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For many years I have been seeking out strange and hidden parts of modern cities. I love that there are so many buildings we walk past without giving them a second thought. But more often than not, behind those dusty old windows and bolted doors is a portal to another world and another time.
Recently I was lucky enough to fall down the rabbit hole into one of Manchester's best kept architectural secrets - The Albert Hall on Peter Street – and the latest venture by Trof who are aiming to open its doors again in 2013.
Built in 1910 it used to be the home of Manchester and Salford Wesleyan Mission, a beacon of temperance amidst the nine theatres and music-halls in the area.
The vast 2,000-seater venue on the first floor (pictured above) is one of a series of photographs which you can see as a full picture-story on Hayley Flynn’s Skyliner Blog and in their own full high-resolution glory on my site.
Big thanks go out to Manchester Wire and Trof for arranging access to this beautiful building and my Secret Cities collaborator Andy Brydon from Curated Place who accompanied us on the trip.
As a parting shot here's a favourite picture taken last year from another secret side of Manchester - the mighty Hulme Hippodrome - in all its crumbling glory.
Can't wait to see what new life the folks currently working on it will bring to this fascinating old building.
All the best for the month ahead, wrap up warm, Andrew.
Check out the prints in the shop from this shoot plus much more.
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