Manchester: The Original Modern City

Posted on: February 3rd, 2025 by mlpEditor

Overview

Manchester, built on the foundations of industrial capitalism and shaped by nonconformist thinking, provided the perfect crucible for modernist ideas to flourish. From the pioneers of the Industrial Revolution through to the technological breakthroughs of the 20th century, Manchester has consistently been at the forefront of innovation – earning its reputation as the Original Modern City.

 

The Rise of Modernism and Its Pioneers

This talk by expert Eddy Rhead explores the emergence of Modernism as a cultural movement and its profound influence on Manchester’s built environment. Together we’ll examine how the city became a hub for modernist thinking, attracting and nurturing innovative minds across multiple fields.

 

A hub for original thinkers

From Ludwig Wittgenstein’s philosophical contributions to the technological advances at Manchester’s universities – including Alan Turing’s computing breakthroughs and Bernard Lovell’s astronomical discoveries – the city has been a beacon for revolutionary ideas. We’ll also explore how cultural pioneers like Anthony Wilson, Mitzi Cunliffe, and Violet Carson helped shape Manchester’s modern identity through institutions like Granada Television and Factory Records.

 

Architectural Legacy and Future Vision

The discussion will showcase notable examples of Modernist architecture across Manchester’s commercial, civic, institutional, and religious buildings, demonstrating how the city’s architecture evolved to meet changing needs.

We’ll uncover ambitious urban planning proposals from the latter half of the 20th century – some unrealized but whose influence can still be traced in today’s cityscape.

Finally, we’ll examine how post-industrial Manchester reinvented itself through culture-led regeneration, shaping the dynamic modern city we see today.

 

About the speaker

Eddy Rhead is an author, the co-founder of The Modernist Society and co-director of Manchester based independent publishing house the modernist. His knowledge and enthusiasm make him the ideal guide for a gripping exploration of Manchester’s Modernist history.

 

Practical Information

The talk includes a Q&A session and light refreshments can be purchased from the venue’s bar. Booking is essential.

 

Accessibility Information

The venue is wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet on the ground floor. Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

Oliver James Lomax at The Portico

Posted on: January 8th, 2025 by mlpEditor

With generosity of mind and spirit, Oliver James Lomax’ latest anthology of poems – The Dandelion Clocks – veritably springs from the page. Held in the much-adored Portico Library – where parts of Lomax’ work is currently being exhibited – Lomax read extracts from his latest collection, showcasing his lyrical agility and observational wit.

Throughout the event, that took place in November 2024, Lomax offered insights into his creative process, sharing anecdotes on the inception of particular poems – their time, their place, their insistence. Tender is the night of a political poet; pithy in their precision, his arguments are formed in the revelation of self, of community, of hope, of humour.

On the misty November evening, as the Christmas crowds passed us by, I felt very lucky to be amongst an audience of attentive listeners. As though entwined, a cadence of hilarity and heartbreak rose and fell across his readings – note ‘Free Range’ of God Missed The Last Bus And Walked Home or ‘Dementia Ward’ of Cloud Seeding Over Bolton. To my delight, the former still has me laughing.

Often reposeful, his poems express a carefulness, an intent. A verse may introduce one point of view to then end with another, bringing his reader to a moment of introspect and quiet. As in the case of Buying Back Your Gay Dad’s Shirt from A Sue Ryder, humour leads and then hands the baton over to delicate prose:

‘…But please, pay it no mind, because when I was dying, you were there, to clothe and feed every martyred word and window dress my feigned oblivion, without condition…’

As we enter this New Year and the January blues settle in, The Dandelion Clocks is the perfect book to lift our spirits.

 

By Charlotte Lanigan

Through the Shop Windows: A Victorian Salford Experience

Posted on: December 16th, 2024 by mlpEditor

Experience the magic of Victorian Salford at Lark Hill Place – a meticulously preserved piece of local history within Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

Step into an evening in old Salford, where gas lamps cast a warm glow over cobbled streets lined with authentic shop fronts rescued from the city’s past. This remarkable recreation, established in 1955, preserves the character of 1870s Salford through carefully salvaged features from houses and shops that would have otherwise been lost to time.

Wander down the atmospheric street with our expert guide and discover the stories behind the Music Shop, Toy Shop, Chemist and Druggist. Call in at the Blue Lion pub, the Blacksmith and Wheelwright, and peek into the Artisan’s cottage and Dressmaker and Haberdasher. Each shop window and doorway offers a glimpse into daily life in Victorian Salford, filled with authentic objects and products from the era.

Your tour continues into the Victorian Gallery, home to historic masterpieces that tell the story of Salford’s rich artistic heritage. Afterwards, enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits while chatting about your experience (£7.00 per person).

Join us for an unforgettable journey through time that brings our local heritage to life.

 

Good to know:

The tour will start at 1.30pm. Please arrive in good time. We will meet at the Information Desk in the museum.

After the tour has finished, why not make the most of your visit by exploring the museum gallery’s current exhibitions at your own pace:

Manchester Town Hall: The Revival of a Gothic Revival Masterpiece

Posted on: December 10th, 2024 by mlpEditor

Step inside the fascinating story of how Manchester’s architectural crown jewel is being transformed for future generations. Our Grade I listed Town Hall, one of Britain’s finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture, is undergoing an ambitious restoration that blends heritage conservation with 21st-century innovation.

 

UPDATE – 28/1/25. Due to high demand, we have relocated the event, added capacity and adjusted the start time.

 

Project Vision and Planning

Technical expert Jamie Coath will uncover the intriguing challenges and creative solutions behind the Our Town Hall Project. We’ll explore how Purcell responded to the Council’s vision, carefully assessing this Victorian masterpiece to determine where changes could enhance its functionality and accessibility, while preserving its historic character. Through extensive consultation with the community, Purcell have shaped a vision that honours both the building’s past and its future role in city life.

 

Restoration and Engineering

You’ll discover the painstaking work involved in breathing new life into the external stonework, including the reinstatement of long-lost architectural features and the sensitive removal of 1960s additions. We’ll reveal how modern engineering expertise is being applied to replace the vast roof structure while protecting the building’s Gothic character.

 

Accessibility and Interior Works

One of the restoration team’s most rewarding challenges has been making this civic landmark truly accessible to everyone. Jamie will share how Purcell have thoughtfully integrated new entrances and lifts while respecting the building’s historic fabric. The talk will take you behind the scenes of their most delicate work: the restoration of the building’s magnificent interiors, including the revival of its famous clock and organ.

 

Public Realm

We’ll also explore how the project extends beyond the building itself, encompassing the restoration of the Albert Memorial and the surrounding public spaces that make this such a vital part of Manchester’s civic heart.

 

Looking to the Future

Throughout the talk, we’ll reflect on how this ambitious project is meeting its goals of preserving our city’s heritage while creating a more accessible and sustainable building for Manchester’s future.

 

Join us for an evening of discovery as we explore this remarkable chapter in the life of one of Britain’s most important civic buildings.

 

Practical Information

The talk includes a Q&A session. Booking is essential.

 

About the Speaker

Jamie is currently the Technical and Conservation Advisor for Purcell.  His particular technical expertise lies in stonework construction and conservation, and other related issues such as historic paint analysis and metalwork.

 

Accessibility Information

Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

 

Unmasking George Shaw: A Victorian Architectural Rogue

Posted on: October 31st, 2024 by mlpEditor

Discover the extraordinary story of George Shaw – a Victorian architect who blurred the lines between historical preservation and audacious forgery. This talk, by distinguished expert Dr Peter N. Lindfield, explores how one man from Saddleworth transformed Northwest England’s architectural landscape through a combination of genuine passion and remarkable cunning.

 

The Architectural Maverick

Imagine an architect who could transform ordinary buildings into romantic medieval masterpieces – and who wasn’t afraid to pull off the most audacious historical forgeries along the way. Meet George Shaw, the hidden genius of Victorian Gothic architecture who turned historical recreation into an art form and, on occasion, a thrilling con.

 

From Industrial Landscape to Architectural Fantasy

From the industrial landscapes of Saddleworth, Shaw emerged as a visionary architect who did more than just design buildings. He crafted entire historical fantasies, rebuilding houses and churches to look like relics from a long-lost medieval world. His workshops became a playground of architectural imagination, producing everything from intricate stained glass to elaborate furniture.

 

The Master of Historical Deception

But Shaw was no ordinary architect. With a mischievous streak, he created “authentic” Tudor furniture in his own workshops, selling these clever fabrications to unsuspecting aristocrats – including the Duke of Northumberland and the Earl of Derby. Was he a fraud, or a passionate antiquary pushing the boundaries of historical interpretation?

 

An Invitation to Discover

Join us for a fascinating exploration of Shaw’s world – where architecture meets performance, and history is both celebrated and cleverly reinvented. Discover the story of a man who transformed Northwest England’s landscape, one “ancient” building at a time.

 

About the speaker

Dr Peter N. Lindfield is a lecturer in architectural history at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

 

Special Event Highlight

Signed copies of Peter’s book – The Intimacies of George Shaw (1810–76): Diaries and Letters of a Gothic Architect, Antiquary, and Forger – will be available to purchase after the talk. It is the first work to present extensive, edited, and annotated transcriptions of Shaw’s diaries and letters.

 

Practical Information

The presentation will include time for questions and discussion. Booking is essential.

 

Accessibility Information

The venue is wheelchair accessible with an accessible toilet on the ground floor. Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

A magical evening of festive music and words

Posted on: August 22nd, 2024 by mlpEditor

The Figgy Pudding four are back with Manchester Lit and Phil for another helping of Christmas music, poetry, readings and other festive finery.

Prepare to be transported into the mystery and magic of Christmas with an all-new programme including ancient and modern, the familiar and the obscure.

The evening will feature original writings from wordsmith and actress Kate Millward; solos and duets with singers Julia Morley and Jill Taylor; and the effervescent sparkle of the very talented pianist Claire Dunham.

 

The artists

Claire Dunham (pianist) – Claire is an accompanist, chamber musician, piano teacher and adjudicator. She enjoys performing and recording with intriplicate (flute/oboe/piano trio), Voci Dolci (with Jill Taylor and Julia Morley) and the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain. Claire has appeared on BBC Radio 3 and ITV and performs nationally in venues from St Martin-in-the-Fields to the Bridgewater Hall.

Kate Millward (actor/narrator) – Kate has narrated her original stories and poetry in a variety of stately homes and theatre venues, including presenting The Northern Chamber Orchestra’s Christmas concerts at Tatton Hall in Cheshire. Kate has also worked as an actor in TV and corporate training. She is currently lecturing at Salford University (Theatre and Performance courses).

Julia Morley (soprano) – Julia’s opera roles include Belinda in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and solo oratorio performances include Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Rutter’s Requiem and Haydn’s Nelson Mass with Holmfirth Choral Society, Huddersfield Choral Society and Harrogate Choral Society.

Jill Taylor (mezzo soprano) – Jill’s solo recitals have included performances of John Taverner’s Russian song cycle Akhmatova’s Songs for voice and cello, Mahler’s song cycle Leider Eines Fahrenden Gessellen and Ravel’s Chanson Madecasses.  Jill is also a regular guest soloist with northern choirs and operatic societies. She enjoys performances with Derek Blyth in lecture/recitals including Kurt Weill – I’m a Stranger Here Myself, No Regrets – the Life and Music of Edith Piaf and Degenerate Music, at RNCM, The Settlement Letchworth, Didsbury Arts Festival and for Manchester Lit and Phil.

 

**Update 4 December 2024: Tickets that include refreshments are no longer available**

These Boots Are Made For Walking – We Invented the Weekend

Posted on: June 3rd, 2024 by mlpEditor

Walking or hiking are highly popular with many in Greater Manchester. Surrounded by hills in all directions, it’s no wonder.

The hobby has undergone a massive resurgence in recent years with large numbers of us heading to the countryside on weekends to spend time in nature or explore the city on foot. What do we get out of walking?

While walking and access to nature are, in theory, free, are they spaces we all feel able to access?

Has the rise in working from home seen less people engaging in active travel?

Is the rapid increase in younger people hiking driven by the ‘gorp core’ or ‘granola girl’ aesthetic, a product of lockdowns, or something else?

We explore these topics and more with Ebony Hikers, Girls Who Walk Manchester, and GM Moving, hosted by outdoor industry creative Neil Summers.

Thriving Communities – We Invented the Weekend

Posted on: June 3rd, 2024 by mlpEditor

A celebration of the vibrant cultural communities that have been created on our doorstep, to help us lead fuller, richer and more creative lives.

Weekends offer many of us the chance to spend time pursuing interests with others. Being a part of a cultural community enriches our lives and allows us to explore different aspects of our identities outside work. And these shared passions and interests ultimately make us happier and healthier.

This panel discussion will feature some incredible local people who have fostered very special communities right here in Greater Manchester. From cycling, to crafting, to running to chanting. Whatever your passion, coming together, getting out there together, and creating together is one of the best aspects of the weekend. Let’s celebrate that.

Poetry Boat Cruise – We Invented the Weekend

Posted on: June 3rd, 2024 by mlpEditor

Join celebrated Manchester poet Oliver James Lomax and Manchester Lit & Phil for a very special journey around Salford Quays on the Poetry Boat.

Oliver will perform a number of poems from his collection, drawing on themes such as the Northern Landscape, belonging and identity. He will help us celebrate some of the joys of the weekend and the history of our city through his inspiring and reflective set. Don’t miss this unique event.

About Oliver: Oliver James Lomax is a poet, educator, and trustee of the Working-Class Movement Library in Salford. He passionately believes in cultural equality and the power of the arts to enable everyone in society to have a voice. A regular performer on the spoken word scene here in Greater Manchester and beyond, Oliver informs us this will be the first time he will be doing a set on a boat. Read our interview with Oliver

Interview with Professor Rachel Bowlby

Posted on: May 30th, 2024 by mlpEditor

Rachel Bowlby has written several books about the history and theory of shopping, including Back to the Shops: The High Street in History and the Future. We had the chance to ask her some questions ahead of her appearance at the We Invented the Weekend Festival on Saturday 15 June.

 

Q: Historically, shopping has often been done in groups, with people participating in the activity with both friends and family. Today, internet shopping is an increasingly individual activity, with people browsing and purchasing alone. In this context, has the decline of the high street and the rise of internet shopping decelerated, or accelerated, consumer culture?

A: There are lots of questions here! To begin with, it could be said group shopping is a modern phenomenon, related to trips into the town centre or, more recently, the weekly shop at the supermarket. The core shopping encounter was one on one, a seller and a buyer across the counter, or at the market, or on the doorstep (the pedlar).

“What’s distinctive about internet shopping is that there’s no salesperson there – it’s not one on one so much as just one. That solitary situation began with self-service: just the shopper and the shelves, you pick out your items yourself.”

 

Q: Are there any historical parallels to today’s changing retail experiences that might inform the future of high street shopping?

A: One example is home delivery, which we associate with big chains but which was rediscovered during the Covid lockdowns as not necessarily large-scale or distant when local shops, small shops, started to do home deliveries, ordered online.  In other words, the tech and the the small scale aren’t mutually exclusive. And until the 1950s and 1960s – until supermarkets came in – that was standard for food shopping, all over the country. The local butcher or baker or greengrocer delivered to your door.

 

Q: What innovations in retail do you see as most promising for the future of shopping? How can these innovations address current challenges faced by the high street?

A: The rapid development recently of online platforms for second-hand buying and selling of clothes is a really exciting development.

“It’s a practical challenge to the culture of fast fashion which also transfers the initiative to consumers (who become sellers as well)…it’s a return to a one-on-one type of exchange.”

 

Q: Is ethical consumption possible? What might ethical consumption look like, and how might current examples serve as models for wider adoption amongst the public?

A: There has been a huge shift in perceptions of shopping over the past ten years or so. It can be seen in the way that every company now presents its environmental credentials, to show how it’s encouraging good consuming (recycling) or good production practice, from farming practices to the sourcing of materials to employee working conditions. That’s a sign of how norms have shifted. The other side of this is that everyone – we are all consumers – is much more aware of these issues.

 

Q: Many people today derive satisfaction from cultivating relationships with certain brands that ‘define’ their personhood. In this sense, can consumption be empowering to the individual? And, if so, should consumption be empowering?

A: This is another vast topic. Instead of empowering, it can just as much be said that brand loyalty is infantilising, encouraging us to troop along faithfully as the supporters of this brand rather than that one. A slogan like ‘The power to lower prices’ (a current Tesco slogan) is manifestly patronising. It’s obviously not customers who have that power!

The question of consumption being empowering or not has an interesting history in terms of gender.

“Back when ‘the consumer’ was imagined as a woman – a housewife – she was the opposite of empowered. She was passive, manipulated, brainwashed  (those were standard words in arguments against advertising in the middle 20th century).”

Then the image shifted, just when men started to be seen as shoppers too. The new consumer was no longer an idiot but a model of rational behaviour, someone with rights and choices. This was the ‘rational’ consumer, weighing the options and calculating the best option: the reader of Which?  magazine, say, or the user of comparison websites.

 

Q: How can consumers be encouraged to take more responsibility for their shopping habits in terms of sustainability and supporting local businesses? What educational or incentive programs could be effective?

A: By learning about the history! Which can be done in all sorts of ways. Reading about it.  And also talking to people with different experiences (different generations, especially). Everyone has theories about, and knowledge of, the history of shopping, because we all shop (or avoid shopping): we can’t not have a relationship to it.

 

Thank you to Rachel for taking the time to answer our questions. Rachel was interviewed by Isabella Parkes on behalf of Manchester Lit & Phil.

Professor Rachel Bowlby will be a guest panellist at the We Think Big talk, ‘We’re Still Shopping?!’, at the We Invented the Weekend festival, on Saturday 15 June 2024. Visit the festival’s website for more information.

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