The Modern Art of Manufacture

A duo of 500 x 500 mm designs. A so-called love letter to Manchester.

Former capital of Lancashire, Manchester has long-served as prototype. The birthplace of the industrial revolution, the city's history and contemporary culture are inextricably linked with that of industrial development and decline. With the death of industrial Manchester came the birth of modernism and new cultural forces. From Hulme Crescents and a gargantuan Arndale centre, to the expansive UMIST campus, Manchester's modern and brutal architecture find representation in this work, always within the wider context of a city bound by industry.

Shown as part of La Mercè festival on the 25th September 2025.

Background

Back in June I was among the "emerging Manchester creatives" kindly selected to be apart of MCRBCN, an international exhibition bringing together the work of designers in Manchester and Barcelona.

I chose architecture - specifically that of industry, modernism and decay - as the focus for the work. These would be two square sides of a cube to be exhibited at La Mercè festival. 

Through the raised walkways of Hulme Crescents and chamfered edges of Manchester Arndale, I've attempted to address something I believe to be at the core of modern Britain: a modernist rebirth cut short, maybe one ill from the start.

Photographic Evidence