The Modernist Society recently unveiled their newest exhibition, a ‘View Through a Hole’, bringing a piece of Stockport history to the heart of the Manchester.
The exhibition is a collaboration with artist Alison Waters. Alison’s collection of hand-built ceramics is inspired by the modernist architecture of Alan Boyson and its influence in her hometown of Stockport.
‘View Through a Hole’ seeks to celebrate the works of Boyson, whose car park screen, figured with its modernist shapes, remains a familiar feature for people in Stockport.
The Merseyway car park with its towering, pierced structure is possibly underappreciated by many. In the heart of the town centre, the modernist work has remained a constant throughout periods of immense social change and adversity.
Boyson, who sadly passed in 2018, left behind a legacy of public works throughout England. Chiefly as a famed muralist and sculptor, many of his works including Hull’s ‘Three Ships’ mosaic and ‘The Tree of Knowledge’ mural in Salford have received statutory protections to stand the test of time.
Co-founder of the Modernist Society, Jack Hale, says: “We’re incredibly pleased to help unveil Alison’s work. Her hand-built ceramics allow us to peer into the looking glass of our local history in Greater Manchester.
“This collection, through its diverse capture of shapes and materials truly expresses what Boyson’s screen has stood witness to in Stockport for many years.”
Beyond a tribute to Boyson’s work, the exhibition is a whole–hearted love letter to Waters’ hometown of Stockport where modernist and industrial architectural styles have stood side by side since World War Two.
Along with every town in England post-war, the area was tasked with drawing up a mammoth plan for reconstruction. Albeit, these dreams were never fully realised, it gifted the town the visually captivating architectural mismatch it has today.
Partnering with her nephew and photographer Dylan Barker in this celebration of Boyson’s work, Alison says: “I became fascinated with this slice of urban landscape visible through the holes of Boyson’s screen.
“It was like looking onto a miniature landscape – a snapshot of the town’s architectural heritage, with Victorian, brutalist, and contemporary buildings all contained within a modernist shape.”
‘View Through a Hole’ is open to public view at The Modernist (58 Port Street, M1 2EQ) from the 10th January 2025 until 1st March 2025. For more information see The Modernist Society website here.
