An artist with a remarkable background is breathing new life into a Birmingham pub by transforming it into a vibrant rock 'n' roll art gallery. Mason Newman, known for his collaborations with legendary musicians like Ozzy Osbourne and Madonna, has recently reopened the Gunmakers Arms, which now features both an art gallery and a bed-and-breakfast.
Newman, who was instrumental in creating merchandise and unique artwork for Black Sabbath's final performance, infused his signature pop art style into the pub, which officially opened its doors last Friday. The upstairs area boasts seven uniquely themed rooms, each celebrating various aspects of art or music, while the ground floor offers food, exhibitions, and showcases works from other local artists.
After the pub closed earlier this year, Newman seized the opportunity to revitalize the space, motivated by a desire to support local artistry. "It came up, and I thought, 'What can I do with it? How can I bring it back to life?'" he shared during an interview with BBC Radio WM. "The city needs cool spots; students and locals alike require places to gather, especially when so many bars are shutting down. So, I decided to transform it into an art gallery to champion local talent."
He acknowledges the risk involved, expressing, "If this doesn't work out, I'll be heading to the food bank next week—it's a substantial gamble, but I'm confident it will pay off."
The Gunmakers Arms has historical significance, dating back to the 1800s and located in what was once Birmingham's Gun Quarter. Newman, who humorously refers to himself as a "poor man's Andy Warhol," aims to shift the pub’s image away from being merely an "old man's pub." He plans to support local bands, broadcast football matches, and make use of the expansive beer garden that the venue offers.
Looking ahead to 2026, the B&B component is set to launch, with a portion of all art sales benefiting Birmingham Children's Hospital. "We have seven rooms, and each will feature a theme related to rock 'n' roll or art," he explained. "It's going to be like a blend of Chateau Marmont, the artistic hotel in California, and Soho's Chateau Denmark, right here in Birmingham."
Newman is enthusiastic about making this venture a vibrant destination, confidently stating, "It’s going to be the coolest place to stay, without a doubt." His creative journey has led him to establish a clothing brand sold at TK Maxx, serve as the creative director for Madonna's fashion line, and earn a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list. His first official art exhibition debuted in London in February 2024.
Despite his success, Newman emphasizes his commitment to promoting Birmingham's artistic community, saying it is vital for him to see more local artists receive the recognition and support they deserve. The positive response from the community regarding his new project has been incredibly uplifting for him.
