A city bursting with life, creativity, and architecture. As an addition to the 530,000 population, my main encounter was to investigate this incredible city, exploring different locations around the city drawing and researching the places i visited. The brief of our first project being ‘to find bearings both in terms of orientation and understanding Manchester as a whole’.
Discovering locations, interiors and buildings of architectural, historical an cultural interest and drawing elements, details that inspired me. When visiting these places i was able to capture sections which interested me in terms of both interior and exterior. Manchester Central Library, Royal exchange, Town Hall, John Rylans library, Barton Arcade; are the places i visited during my exploration around Manchester.
An engaging trip around these buildings was delivered by Phil Griffin, an architectural critic and journalist, who provided an insight into the different locations in Manchester centre. From this I then gained an understanding about these significant buildings in Manchester.
Not only taking in information from our tour guide but I was able to capture certain aspects of the exterior/interior that inspired me, knowing I would later transfer onto paper, creating sketches of these signifiacant samples of what Manchester holds. By taking pictures i thought it would be an easier task than trying to draw quickly in an expressive way in a limited amount of time, therefore i have been able to create more detailed and careful sketches which still show an aspect of expression, which are shown below. However one aspect i do still wish to push is for me to draw with detail in a limited amount of time as a live sketch. However this is something know will take me a long time to move forward with as i like to take time with my drawings making them have my own twist on them.
We initially started our architectural walk at central library where we met in the foyer of St Peter’s Square, a large open space with secluded by fascinating architecture. Primarily we entered through the link building which i was immediately attracted; holding a modern structure curving between the historical exteriors of Central Library and The Town Hall. I had admiration towards the building due to the contrast of the modern contemporary glass structure in comparison to historical brick buildings either side. This link building gave me a kick start of energy as to endeavour into Manchester’s architecture. We then followed through into Central Library itself. Initially coming across the modern renovation i was a little taken back as i expected a historic interior to be held in the interior. Reports emerged in 2008 that the Central Library needed essential renovation to repair and modernise its facilities.
The library faced asbestos problems and needed work to maintain its ‘structural integrity’ The Central Library closed from 2010 to 2014 for refurbishment and expansion. However a historical interior was most defiantly delivered in the Reading Room. I was in ore of the historical elements held within the space. Long reading tables, main feature clock, followed by a dome celling with a large circular window, which provided an incredible natural source of light. Our trip was predominantly linked to a brief provided, being to choose a space of architectural/interior preference and using visuals change into something new for example a town hall into a shopping centre. With this in mind when visiting central library i was processing different ideas when admiring this location. From this admiration i was able to take pictures and later sketch.
My process of drawing usually consisting of rough sketching with a 4H to create the main outlines and features of the image. Then using watercolours to provide character and colour creating a more realistic sketch. Then going in with a thin black felt tip pen to bring depth back into an earthy washed out image providing a finish touch of structure to my drawing.
Completion of a very interesting and eye opening trip allowed me to begin what will be 3 amazing years of discoveries around Manchester.
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