In Birmingham, a decades-old community landmark known as Moseley Road Baths is on the cusp of a new chapter following extensive restoration efforts. The Edwardian-era building, which historically housed multiple swimming pools and served various community roles, is set to reopen with revitalized public spaces.

Photographer Attilio Fiumarella, who moved to Birmingham in 2013, first encountered the building while commuting into the city centre. Intrigued by the facility’s distinctive facades and its three separate entrances—originally designated for first-class, second-class, and women’s access—he decided to explore the building in 2014. At that time, the gala pool was dilapidated and unused, while only the second pool remained operational. Without secured funding, local authorities intended to close the baths permanently.

Fiumarella’s visit led to conversations with community members who shared the site’s rich history, including its use as a casualty station during World War II and as a dance hall in later years. Motivated by the building’s cultural significance and architectural character, he embarked on a photography project focused on the relationship between the pool’s users and the space itself.

With the support of a local community bursary and assistance from the Friends of Moseley Road Baths, Fiumarella organized a large-scale portrait project in July 2014. The project featured 118 swimmers from diverse backgrounds and generations, highlighting the community’s strong ties to the baths. He employed a large format camera to capture the gathering, despite challenges such as overcast weather and coordinating the crowd in the empty pool using a temporary staircase constructed by volunteers.

The resulting photograph, which recalls the appearance of the historic Terracotta Army in its composition, has been recognized for its expression of solidarity and collective identity. In 2020, the image was awarded the Portrait of Humanity prize and has since gained renewed attention. Fiumarella views the work as more than a portrait; he sees it as a symbol of communal resilience and an act of resistance in the face of potential closure.

The Moseley Road Baths are currently closed temporarily to facilitate the final stages of restoration. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve the community with upgraded amenities while preserving its historical essence. Though Fiumarella describes his role in the restoration story as modest, his project contributed to raising awareness and celebrating the enduring spirit of the local community.

Fiumarella’s work will be featured in the Royal Photographic Society’s 167th annual international exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London, running from August 7 to September 11.