New exhibition celebrating faces of Stockport's Underbanks opens

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

An exhibition celebrating the much-loved characters and faces that make up Stockport's Underbanks has opened. The series of portraits has been snapped by celebrated photographer Mark Fairhurst, who has captured celebrities and historical figures including Queen Elizabeth II and Blur.

The exhibition, which opened at the White Lion on Great Underbank on August 9, aims to showcase the unique history of the area, and the 'stoicism' of those who have helped it keep its place as a hive of cultural activity. READ MORE: "It's my destiny": The Kentucky man who believes he's descended from an historic Manchester family with plans for our oldest building Mark Fairhurst said the Underbanks is 'steeped in history', and that it had been a 'pleasure' to photograph the people who make the area so unique. "Life has been particularly hard for many people, especially after Covid and the cost-of-living crisis," he said. "But the stoicism of the characters photographed is heartwarming.

The Underbanks is an area steeped in history, and history is what photography captures. “It's been a pleasure to have started this project and I will be ever grateful to the Underbanks team and the people that agreed to be part of it." Cllr Colin MacAlister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “This exhibition highlights some of the many characters who visit the area or have established businesses, giving the Underbanks the unique identity it is known for. “The White Lion is looking fantastic after the Council’s and tenants’ investment into this historic building and we have lots more planned for the area, which is gaining national recognition for its great choice of independent shops, restaurants and bars.” The exhibition