Curtis Gardens, once the estate of Fox Hollies Hall

If you head up and down the Fox Hollies Road in Hall Green and Acocks Green, you might spot a green space with trees. This is Curtis Gardens. It opened in 1965, on the site where Fox Hollies Hall used to be (until it was demolished in 1937). Three tower blocks called Coppice House, Hollypiece House and Homemeadow House went up in the early 1960s on the site of the hall itself.

Curtis Gardens

This green space is located along the Fox Hollies Road between Hall Green and Acocks Green. Just north of York Road, and south of Olton Boulevard East. To the west is Pemerbley Road, where you will find Coppice House to the south, then Hollypiece House in the middle and Homemeadow House to the north.

Curits Gardens from the Fox Hollies Road, seen below during January 2010.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Fox Hollies Childrens Centre is to the south east of the site on the Fox Hollies Road, while Hall Green Little Theatre is to the north west.

Hall Green Little Theatre, seen below during February 2014.

dndimg alt="Hall Green Little Theatre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hall Green Little Theatre (Feb 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There is a Play Area in Curtis Gardens, paths and many trees.

Curtis Gardens Play Area seen below during May 2020.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (May 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

From Fox Hollies Hall to Curtis Gardens

Historically the site of a farm, records goes back to 1275 when a farm called Atte Hollies was recorded of being on this site in Acocks Green, but it was later in Hall Green. The Fox family bought the farm in 1626 and it became known as Foxholleys.

By the time Fox Hollies Hall was owned by Zaccheus Walker, he had renamed and rebuilt his grand mansion into The Hollies. The Hall was rebuilt in Italianate style around 1870 by the architect Yeoville Thomason (who also did the Council House). Walker sold the estate to the City in 1925. Fox Hollies Hall was later demolished in 1937. During WW2 the grounds were used as allotments.

dndimg alt="Fox Hollies Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fox Hollies Hall 1900.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Fox Hollies Hall c. 1900. Public Domain. Taken from The Walker era

 

All that remained from Fox Hollies Hall was the original gateposts on Fox Hollies Road. Although one of them got knocked over by a Council vehicle and had to be rebuilt. New gates were installed in 2004 as well as a couple of benches.

The gates seen below during January 2010, a regular target for graffiti vandals. They have no respect for history.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The three tower blocks were built during the early 1960s (1959 to 1960) and completed by about 1964. This was a result of Jack (or John) Curtis, a local Labour activist. Curtis Gardens was opened in his name in 1965. These were named Coppice House, Hollypiece House, Homemeadow House after three fields in the area at the time called Coppice, Hollypiece and Homemeadow.

The Hollies towers seen below during January 2010.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This included the Fish Sculpture by the sculptor John Bridgeman. It was later recognised with a Grade II listing in 2015.

The Fish Sculpture seen below during January 2010.

dndimg alt="Fish Sculpture" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fish Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In 2016 the Acocks Green Heritage Trail went up, this was board 8 of 8 in Curtis Gardens, near the gate.

Seen below during August 2016.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AGHT Curtis Gardens (Aug 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Curtis Gardens in 2010

My first photographic walk around Acocks Green was back in January 2010. At the time didn't know that this was called Curtis Gardens. View near a car park close to Fox Hollies Childrens Centre.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was light snow on the paths in Curtis Gardens. This view below toward the gates and benches on Fox Hollies Road.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Plenty of paths and trees around here.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This path leads back to the shops on Fox Hollies Road.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

On the right used to be the Fox Hollies Tenants Hall. But long since demolished. In fact, I don't think it's been built on since it was knocked down.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View to the snow covered car park, which at the time looked like an empty tennis court with no nets.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View towards Coppice and Hollypiece House.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

A Sainsbury's delivery van looks like it was heading into the car park.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

View towards the three tower blocks. Hard to believe that Fox Hollies Hall was there until 1937.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Had the Council kept Fox Hollies Hall, could have made a nice tourist attraction, instead these three towers went up almost 30 years later.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

I used to take loads of views of Curtis Gardens back then.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The car park entrance road seen from the Fox Hollies Road.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Gatepost and benches

Some more photos of the gates and benches from January 2010. They were restored in 2004, but by 2010 the gateposts were already covered in graffiti (I think the Council regularly cleans it up, but the taggers keep coming back).

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View from the back of the gates. They are a recreation of the original ones which were probably removed during the demolition of the mansion.

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view towards Greenwood Avenue, which used to be the drive that Zaccheus Walker used to used to get to Fox Hollies Hall. The houses were probably built in the 1930s. Both Greenwood Avenue and Fox Hollies Road were turned into dual carriageways after the estate was sold to the Council.

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Benches to the back of the gates, I've never once seen anyone sitting on them, on all the walks past here (even when on the 11A or in a car).

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Also I've only ever seen these gates locked, so you have to walk around the side of the gateposts.

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They probably used to open around 2004 or 2005 when the new gates were installed.

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The gates and benches were made by William Hawkes Ltd Blacksmiths. Was  minor bit of paintwork at the time missing. Not sure how often the Council paints these gates.

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was also these flowery details on the gates.

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Two quarter benches behind the gates, both with small plaques on them.

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Local councillors and a member of the Acocks Green Historical Society was mentioned on them.

dndimg alt="Gateposts Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Gateposts Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (12).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Fish Sculpture

Installed in the 1960 for local children to play on, it has become a local landmark, but is easy for most people to ignore it going past. Made by John Bridgeman, it was recognised with a Grade II listing in 2015. A few more views below from January 2010.

dndimg alt="Fish Sculpture" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fish Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It is a unique survivor in it's original position, but it has been tagged over the years. Bridgeman had done other play sculptures around Birmingham, but it is believed that this one is the only one left surviving. Made on a wire frame covered in concrete.

dndimg alt="Fish Sculpture" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Fish Curtis Gardens (Jan 2010) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Curtis Gardens from 2019 to 2021

In the years since my original photos, I have walked through Curtis Gardens a lot, sometimes as a shortcut to the number 1 bus on Shaftmoor Lane (more recently the 1A seems to come first). In the last year, getting some photos on the lockdowns.

In late February 2019, I saw crocuses growing in the grass from near the Fox Hollies Road at Curtis Gardens. Spring was on the way.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Feb 2019) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Lots of white, purple and some yellow coloured crocuses here.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Feb 2019) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The crocuses looked good close up.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Feb 2019) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A March 2019 view of Curtis Gardens below, taken from near Ferris Grove. Pemberley Road is to the left.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Mar 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Over a month into the first lockdown, it is the end of April 2020, and we were having April Showers. The trees lush and green from the Fox Hollies Road.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Apr 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The grass in Curtis Gardens was looking long too, perhaps some cow parsley was growing there at the time.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Apr 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A closer look at the long grass in Curtis Gardens and the cow parsley.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Apr 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

In the last Spring, everything seemed to grow long in the first lockdown.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Apr 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was also bluebells growing here, when you can't go far in lockdown, you can only find bluebells in your local green spaces.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Apr 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One of the paths in Curtis Gardens. The leaves grew back fast in the first month of the original lockdown.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Apr 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

One tree had purply red leaves as the rain was coming down.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Apr 2020) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Another lockdown walk past Curtis Gardens in May 2020. This was near Hall Green Little Theatre on Pemberley Road.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (May 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Early February 2021, and a 3rd lockdown walk towards Tyseley Station. I passed Curtis Gardens on the Fox Hollies Road. This view near the car park entrance.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Feb 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

By now there was small fences around Curtis Gardens, as in the past travellers had illegally set up camp here. So this is to prevent them driving over the land. As you can see the gateposts have graffiti tags on them again. Fish sculpture seen to the far left.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curtis Gardens (Feb 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A few days later, a walk around Hall Green. Got these views of Curtis Gardens from York Road, looking up Grimshaw Road.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curits Gdns Grimshaw Rd (Feb 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

You can see the three tower blocks to the left from Grimshaw Road.

dndimg alt="Curtis Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Curits Gdns Grimshaw Rd (Feb 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

During this walk, got some more views of Homemeadow House, Hollypiece House and Coppice House. This view below taken on Shaftmoor Lane. On the bus route of the no 1 and 1A to Five Ways (via Moseley and Edgbaston).

dndimg alt="The Hollies" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Hollies Curtis Gdns (Feb 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The 1 and 1A bus route in the other direction on Shaftmoor Lane heading towards Acocks Green Village.

dndimg alt="The Hollies" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Hollies Curtis Gdns (Feb 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading down York Road in Hall Green, was a view of the three towers close to The Link.

dndimg alt="The Hollies" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Hollies Curtis Gdns (Feb 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Back onto Fox Hollies Road, this view close to The York pub (closed on lockdown of course). Hard to imagine what it looked like over a century ago apart from looking at old black and white photographs of the area.

dndimg alt="The Hollies" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/The Hollies Curtis Gdns (Feb 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown