“Peaky Blinders,” a series known for its gritty portrayal of a Birmingham gangster family, has captured the attention of viewers worldwide. Despite being set in the heart of England’s Midlands, the actual filming locations spread across various parts of the United Kingdom. Do you want to know more about where was Peaky Blinders filmed?
Show lovers may be surprised to learn that many of the show’s iconic scenes are shot in Northern England, specifically in Manchester, as well as other locations like Scotland.
Manchester, with its early 20th-century architecture and cobblestone streets, provides a convincing stand-in for post-war Birmingham, offering the authentic look that the narrative demands.
The choice of filming locations serves more than just aesthetic purpose; it sets the tone for the dark and intense storyline of the Shelby family’s complex world.
From the bustling streets to the unique interiors, viewers are transported to an age that is carefully constructed by the show’s production team.
Every setting, from the museums, railways, to the atmospheric cemeteries, is selected to enhance the viewer’s experience of the drama’s early 20th-century setting.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- “Peaky Blinders” is primarily filmed across Northern England, not in its Birmingham setting
- Manchester’s historic architecture heavily features as part of the show’s backdrop
- The show’s locations contribute significantly to the drama’s authentic historical atmosphere
Historical Context
Amid the captivating street scenery and gripping storylines, “Peaky Blinders” roots itself deeply in the post-World War I era.
This period is a blend of relief and upheaval where soldiers, like the characters in the Shelby family, return to a Britain bustling with change and the rise of new ideologies.
One figure who stands out in this context is Oswald Mosley, portrayed as a rival with burgeoning political ambitions. He founded the British Union of Fascists in 1932, and his presence encapsulates the turbulent times of 1934 when political tensions were tangible.
During the Post-War period, Britain was in the process of rebuilding and redefining itself. The war’s end in 1918 brought profound social shifts.
Among these were the men who had faced the horrors of trenches and brought home their scars – both seen and unseen. They struggled to fit back into a society that was rapidly changing economically and culturally.
A significant portrayal in the series is the sense of brotherhood that binds the Shelby family.
It’s a bond forged in war and tested in the peacetime that follows. As they navigate through Britain’s murky waters, one sees a reflection of the nation grappling with the aftermath of one of history’s most devastating conflicts, World War I.
“Peaky Blinders” doesn’t just tell a story; it paints a picture of a Britain at a momentous crossroads. They do so through characters clinging to old ways, while around them, the world ushers in an era of unprecedented transformation.
Main Filming Locations
Peaky Blinders, a gritty portrayal of post-war street gangs, has used a tapestry of UK locations to bring its atmospheric storytelling to life. From recreating Birmingham’s historic streets to capturing the essence of Northern England, the show has utilized a variety of sites to stand in for its early 20th-century settings. Let’s take a look at exactly where was Peaky Blinders filmed.
Birmingham and Surroundings
Small Heath is the heartland of the Peaky Blinders, but the actual filming rarely occurred there.
Instead, the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, West Midlands, became a canvas for the Shelby’s operations. This open-air museum houses a reconstruction of a historical industrial village, capturing the period’s essence with its authentic canal-side setting.
Just a stone’s throw away, viewers can glimpse the elegance of the Shelbys in Arley Hall and Gardens, Cheshire. The site portrays Tommy Shelby’s stately home, with its exquisite interiors and splendid gardens providing a stark contrast to the grimy streets of Small Heath.
Liverpool Highlights
Liverpool’s distinct Victorian and Edwardian architecture earned it a stand-in role for various parts of Birmingham.
Powis Street often doubles for Garrison Lane, bringing the iconic Garrison pub to life, despite it no longer existing.
Liverpool Cathedral, with its grandeur, lends itself to various dramatic scenes, while the city’s historic docks and warehouses perfectly encapsulate the era’s gritty ambiance.
Formby Beach deserves a special mention, as its sands represent the dramatic landscapes in Tommy’s introspections, adding a layer of emotional depth to the show.
Other UK Locations
The production traveled across England to find locales that echo the 1920s Birmingham.
From the urban sprawl of Manchester’s Castlefield to the vintage charm of Salford Lads Club in Bolton, each area adds its flair to the show. Scenes set in thriving markets or bustling streets are often shot in this region.
Leeds and the surrounding countryside, including Lee Quarry in Rossendale, provided backdrops for some of the show’s more pastoral scenes.
Through careful filming location choices, the television series captures Britain’s diverse landscapes, each contributing to the series’ rich historical tapestry.
Cast and Characters
“Peaky Blinders” presents a tapestry of complex characters, with Cillian Murphy at the helm as Tommy Shelby.
Tommy’s the cool-headed, strategizing leader of the Peaky Blinders gang, and Murphy’s stellar performance earned him widespread acclaim. He navigates the turbulent post-war landscape with finesse and a steely gaze.
Aunt Polly, portrayed by Helen McCrory, brings a matriarchal presence to the series. As the Shelby family’s strong-willed adviser, her calculated decisions underscore the show’s dramatic tension. Polly is the family’s backbone, rallying the Shelbys through their darkest hours with her wisdom.
Arthur Shelby, the eldest Shelby sibling, epitomizes loyalty and volatility in equal measure. Played by Paul Anderson, Arthur’s fierce protectiveness and inner turmoil deliver some of the show’s most emotional moments.
The television series introduced Grace, played by Annabelle Wallis, as a captivating love interest for Tommy. Her character’s storyline intertwines with the Shelbys’ in ways that continually surprise the audience.
Among the supporting cast, Finn Cole stands out as Michael Gray. As Polly’s son, he is torn between respecting family heritage and pursuing his own ambitions, showcasing his growth as an actor.
Lastly, Tom Hardy’s Alfie Solomons offers a dose of unpredictability. Hardy’s portrayal of the rival gang leader infuses the series with his unique brand of intensity.
Here’s a quick rundown of these characters:
- Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy): Leader and strategist
- Aunt Polly (Helen McCrory): Resolute matriarch and advisor
- Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson): Loyal but troubled elder brother
- Grace (Annabelle Wallis): A complex love interest tangled in the Shelby’s world
- Michael Gray (Finn Cole): The ambitious family member caught between legacy and ambition
- Alfie Solomons (Tom Hardy): Charismatic yet unpredictable rival gang leader
Production Insights
Peaky Blinders, a series known for its gritty aesthetic and historical drama, boasts an impressive attention to detail in its production. Here’s a glimpse into the intricate set design and the endeavor behind the scenes that brought the Shelby family’s world to life.
Set Design and Construction
Set design for Peaky Blinders was paramount in immersing viewers into the post-World War I era.
The creators, including director Anthony Byrne and writer Steven Knight, curated purpose-built sets that reflect the period’s industrial landscape.
They often shot at historical sites to capture the authentic feel of the time. The Garrison Pub, synonymous with the Shelby family, is a central location on the show, carefully reconstructed to match the era’s public houses.
Notable Filming Locations and Sets:
- The Garrison Pub: A meticulously constructed set piece
- Blacksmith’s Building: Utilized to capture the industrial vibe
- Workers’ Institute: Served as a backdrop for several scenes
- Charlie Strong’s Scrap Metal Yard: A recurring and significant set throughout the series
Additionally, locations across the UK, like Liverpool and West Yorkshire, doubled for Birmingham settings, with their historical architecture providing the perfect canvas for the show.
Behind The Scenes
Bringing Peaky Blinders to Netflix audiences required more than just setting the stage.
The crew’s efforts to maintain historical accuracy and create a seamless visual experience were Herculean.
They often weathered challenging conditions to film scenes that felt genuinely lived in, indicative of the era’s struggles and the characters’ resilience.
Production Challenges and Triumphs:
- Weather and Timing: Managing outdoor shoots under unpredictable UK weather
- Historical Accuracy: Ensuring every detail from costume to props reflected the 1920s setting
Popular Culture and Legacy
Peaky Blinders, a show steeped in the gangster genre, has left an indelible mark on popular culture since it first aired.
The series beautifully wrapped up its saga with Season Six in 2021. It transcended its initial cult following to become a global phenomenon.
- Instagram & Streaming: One can’t scroll through Instagram without coming across iconic caps and quotes from the TV show
- Its presence on streaming platforms has ushered in legions of dedicated fans, all steeped in the lore of the Shelby family
- The Final Peaky Blinders Season: In 2021, the final season brought an era to a close
- Fans closely followed the twists and turns of the infamous gangster family. The tale was told through a tapestry of compelling narratives and rich historical backdrops
| Influence | Medium | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Memes | Social Media | Cultural Resonance |
| Fashion | Apparel | Style Trends |
| Quotes | Online Forums | Linguistic Adoption |
| Fan Theories | Streaming Boards | Community Engagement |
Characters from the show are found etched in modern slang, their styles adopted in today’s fashion, while fan theories abound about alternate plotlines.
The Shelby legacy is more than a story; it’s a cultural symbol that’s earned its place in the hearts of viewers.
Yet, it’s not just the gangster lifestyle that captivated audiences; it’s the raw realism and the characters’ relentless pursuit of power and survival.
They captured imaginations and sparked discussions about politics, family loyalty, and of course, the quintessential anti-hero trope.
Peaky Blinders’s rich tapestry has become a part of its fans’ identity, shaping their perceptions and inspirations long after the credits roll.
The TV show illustrated that a deeply human story can resonate across different cultures, making it a part of a shared global narrative.
