Born and bred within 4 miles of Piccadilly, I am an architect specialising in the conservation and re-use of historic buildings. For 40 years I have been campaigning against the unnecessary mutilation or demolition of historic buildings (and am a great fan of excellent modern buildings). I am fascinated by all aspects of history (especially social, local, technological, architectural and maritime) which teach us what it is to be human.
A few lines about the history of your subject:
Fifty years ago there was almost nothing published about the architecture of Manchester, which one prominent commentator described as ‘irredeemably ugly’. The historic built environment tells us much about the social, cultural and technological development of a place and its citizens. Manchester has a long and notable history in which spans the misery of urban poverty and exploitation, the striving for emancipation and equity, the improvement of individual well-being and the application of technology to increase material plenty. So much has been achieved and so much remains to be achieved.
Anything else you may want to say:
Reading the historic environment, both here and elsewhere, is a very enjoyable pursuit.
