Afflecks, the Northern Quarter’s iconic shopping emporium, has unveiled a commemorative ‘Afflecks 40’ book and exhibition featuring a series of portraits by acclaimed photographer, Paul Wolfgang Webster to celebrate the destination’s incredible heritage and legacy as a cultural institution.
The stunning book captures 40 portraits of 40 people who feel that Afflecks has been a significant part of their own story. The collection features an eclectic mix of traders past and present as well as customers, fans, businesses, and celebrities including Guy Garvey, Lemn Sissay, Peter Hook, Mike Joyce, Wayne Hemmingway and Sophie Willan. Each hasshared their personal affiliations with the iconic venue resulting in a remarkable story of this world-famous destination.
Established in 1982, Afflecks is one of the city’s longest standing retail experiences, and a bastion of Manchester’s famous independent and creative spirit. With over 55 independent traders spread over three floors – from tattoo artists to fashion boutiques – it is a hive of creativity and a safe space for independent entrepreneurs, artists and makers to start out, experiment and grow.
Edited by Manchester tour guide, writer and broadcaster, Jonathan Schofield, the book also examines the rich cultural history of Afflecks with a fascinating introduction to the landmark and its colourful heritage. The project was commissioned by Bruntwood, the owners and operators of Afflecks. The book was designed by Bruntwood’s lead graphic designer Richard Shallacker.
Acclaimed photographer Wolfgang Webster – who has permanent portraits in London’s National Portrait Gallery and has photographed some of the city’s most famous faces – has helped create a beautiful hardback book, sustainably printed and published by Manchester Books. The portraits can also be seen as part of a free exhibition taking over an area of the third floor on public display until 25th November 2022.
“The cultural significance of Afflecks cannot be overstated. It is the beating heart of the Northern Quarter, and where it all began,” says AJ Martyn, General Manager at Afflecks. “It has always been a safe space for creativity – encouraging the individuality that our city is known for. This inclusive, free spirited atmosphere allows amazing things to happen and the Afflecks 40 project tells just a few of those stories. It’s really a love letter to one of the city’s most beloved places, penned by the people of Manchester. We can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Paul Wolfgang Webster added: “This was a once in a lifetime chance to record, with my photographs, some of the people, among thousands of others, who have been part of the Afflecks story across 40 years. It was a milestone in my career. With the people in these pictures, on these pages, I have laughed, cried and been totally blown away. They brought back so many memories of my youth. Afflecks was, and always will be, part of Manchester’s diverse and colourful history, the beating heart of the city.”
The Afflecks book is now on Sale at Afflecks, online at afflecks.com, and at Waterstones in Manchester City Centre. RRP £30.
