Manchester is famous the world over for being the leader in many areas, from pioneering musical talent to the industrial might of the Victorian age.
But now photographer and historian Andy Marshall wants to take a look at an area where Manchester has excelled but is still yet to be truly appreciated – architecture.
Now, Andy hopes to map the development of architectural and social change in England throughout this period, just by looking at the date stones of the building.
To do this, he is making a number of prints which will chart the period between 1800 and 1900, with the final piece coming from his home city.
From an early age Andy knew that there was something special about Manchester which inspired him onto a journey which has taken him around the world.
He told MM: “As a kid living in Middleton I wanted to find some beauty and value in the buildings around me.
“I started to go out and sketch and do drawings of the buildings and learn a bit more about them, which lead on to studying history and alter architecture.”
The aim of the project is to try and get people involved in their local environment and to get excited about where they live.
There will be a limited edition print made, which has already been bought by Somerset stone manufacturers Artorius Faber.
All proceeds for the print will go the Churches Conservation Trust, a charity close to Andy’s heart.
Despite the famous Mancunian pride however, Andy says that people tend to be a bit shy in praising his home city.
“Manchester’s really special,” he said.
“The difficulty is when you come from somewhere you get frightened of saying this is an amazing place; you’re sort of suspicious of yourself.
“But having travelled around and having travelled all over Europe on various commissions, I’ve been able to look at Manchester from a different perspective and see how it is really unique.
“We have some of the first every building types in the world for railway transport and it was right at the hub; the first ever industrial city.”
The significance of finishing the project in the city of his birth goes beyond simple nostalgia.
According to Andy, Manchester and the architects based here had something important to say and ‘they wanted to send a message across that they were confident’.
But unlike those that had gone before, Manchester’s architects and entrepreneurs wanted to make a break from tradition and the ecclesiastical shadow which dominated the architecture of the time.
And this transformation will be evident for all to see when the final print is unveiled.
“In one grand swoop in front of your very eyes you will be able to travel over 100 years,” he said.
“You’re not just following the styles of architecture you’re following the mind sets of several generations.”
But this will not be possible without the help of his fellow Mancunians, who Andy needs to be on the look out for the jewel in the historical crown.
He said: “I want to ask the people of Manchester to help me find this 1900 date stone to put on this print that’s raised several thousand pounds.
“And if we find one and use it, they will win a limited edition print.”
The special launch event, Frozen In Time, at Manchester’s Rosylee Tea Room is tomorrow, Tuesday December 8, from 7-9pm.
Andy will officially announce the donation amount and premier a film documenting the project, with a special appearance from ‘architectural and environmental virtuoso’ Steve Tomlin.
Image courtesy of Andy Marshall, with thanks
