Al Baker | Hulme, Manchester 1990s-2000s.

Al Baker photographed his surroundings as a resident of Hulme, Manchester from the early 1990s. He documented life in the inner city district that had been left to decline by the city council. It was a diverse community, not without trouble and crime – however it was also a haven for squatters, punks and creatives who took advantage of cheap (free) accommodation and a community that embraced a free party spirit. Al captured the last days of the brutalist crescents and high rise walkways as they were eventually demolished to make way for modern housing. 

Aside from his images of Hulme, Al has documented Manchester’s underground music scene for many years. You can see a selection of his archive on his website and Facebook page.