Manchester x Derry

Manchester, the focus of this print, is without a doubt one of the most fascinating cities in the UK. It's history is so long and often hilarious (look up how it got its name) that you'd think the place is made up. Known industrial revolution, art, football, science and of course music. 

In this print we've tried to capture the essence of Manchester's legendary music scene, proudly displaying two of its most iconic venues. 

From Left to Right, we have Albert Hall, a neo-Gothic masterpiece that has hosted legendary acts like Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones in its early days, and more recently, Adele and Arctic Monkeys.

Alongside it sits The Haçienda, the pulsing epicenter of the "Madchester" era. This former warehouse turned nightclub birthed the acid house movement and launched the careers of New Order, The Stone Roses, and Happy Mondays. Its industrial aesthetics are captured in stark contrast to Albert Hall's ornate design, symbolizing the diversity of Manchester's musical evolution.

This print also features the beautiful Castlefield canal opened in 1765, and Castlefield Congregational Chapel, converted to a sound recording studio in the 1980s, and was where Rick Astley recorded "Never Gonna Give You Up"

These icons of the Manchester Music Scene are complimented by the slightly younger but in no way less beautiful, Burj Al Arab, and Beetham Tower, a landmark that has made its own unique contribution to the music scene, with the building's eerie wailing featuring on Paramore's song ‘Idle Worship’. 

Celebrating Manchester's strong connection with Ireland we also include Derry, the first planned city in Ireland and is often referred to as the walled city, built to withstand attacks from enemies and constructed as a fortress.

Moving on to slightly more modern times in this beautiful city, Derry became home to the impressive Guildhall featured here in this artwork. This building has a rich 130 year history having been severely damaged twice in fires and bombings. This print also features The Peace Bridge which passes over the river Foyle connecting Ebrington Square with the rest of the city centre. It’s a stunning piece of architecture and has one several awards in engineering with 4.5 kilometres of electric cable laid on the bridge- enough to go around the city walls three times.

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