During this afternoon, which was absolutely baltic, on a walk around the Northern Quarter led by Peter Griffin, I was transfixed by the varying artistic features this area of Manchester has to offer. We met in Stevenson Square, which no matter how derelict (how I felt when seeing it) it appears, it can't be denied that this district was full of creative history and capabilities available to upcoming and aspiring artists and designers from past creatives.
After being lectured a brief history about Stevenson Square; we transported ourselves around the corner to Oldham St towards the Quarter's 'DRY' bar. 'DRY' bar is known for having low-key, low-budget, and low-known bands perform as their first gig which would be their starting point at stardom. What was notable about this street itself was the numerous pavement slabs which celebrated the musical successes with references to which Manchester has catapulted into today's world throughout the years.
Ignore the cigarette ends.
Pretty birdies on the side of a building. Seeing this made me very happy as it was a different approach to expanding on architecture. I also found this to be the best idea seen in the Northern Quarter, as I liked how it appeared to be a sculptural approach to graffiti art. Perhaps this could be the first idea I'd like to expand on in the development of Unit X? Some possible inspiration!
Another interesting feature in regard to the Northern Quarter as a whole is the street name signs, which I believely intricately seperates this area from typical 'Manchester' but maybe this could be seen as the typical 'Manchester' culture from the past. They were designed utilising blue and white tiling as a trial but have since fought against nature to stand as a recongisable feature of the Northern Quarter.
My favourite place in Manchester has always been Afflecks Palace, and even though I may have slightly caught frostbite during the walk, I seem to stop and admire the building itself. Having being introduced to Afflecks Palace 5 years ago when I was only 14, I have always loved that this building had provided a place where an 'alternative' culture could blossom. This building being the closest, housing clothing, posters, confectionary and even a piercing/tatooist, for me in this nature (I live a lovely 80 miles away in sunny North Wales), I appeared to have continously seen this building as my focal point and possibly even purpose for my numerous visits to Manchester before I came to study at the Manchester School of Art.
With numerous influences spanning from diversity of music, film and art, this cultured building, I felt had helped create a new generation which has soon developed into today's trend in fashion, interior tastes and creative design. In addition, I feel that Afflecks Palace was a beacon of a community for those with the similar yet unique interests that it holds, which brought people together and maybe, this could be an aim to fulfill in Unit X.