Tom Hicks' Bold Art Shines Light on Black Country's Quirky Charm

Tom Hicks is an artist from the West Midlands who has become well known for his photographs of the Black Country. What started as a simple project using his smartphone has grown into something much bigger. Tom began by taking pictures of things that many people might walk past without noticing, like a shop called Tecso, which looks similar to the famous Tesco supermarket, or signs that say things like Furniture Clarance. He found beauty and humor in these everyday sights and wanted to share them with others.

Tom started posting his photos on Instagram, where he quickly gained thousands of followers. He is interested in how places affect people, a concept called psycho-geography. As he rides his bike around the Black Country, he notices how some areas feel very old, while others seem almost ancient. He enjoys seeing how the environment changes and how people express themselves through signs, graffiti, and even the way they decorate their homes and businesses. Many factories in the area made their own signs, giving each one a unique look. Tom says his work is not about history, but about capturing the character of the Black Country as it is now.

His first book of photographs was a big success, and now he is preparing to release a second one. The famous musician Robert Plant wrote the foreword for the new book, describing it as a 'startling study of our fractured, crazy place. ' Tom has also created public art, including sculptures at transport hubs, and worked with his son to design album covers for local bands. He has collaborated with schools, colleges, and poets to help others explore their own sense of place. Tom's work has been shown at universities and has helped people see the Black Country in a new light. He hopes his new book will encourage readers to slow down and appreciate the hidden beauty and creativity of the area.