Greater Mancunians: The photos that show how 'we're all shaped by this inspirational place'
24.03.2024 - 07:35
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
She is on the brink of becoming one of the most powerful women in Britain. He and his brother gave a certain swagger to his home city.
Angela Rayner and Noel Gallagher however have one thing in common. They will both be featured among 116 photographic portraits in an exhibition which will open at Manchester's Central Library next month.
The mammoth project 'Greater Mancunians' has been seven years in the making. It was born when a Manchester College student set up a rushed photo-shoot under Blackfriars Bridge. The master of gritty verse, edgy poet John Cooper Clarke, generously posed for student Harry Yeates.
The location was perfect- just inside Salford, and next to the performer's life-sized stencil embossed on a wall by artist Stewy. JCC had performed at the Albert Hall in Manchester and, the morning after the show, he agreed to meet Harry.
Harry's portrait won praise at Manchester College's end of year show in 2016. It also sowed the seeds for an inspired, long term quest, to find other subjects, who would help hone the talents of students. Over the next two years a list of 'Greater Mancunians' grew and included Johnny Marr, Andy Burnham, and famed Factory Records graphic designer, Peter Saville.
The pandemic then brought the idea to a halt. But as restrictions eased it was resumed and 116 contributors have been interviewed and photographed.
Photography tutor at The Manchester College and project lead, Harry Potts, encouraged other students to think of more people who were born and bred in Greater Manchester or who have made it their home and, in some way, have shaped the region culturally.
They chose to include entertainers, community champions, hospital staff, politicians, and sports stars who shine a light on