The Green men of Birmingham (Green men, more recently known as foliate heads ) were prolific carved stone human heads usually with vegetation growing from their faces and used as architectural decoration across Birmingham, having their origins in the medieval town.
The most recent green man to be built in the city is situated in the recently refurbished Custard Factory, a huge structure made from vegetation and stone and standing next to a large water feature.
These foliate heads can be found throughout the world. However, England is home to the majority with early medieval Christian churches incorporating many. The heads more recently can be linked to the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Gothic architecture and gargoyles of New York
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These green men of Birmingham have recently been photographed and documented in a book by Anthony Hayward
