Formed in Birmingham celebrates the 60th anniversary of Aston University and tells the story of a university shaped by the city around it. From its beginnings as a pioneering technical institution serving Birmingham's industries, Aston has developed into a modern, internationally recognised university with a strong reputation for innovation, enterprise and applied research.
Drawing on newly researched material from the recently established Aston University Archives, the book presents rare historic photographs alongside specially commissioned contemporary images by Birmingham photographer Jonathan Berg. Together they reveal the development of the university and its close relationship with the city.
The contemporary photography captures both the campus and the human side of life at Aston, its students, staff and learning environments. These images offer a vivid portrait of the university today.
Produced to high production standards and richly illustrated throughout, the book celebrates Aston University's achievements, research and community impact over its first sixty years, while looking ahead to the next chapter in its story.
Foreword
1. Introduction - 60 years of
impact and innovation
2. Aston in the past - the
origins shaping Aston today
3. Aston in the present -
meeting today's challenges
4. Aston in the world - Aston
University in collaboration
5. Aston in the future -
Aston's next generation
6. Conclusion - Aston's
legacy and promise
Appendix: Aston's Leaders
Index
Jonathan Berg is a Birmingham based photographer and author whose work explores the city's architecture, culture and urban change. His first book, Positively Birmingham, was published in 1994 and went through five sold out editions. His popular city guide, Discovering Birmingham, now in its sixth edition, continues to introduce new generations to the story of the city.
He has also published Birmingham's Public Art, giving an understanding of the city's extensive collection of sculpture and monuments, and Invention & Design: Elkington of Birmingham, which tells the story of the invention of electroplating in the Jewellery Quarter and its global impact. His book Birmingham: A Drone's Eye View presents the modern city as never seen before.
Through his books, photography and guided tours, Jonathan Berg has introduced thousands of people to Birmingham's history and character, combining strong photography with a clear sense of place.
