Cold War Steve highlights Birmingham stars and places in new artwork

Satirical collage artist Christopher Spencer, aka Cold War Steve, created the piece – known as Benny's Babbies – which features a range of people with links to the city.

Now the artwork, which was due to be shown at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, has been unveiled by Birmingham Museums Trust.

It features Joe Lycett, cricketer Moeen Ali, Duran Duran, activist Malala Yousafzai, with the members of Black Sabbath rocking out on top of the Rotunda.

And the piece shows the View of St Martin's Church from the Bullring 1815-1835 by Thomas Hollins – along with the old Central Library, Mr Egg Takeaway and Central Birmingham Mosque.

Benny's Babbies is part of a series of pieces and events planned in partnership with Cold War Steve and Black Hole Club, called Cut, Copy, Remix.

Linda Spurdle, head of digital at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: "Cut, Copy, Remix set out to inspire people to use Birmingham museums' images by working collaboratively with Cold War Steve and Black Hole Club to create new digital art works.

"It has been an exciting process, as everyone involved has been enthusiastic, supportive and inventive.

"The closure of our sites has forced us to think creatively and we’re thrilled that this project has been able to continue online.

"We’re looking forward to sharing what has been created, and seeing what other artists of all ages, and the general public, will be motivated to do as a result."

The project aims to encourage creative use of public domain images to support emerging digital artists.

Cathy Wade, Black Hole Club producer, said: "Partnering with Birmingham Museums Trust on Cut, Copy Remix has been an invaluable opportunity for us to explore how artists can engage with the Trust’s Digital Image Resource through creative practice.

"To utilise the collection and to connect it with the present.

"We are looking forward to sharing the development of these works with audiences online with Birmingham Museums Trust and through exhibition in the future."

The artwork is being hosted online at www.thesocial.com/bennys-babbies/