IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Leftbank, MANCHESTER, M3 3AD

Originally part of a hydraulic power station, now incorporated into the People's History Museum. Grade II Listed Building - see https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1254724 See Image & Image for external views and further information.

One of 3 built c 1908 as part of system for supplying hydraulic power to lifts and hoists of commercial warehouses in city centre; continued in use until 1972. It is Grade II listed.

River Irwell looking NE towards the New Bailey Street Bridge.

Located outside the "indian street kitchen" in Spinningfields this Bee was created by Kim Thompson http://www.kimthompsonartist.com/mainhome.html and sponsored by DWF LLP. "This Bee, made of an endless galaxy and stars, is a tribute to Manchester as a city at the forefront of scientific discovery. Be it computing, astrophysics, engineering or the discovery of entirely new materials, Manchester proves that (much like for the bee) determination, drive and hard work count for more than physical size in the achievement of seemingly impossible things."

The red-brick building at the centre of the photograph is “The Pump House” situated in Bridge Street on the banks of the River Irwell. It is now the only surviving Edwardian pumping station in the city and is surrounded by modern buildings. The pump house opened in 1909 and was the third and last station of the hydraulic pumping network in Manchester. The other two stations were situated on Whitworth Street and Pott Street. The station used to supply power to the mills and warehouses that dominated the city at the beginning of the 20th century. Legend has it that staff at the Pump House kept fish and swam in the large water tanks on the roof of the building. In 1972 the station closed when hydraulic power was superseded by electricity. It is designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building. Since 1994, the pump house has been the home of the People's History Museum. The modern extension to the left of the pump house is also part of the museum.

Doves of Peace designed by Michael Lyons in 1986 to commemorate Manchester as the World's 1st nuclear free city. The People's History Museum is the "rusty" building in the background.

The Manchester Argonaut is a new artwork by artist Jason Wilsher-Mills. The sculpture is designed to be a positive and authentic depiction of disability, reflecting personal stories and experiences, many of which, Jason encountered throughout lockdown. The work sends a positive message about disability and the rights of disabled people. Created especially for display at People’s History Museum as part of an exhibit highlighting the struggle for the rights of disabled rights people, the Manchester Argonaut’s colourfully decorated surface references the rich history and culture of Manchester and took its starting point from the city’s music. Appearing bright and humorous, this highly-imaginative piece is also a ‘Protest Song’ that creatively carries many messages of its own.

The Manchester Argonaut is a new artwork by artist Jason Wilsher-Mills. The sculpture is designed to be a positive and authentic depiction of disability, reflecting personal stories and experiences, many of which, Jason encountered throughout lockdown. The work sends a positive message about disability and the rights of disabled people. Created especially for display at People’s History Museum as part of an exhibit highlighting the struggle for the rights of disabled rights people, the Manchester Argonaut’s colourfully decorated surface references the rich history and culture of Manchester and took its starting point from the city’s music. Appearing bright and humorous, this highly-imaginative piece is also a ‘Protest Song’ that creatively carries many messages of its own.

Looking downstream from Albert Bridge. The building on the left is the People’s History Museum (PHM). The PHM in Manchester is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future. The museum offers a programme with annual themes; 2018 looked at representation and commemorated 100 years since the first women and all men got the vote; 2019 involves a year of activities around protest movements to mark the bicentenary of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester. As part of the 2019 Peterloo commemorations, the PHM commissioned a large mural which can be seen on the wall of the former pump-house. (For a closer look, and more detail, see Image]).