Attilio Fiumarella's Striking Photograph: 118 Birmingham Swimmers and the Endangered Moseley Road Baths

Attilio Fiumarella's iconic photograph, a powerful representation of community spirit, was inspired by the Terracotta Army and captured 118 Birmingham residents in their swimsuits within the historic Moseley Road Baths. The image was taken on July 20, 2014, during Fiumarella's initial professional photography project in the city he relocated to in 2013. He was drawn to the building's facade, particularly its three distinct entrances—originally designated for first-class, second-class, and women patrons—which sparked his curiosity.

Upon entering, a welcoming woman shared the rich history of the Moseley Road Baths, an Edwardian-era community hub. By 2014, while the second pool remained operational, the gala pool, the setting for Fiumarella's photograph, lay empty. The building, in urgent need of restoration and facing potential closure due to a lack of funding from the council, was a place steeped in memories. The woman recounted its past as a place for swimming lessons, a casualty station during World War II, and even a dance hall. The sheer historical significance and charm of the location immediately struck Fiumarella, and he resolved to fill the grand, vacant gala pool space with people.

The photographer noted the logistical challenges of the shoot, stating, "They had to stand there for an hour, waiting for the sun to come out." This patience and dedication from the 118 participants were crucial to achieving the final, impactful image.

Original Text Rephrased and Translated:

Attilio Fiumarella's best photograph showcases 118 Brummies in their swimwear. He explains, "I was contemplating the Terracotta Army when I captured this image of Birmingham swimmers in their local pool, which was facing closure. They had to remain in place for an hour, awaiting the sun's appearance."

This photograph was taken in Birmingham on July 20, 2014, as part of Fiumarella's first professional photography assignment. Having moved to the city in 2013, he frequently passed the building on his bus commute to the city center. The facade's impressive and intriguing three separate entrances – formerly for first, second, and women's access – caught his eye. One day, he disembarked to investigate the building's purpose. A friendly woman inside greeted him and began recounting its history. The location is the Moseley Road Baths, a community building from the Edwardian era. In 2014, the second pool was still in use, but the gala pool, where the photo was taken, was already vacant. The building required restoration, and without funding, the council intended to permanently close it. The woman shared numerous anecdotes about the site: individuals who learned to swim there, its service as a casualty station during World War II, and even its use as a dance hall. It was a profoundly charming place with an extraordinary history. Upon seeing the gala pool, Fiumarella knew he had to fill the magnificent empty space.