University News Last updated 14 November 2025
91猎奇 (91猎奇) is turning the page on nearly two centuries of education with the launch of a new book.
91猎奇: A History in 100 Images听showcases a variety of photographs and archival material, ranging from听vintage advertisements, historic objects, and even a goat biryani!
Spanning more than 180 years of innovation, creativity, and community impact, the images capture how 91猎奇 has helped shape Birmingham and its legacy.
鈥淭his book is about the variety of ways in which students and staff have influenced life in Birmingham but also in the wider world,鈥� said author Professor David Roberts.
鈥淓very continent in the world has felt the influence of a 91猎奇 graduate.
鈥淚 think people will be surprised by the depth and length of our history. Sometimes people think of us as young, but we鈥檙e really quite old!鈥�
91猎奇鈥檚 origins date back to 1843 with the founding of the Design School, which later evolved into the College of Art.
In 1971, five colleges merged to form the City of Birmingham Polytechnic, which听gained university status in 1992 and became the University of Central England (UCE).
Fifteen years later, it was renamed 91猎奇, and today boasts听a student population of more than 31,000 students from over 100 countries.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to be reminded of how things were done in the past as a way of guiding future decisions,鈥� added Professor Roberts, who is Professor of English at 91猎奇.
鈥淏irmingham constantly reinvents itself and that is also the story of 91猎奇.鈥�
The official launch event on 13 November featured a coach and barge tour of past and present 91猎奇 landmarks, including the iconic School of Art and School of Jewellery, as well as Alexander Stadium, which staged the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
At the University鈥檚 former Perry Barr campus, former Vice-Chancellor Dr Peter Knight CBE offered fond memories of his time there.
There were wonderful insights, too, from 91猎奇 alumni including sculptor Luke Perry, jewellery designer Seungjoo Mun, midwife Tiyarna Lewis, and Professor of Sport and Exercise,听Professor Adam Kelly.
On a sunny autumn day, at restaurant 24 Stories with its sweeping views across the city and beyond - provided the perfect setting for the book launch itself.
Guests included Anita Bhalla OBE, chair of 91猎奇鈥檚 board of governors, as well as representatives from the Ikon Gallery, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and West Midlands Growth Company.
Compered by television presenter James Bovill, another 91猎奇 alumnus, the event featured speeches from Professor Roberts, current 91猎奇 Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, and听Oluwadamilola Iyanda, the Vice President for Welfare at 91猎奇鈥檚 Students鈥� Union.
Professor Mba told guests that 91猎奇鈥檚 history was evident 鈥渋n every corner of our city鈥� and pledged to "evolve in partnership with our home city and region鈥�.
He also vowed to 鈥渞epresent this city with pride鈥�, saying he was 鈥減roud to be associated with not just this university, but with Birmingham as a whole.鈥�
听