From Car Blueprints to Bold Pop Art: A Midlands Motoring Makeover!

A new exhibition in Solihull is turning old car blueprints into vibrant contemporary art. Opening at the Courtyard Gallery on 5 November, the show features several paper drawings of cars decorated with bold colors, multi-colored faces, and dotted patterns. Hundreds of blueprints from classic vehicles like Land Rover, Triumph, and Mini were rescued from being shredded and transformed into pop art by French artist Alan Reullier. These blueprints were originally stored in the British Motor Museum archives and then kept in storage for about 20 years. Most were set to be thrown away, but Reullier managed to save many of them, according to his agent Edwina Lightfoot. The exhibition is free and will display up to 20 pieces, including four drawings of Land Rover vehicles enhanced with colorful patterns.

The rare blueprints also include models from Leyland and MG. They were collected from the museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, by British Motor Heritage two decades ago. After being stored in a basic facility, the blueprints began to rot and degrade, with many on the verge of being discarded. When the storage unit was reopened, the company decided to preserve the remaining blueprints, Ms Lightfoot explained. Alan Reullier, who has experience working with aerospace companies as an industrial artist, learned about the possible loss of these blueprints and was given permission to retrieve what he could. He then collaborated with British Motor Heritage to create his unique art pieces. 'He's combining his artwork with the history of the Midlands motor industry, and now people can own a piece of that,' Ms Lightfoot said.

Reullier, a former graffiti artist and aircraft mechanic, added bold patterns and colors to the prints, along with his signature black-and-white motifs. The gallery describes his work as energetic and deeply connected to the region's motoring legacy. Reullier said, 'I've worked with the history and spent countless hours researching stories. It's an honor to collaborate with British Motor Heritage and contribute my artistic vision to their legacy. I'm inspired by the chance to push the boundaries of automotive design and create something unique that resonates with all audiences. ' One of the prints features a Peaky Blinders theme, with a large yellow car drawing in the center and images of Peaky Blinders characters in dark colors around the edges. The word 'Birmingham' is boldly displayed in the center.

The exhibition is not just about cars; it's about preserving history and reimagining it through art. The blueprints, once forgotten and nearly destroyed, have been given new life as contemporary art pieces. Alan Reullier's work demonstrates how creativity can transform old objects and help people connect with the past. The Courtyard Gallery invites everyone in Birmingham and the Black Country to visit, enjoy the art, and learn about the region's rich motoring history. The show is free, making it accessible to all who are interested in cars, art, or local heritage.