Greater Manchester has been seen through countless lenses over the years – its skyline, football clubs, and industrial heritage forming a familiar visual shorthand for the city-region. But a new creative project aims to go deeper, celebrating all ten of Manchester’s boroughs in unexpected ways.
Manchester-based photographer Steve Longbottom was commissioned by creative agency Sergeant Walnuts to capture a fresh perspective on the region as part of a brand project. Over six months, Longbottom travelled across the ten boroughs – from Stockport to Wigan, Trafford to Rochdale – creating a striking bank of images that sought to avoid clichés in favour of textures, colours, and glimpses that only locals might recognise.
“I was intrigued by the brief – to find an alternative perspective on Manchester and take photographs that don’t necessarily let the viewer instantly recognise the location,” said Longbottom. “There’s a playful element to the work. A challenge to see who really knows Manchester.”
Rather than focusing on well-trodden landmarks, Longbottom sought out hidden details and overlooked corners, often using unusual angles and tight crops to obscure context and invite closer inspection. He spoke to locals in each borough as he explored, following their tips to uncover less obvious stories and viewpoints.
The project formed part of Sergeant Walnuts’ rebrand of Manchester Building Society, with the creative concept rooted in the diversity and character of the ten boroughs.
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On working with Steve, Richard Attwater (MD and co-founder of Sergeant Walnuts) said: “The relaunch, and rebrand, for Manchester Building Society centred around the idea that they’re here for the entirety of Greater Manchester. They want to work with, and support, communities from all of the 10 boroughs – all of which are important and have their own rich histories. Our brand identity ensured that everyone feels represented and considered, and we wanted that to shine through in the bank of brand photography we commissioned. Steve showed an immediate understanding of the brief, and captured a truly unique perspective of Greater Manchester that demonstrates the brand’s commitment to, and understanding of, the area.”
The final collection of hundreds of photographs presents a rich and colourful vision of Greater Manchester. Steve has observed a unique vision, with photographs that show how history and modernity sit side-by-side. Striking colours and stunning patterns found in every corner. The photographs present a Manchester that truly feels vibrant and lived-in. An authentic representation of the richness and diversity of the region that helps set Manchester Building Society apart from its peers.
