Creeping towards the 25th December and our minds turn towards Christmas Day. We’ve been inspired by an archive piece from TM McGrath and decided to compile artworks that depict Christmas in Manchester.
We don’t always get snow at Christmas in this part of the UK. But when it does snow, the city is transformed – and the people are too. The place is blanketed in a happy silence and children and adults have fun sledging, snowballing and making snowmen while it lasts.
Here are a few snapshots of wintry Manchesters gone by…
TM McGrath – Canal Skater
Here, along one of the canals that run in and around Manchester, glides a rather brave, solitary skater. There’s no one around, so we hope the ice is thick enough all the way through his journey!
Owen Davey – Manchester Christmas, 2014
Owen Davey is an illustrator who works in traditional and digital media. In Manchester Christmas, Davey has evoked the Manchester skyline. You may recognise the Beetham Tower, the Manchester wheel, the town hall and Urbis. The famous Christmas markets are in the foreground, creating a very festive portrait of the first industrial city in its rebirth.
Harold Riley – Manchester Cathedral Winter, 1979
Harold Riley is a Salford-born artist who has been commissioned to paint popes, royalty and world leaders. This scene is done in black and white chalk. It shows the gothic Manchester cathedral on Victoria St loom over people scurrying home from the cold.
LS Lowry – Snow in Manchester, 1946
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Lawrence Stephen Lowry popping up. Snow in Manchester is atmospheric, a snapshot of the city midday in the bleak midwinter.
E Anthony Gorme – Winter’s Gown
You may have noticed the same pub that features in our Appart card collection. Orme depicts Sinclair’s Oyster Bar on a seemingly silent snowy evening. The outside is empty bar two figures. However, the lights and shadows in the windows suggest a heaving pub staying warm.
That’s all for now. Perhaps it will be a white Christmas in Manchester, but then again, perhaps not. Wherever you are in the world, we hope you have a wonderful festive time!