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InspirationPhotography

The changing face of Manchester: Documenting what's left behind

In the three or fours years I've lived in Manchester, I've been astounded at the pace of growth and change happening all around the city. This is certainly a metropolis on the rise. But as things transform for the better, one local resident – film photographer Josef Szotten – is documenting the decay and emptiness that is sometimes left behind with a series of beautiful black and white photography.

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Mechanical digger demolishing a multi-storey building in black and white, with dust billowing from the structure as it's torn down

Originally from Sweden but based in Manchester, Szotten explains: "The landmark that was once the BBC building on Oxford road is mercilessly demolished only to leave behind what is now an empty parking lot. Buildings are either torn down or left vacant while their replacements shoot up somewhere completely different. Huge areas that were once the centre of industry like Ancoats are left to decay and gorgeous old textile factories are left empty. It’s a sort of decrepit still beautiful ghost scenery - a side of Manchester that you don’t normally see."

Discover more of his beautiful work at Josefszotten.com.

Via direct submission

Derelict brick building with boarded-up windows and faded vertical signage against a cloudy sky
Wet Manchester street with bicycle locked to a metal rack, reflections visible on the rain-soaked pavement
Black and white photograph of a crowded independent bookshop interior with shelves stacked with books and two customers browsing
Abandoned car interior viewed through a wire mesh fence, filled with scattered debris and deteriorating materials in black and white
Weathered concrete wall with rectangular doorway, scattered debris on ground, small weeds growing at base, and "Parking" sign visible above
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