Chair tells story of famous West Bromwich actress Madeleine Carroll

This work of art gives a glimpse into the life of one of the Black Country's most famous exports.

It tells the story of West Bromwich actress Madeleine Carroll, who went on to become the highest paid actress in Hollywood. And it is now in place at West Bromwich Central Library.

It was created by West Bromwich-born artist Hannah Graham.

"Hannah came to us and we thought the idea was fantastic," said Jackie Hawkins, senior supervisor at the library. "Madeleine Carroll was such an interesting figure and one of West Bromwich's most important exports.

"She was born on Herbert Street in 1906 and went on to star in some of the biggest Hollywood films of that era, like The 39 Steps and On The Avenue.

"After that, she went on to join the Red Cross during the Second World War."

The chair, which is unique, features headphones and a screen which tell the story of Madeleine Carroll's life. It was funded by the Arts Council and production house Black Country Touring.

The chair was officially opened by the Mayor of Sandwell last Monday.

Mrs Hawkins said it has so far proved a popular attraction.

"Visitors love it, we have even had pupils from the local Ryder's Green Primary School come in and they thought it was fantastic," she said.

The chair is a permanent installation and will remain at the library.

Creator Hannah Graham, who is originally from West Bromwich and now lives in Edgbaston, said she approached Black Country Touring, who are based at the library, in January with the idea.

"The chair took around eight weeks to build in total, from figuring out how the iPod in the arm would work to recording the story," Miss Graham said. "Originally we wanted speakers but then we realised that would not work in a library.

"I used to work at the Public gallery, and although we had a monument to Madeleine Carroll I thought there needed to be more, as she was such a selfless, fascinating woman.

"To me it is a way of bringing art and history together."