Karen is an Interiors & Culture blogger on a mission to banish Manchester’s grey and rainy reputation and show it off as a cultural powerhouse in technicolour. Karen loves hunting down those little glimmers of bold, punchy design around the city, documenting them on her site, Well I Guess This Is Growing Up, and as of 2018 showcasing them through a colour-inspired walking tour as part of Manchester’s Airbnb Experiences launch. You can find her on Instagram, or wandering around the city, camera in hand.
Below are some of my favourite places to celebrate pops of colour around the city:
The River Irwell
(adjacent to Cornbrook/Pomona metrolink) - To some, it’s a bit dark and dingy, but to others it’s a haven of graffiti artists celebrating their talent. This mile-or-so stretch of canal-adjacent wall art is a beautiful juxtaposition of urban commuting and luxury living. High-rise buildings tower over the gritty primary colours and I particularly love this spot at the end of the day. Stand on the green bridge by St. George’s court for an edgy sunset. (Fun fact, it’s one of my toddler’s favourite places to learn colours.)
HomeMCR
Culture-vultures will be all too familiar with this venue, revelling in some of the latest and greatest art performances. Colour-hunters however are already a fan of THE orange wall, as well as the fabulous yellow car park exterior. Opened in 2015, designers were asked that the area was constructed with sustainability in mind, and as a result, glass has been used to try and retain heat and boost lighting - all done with a healthy dose of colour for positive vibes.
Arthur House, Chorlton Street
On the face of it, there’s not loads here that the average tourist may find worthy of a photograph but look up and you’ll see how wrong that is. Look towards Arthur House, built in the 60s and now home to many an office. On the building exterior are 3 blue stickmen sculptures, all climbing their way to the top.
Great Ancoats Street
As the main road which separates the Northern Quarter, Ancoats and New Islington, it’s no surprise that this stretch often gets overlooked as just another soulless highway. But, take the time to look at the bones of this street and you’ll see that a lot of effort has been made to inject some personality. My favourite little gem is the green and blue tile mix outside of City Aparthotel – perfect for a bright portrait shot!
17 Below
If someone asks me where I want to go for a drink, it’s always 17 Below. As an absolute 80s fiend, this dark underground synth-spectacular of a bar, not only does a brilliant Old Fashioned cocktail but is awash with retro arcade games and neon to make your heart go boom.
Oldham Street, Northern Quarter
From the emerald green of Victorian tiles at Gullivers pub, to Retro Rehab in a wash of teal, and who could forget the 22 Bees mural in honour of the victims from the 2017 Manchester attack over on the side of the Koffee Pot? Oldham Street is full of stories of colour. But if you look up at number 87, you’ll see my favourite part of this street where “Henry Jacobs” is proudly remembered above the place he once lived through flecks of peeling yellow window paint – discovered as the building was lovingly restored. A peek into history which I’m happy still remains.
Stephenson Square
Run by Out House Manchester, a project devoted to art in public spaces, this community effort showcases painted murals from emerging artists across numerous brick blocks and walls. Whilst Stephenson Square is now notorious for these colourful facades and needs no introduction to locals, I still love this space due to its continued evolution - updating the art, typically every 3 months. It gives each masterpiece a rarity that makes me want to photograph each one as though it’s a rare part of a collection to be cherished. For a full view of everything on display, wander through on a Sunday morning when the shutters are down on the stores, and the colours can really shine.
Royal Exchange Theatre
It’s easy to think that this beautiful building nestled within St. Anne’s Square is just for seeing a show, but if you haven’t yet wandered though, I urge you to pop in for a drink at the very least. Look up as you sip and you’ll find domed ceilings, layers of jewel-toned glass, and words lit in neon. On a sunny day, this combo makes the most beautifully colourful streams of light against the pink/green perfection on the surrounding walls.
Owen Street Towers
Although not finished at the time of writing, Owen Street, soon to be called Deansgate Square, is getting its very own posse of skyscrapers. Like any major city, we learn to love our towering structures but look to the newest addition that sits beside the Metrolink at Deansgate-Castlefield, and you’ll notice the greeny-grey panelling turns pink as you change angle. I adore a conscious use of colour in construction.
And they’re some of my favourites! Tag me on Instagram if you see any more. I’ve started tagging my finds with #ManchesterInTechnicolour and I’d love you to do the same!