'Brutalism is incredible, it's packed with beauty'

This model represents New Street railway signal box which was in operation for nearly 60 years

"There's a perception that Brutalism is soulless and empty but it is packed with beauty."

Artist Adam Carthy loves Brutalist architecture and is sharing his passion by dedicating months of his life to creating concrete models of buildings from around the world.

Since starting his business Spaceplay nearly a decade ago, he has sold about 10,000 models and he says he aims to help people feel proud about their memories.

"People feel connected to these buildings but they often feel a bit embarrassed about sharing their connection and love," he said.

A customer from South Korea ordered one of every model including the Rotunda in Birmingham city centre

Mr Carthy started making the models after he was made redundant from his job in architecture and now works full-time for his business.

He ships the models worldwide, receiving orders from countries including Japan, Canada, Australia and South Korea.

"There are millions of people who think these buildings are beautiful, there's a global community of appreciation," he said.

By making the models, he said he learns about the love that others have for buildings which makes him feel "very special".

"Buildings are places of stories that we all share and Brutalism has some of the most beautiful stories," he said.

Brutalism is a style of architecture referring to the vast, grey structures associated with Britain's post-war period and was supposedly named after the French 'beton brut' meaning raw concrete.

It gained traction in the 1950s as towns and cities rapidly rebuilt after the destruction of the war.

Adam Carthy spends months creating a single Brutalist model

A model of Birmingham Central Library was created while its demolition was being discussed

One model, of Birmingham Central Library, was created to show the value of the building while its demolition was being discussed in 2015.

"There seems to be an understanding that these buildings are ugly or that they are poor buildings and I think that perception is not true," Mr Carthy said.

Brutalism represents a "freedom to be expressive" and has a "distinctive and unique" design, he added.

The Elephant Building was built in the 1970s in Coventry city centre

Mr Carthy grew up in Birmingham and based his first models around its architecture.

He wants people to reassess their opinions of the city and appreciate their surroundings, whether that is regarding people or buildings.

"Birmingham is an understated city and it has an incredible energy but it never champions itself," he said.

"The communities and buildings are often overlooked and I think there is a lot that can be celebrated."

Wolverhampton School of Art has dominated the city's skyline since 1970