Greater Mancunians: An ongoing photography project by local students of some of Manchester's icons

When Harry Yeates photographed and interviewed John Cooper Clarke as part of his final year project at The Manchester College in 2018, one of his tutors decided to turn it into an ongoing project for all of their students.

Dr Erinma Bell MBE – peace activist

Dr Erinma Bell MBE – peace activist

Called Greater Mancunians, Harry Potts wanted to give them the chance to photograph those people born, bred, or who have made their home Manchester and who have in some way culturally shaped the city and its surrounding boroughs.

He and the students invite musicians, sportsmen and women, entertainers, entrepreneurs, politicians, actors, comedians, artists and community champions to be photographed in a poignant or significant location of their choosing. And then share the portraits on a dedicated blog.

After two years in the making, the project now has 60 students on-board and a growing number of high profile Mancunians already featured, including Tate Director Maria Balshaw, comedian Jason Manford, peace activist Dr Erinma MBE, Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays, street artist Qubek, artist and illustrator Stanley Chow, Christine Cort – Manchester International Festival MD and co-founder, local mayor Andy Burnham, and graphic designer and art director, Peter Saville.

With the recent backing of Manchester City Council, Greater Mancunians has some big plans for 2020, including a publication and summer exhibition in the city. Watch this space!

Johnny Marr – musician (ex The Smiths)

Johnny Marr – musician (ex The Smiths)

Shaun Ryder – Happy Mondays

Shaun Ryder – Happy Mondays

Akse P19 – street artist

Akse P19 – street artist

Lamin Manneh –  British soldier

Lamin Manneh – British soldier

Helen Pankhurst – international development & women’s rights activist

Helen Pankhurst – international development & women’s rights activist

Terry Christian – broadcaster, journalist & author

Terry Christian – broadcaster, journalist & author

Tierney Heap - Royal Ballet

Tierney Heap - Royal Ballet

Maria Balshaw – Tate Director

Maria Balshaw – Tate Director

Stanley Chow – artist and illustrator

Stanley Chow – artist and illustrator

Mark Chapman – sports presenter

Mark Chapman – sports presenter

Peter Saville – graphic designer & art director

Peter Saville – graphic designer & art director

John Cooper Clarke - performance poet

John Cooper Clarke - performance poet

Brian Kidd – ex-Man United & Man City footballer and coach

Brian Kidd – ex-Man United & Man City footballer and coach

Ricky Hatton – boxer

Ricky Hatton – boxer

Lemn Sissay MBE – poet & broadcaster

Lemn Sissay MBE – poet & broadcaster

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