New photography exhibition celebrates the people of Stockport Underbanks

A photographic snapshot depicting some of the many characters of Stockport’s historic Underbanks area, is coming to the White Lion on Great Underbanks.

The exhibition will showcase the work of photographer Mark Fairhurst who has an interesting career spanning four decades and has photographed everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Blur.

Mark initially approached the Rediscovering the Underbanks team about documenting the people who visit the area and retailers in the same style as revered American photographer Richard Avedon. His work photographed people against a pure white backdrop which made the viewer concentrate on their faces.

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, and I look forward to visiting when it opens.

“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.”

Mark Fairhurst said:” Life has been particularly hard for many people, especially after Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. 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."

The exhibition will open to the public on Friday, 9th August, featuring 50 photographs across two installations. The Grade-II listed White Lion has been brought back to life as part of the work to regenerate the area and is now home to apartments on the upper floors and a pub on the ground level, after being empty for many years. Mark Fairhurst’s exhibition can be seen on the lower ground in the ‘Lion’s Den’.

Rediscovering the Underbanks is an exciting Townscape Heritage project that aims to bring buildings back into life and reconnect people with the area by raising awareness of its unique heritage. The project is led by Stockport Council, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and supported by a number of partners and community groups.