In Conversation with Local Artists: Milan Topalovic
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For this ongoing series on our blog we have been highlighting artists from Bournville, Birmingham and the surrounding areas through a set of interview questions on their creative processes and inspirations, their views on Bournville and its community and their upcoming projects and exhibitions. Selly Manor is keen to spotlight local artists who make our community a vibrant and interesting place to live.
This week we are focusing on illustrator and arts educator Milan Topalovic, who combines modern and nostalgic influences into his cheerful depictions of the Midlands, and who in this interview, also gives us an exclusive insight into how his artworks come together.
Milan at Birmingham Botanical Gardens Artisan Market photographed by Sam Frank Wood
Q1: Could you tell us a little about yourself and your work as an artist?
“I am a local illustrator who finds inspiration in little stories hidden around Birmingham. My background is in picture books and portraiture, and, paired with a love for vintage graphics, I blend these together and hand illustrate designs that bring a sense of charm and nostalgia to a scene. I often spend about 40-50 hours on an illustration, and I have been lucky enough to work on various great projects in my career to date, including last year's 'Ozzy Takes BMAG' art print for Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, commemorating Black Sabbath's final gig.”
'Ozzy takes BMAG' by Milan Topalovic
Underdrawing for 'Ozzy takes BMAG' by Milan Topalovic
Q2: How does Bournville (and/or the surrounding areas) inspire your work?
“My mum worked at Cadburys for 28 years so Bournville has been a fundamental part of my life, like having an extra family member. My adult life in the arts began in the village; I studied my foundation diploma at Ruskin Hall, so personally and professionally it is home. The more I researched into the heritage of the area and began creating illustrations depicting Bournville, the more new research and sketches I did after tapping into a different part of its history. I have more ideas for designs than I have time!”
Q3: Bournville is surrounded by both green spaces and city scape – how do each of these influence your work?
“They are the perfect contrast of atmospheres that I can be both playful and create context with. In classic advertising, Cadbury was known as the factory in the garden; in the same spirit it could be said that Bournville is the garden in the city. I love learning about the history and dip into my love of classic picture books to include storytelling elements to the designs. I find I do this more when creating Bournville-themed art as the village is almost like a theatre set or storybook backdrop to decorate with characters"
Milan's process of illustrating his 'IKON Gallery Greeting Card'
Q4: Is there a particular piece of local history or heritage that you find yourself drawn to? Why do you think this is?
“I love the hidden areas of Bournville like the girls' recreation grounds. I have visited the ornamental pool many times and the archival photographs I have seen look like a scene from The Great Gatsby. I love 1920s art deco glamour and the idyllic spaces available to the factory workers thanks to George Cadbury's vision inspire the way I depict Bournville.”
Q5: Why do you think art is important to the local community?
“Before photography, art was our window to the past, so it was relied on heavily to remind us of the history of our community. Art also brings us together now; I create illustrations that remind me of me of my childhood and memories of Birmingham, which subsequently encourages stories from people who see it, reminding them of their family history- whether it be working at Cadburys, performing at The Hare and Hounds, or meeting their spouse on Birmingham's very own Cinderella carriage: the number 11 bus!”
'Balti Triangle' print by Milan Topalovic made in collaboration with 'I Choose Birmingham' as part of an advertising campaign for Transport for West Midlands
Q6: How do you feel your art connects with the people of Bournville/Birmingham? Or how do the people of Bournville/Birmingham connect with your work?
“Another aspect of my art which relates to locals is charm and humour. I worked on a set of retro-style bus posters for Transport for West Midlands and it was a project with lots of creative freedom to invent very original, creative posters that Brummies in particular appreciate. It is so nice to hear about where my designs are being sent to, whether locally or abroad, and it reminds me that however far people travel from this city, there is nothing better than a piece of home and Birmingham is represented around the world.”
Q7: Do you have a favourite artwork that you’ve created that you could talk us through?
“A design I call Bournville Summer is one of my favourites. I designed it in March 2020 when covid has just begun, so losing myself in the whimsy of Bournville during my one essential walk of the day informed the design was a form of solace and peace. Illustration is my escape and it's a reminder that art is my way of calming down and focusing on something otherworldly when I need to slow down. More recently, I loved working on the Bournville Heritage Trail completed in 2025. Hearing the incredibly positive feedback and seeing my work on display on the corner of Bournville Green is immensely rewarding- one of the proudest moments of my career.”
'Bournville Summer' by Milan Topalovic
Q8: What is next for you – do you have any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you’re excited about?
“I will soon be announcing a new stockist for my illustration that is one of my dream places to work with- and has particularly strong links to Bournville... Follow me on Facebook or Instagram @milanillustrator for an unveiling this summer!”
Our thanks to Milan for taking the time to talk us through his myriad inspirations and for giving us an insight of how his fabulous illustrations come together from start to finish.
Cover Image: 'Bournville No.1 Lodge Charity Card (supporting Cat's Protection)' by Milan Topalovic
Written by Niamh Reid, Museum Assistant