieces that pay homage to the trans community.

Garry Jones Artwork, Swan homage to the trans community

HIV Memorial Quilts

Garry told Midlands Rainbow: “It’s wonderful to be recognised for my artivism. Initially, the exhibition was a celebration of how far we have come but after the shock court ruling over our trans brothers & sisters, it’s even more important for us as the LGBTQ+ community to fight for our rights, one of the pieces in the exhibition is an homage to stonewall icon, Marsha P Johnson, who’s asking the question ‘Why are you still fighting’, (1969 to 2025)? 

“I have been fortunate to be able to use my art in the fight for equal rights & I will continue to do so while I’m alive!”

Marsha P. Johnson artwork by Garry Jones

‘Beyond Glitter & Feathers: Garry Jones, My Artivism is my Pride’ opens to the public from Friday 23rd May, and is a great exhibition to visit during Birmingham Pride Weekend, this May Bank holiday. The free exhibition can be found in the Back to Backs exhibition space above Court 15 Books until May 2026. Enter through the second-hand bookshop at 61 Hurst Street and head up the stairs to your left. Note: unfortunately, as this is a historic building, the exhibition space is not accessible for those who use a wheelchair or have mobility disabilities; the steps inside are steep and narrow and the exhibition is on the very top floor.

While you’re there, why not also take advantage of the Back to Backs’ Pride open day, exploring Court 15 and the ground-floor rooms of the back-to-back houses. The event is also free but slots can be pre-booked to avoid disappointment on the day. Ground Floor tours are designed to be more accessible (more info on the website).