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 (mainly free) accommodation and a community that embraced a free party spirit.

Baker captured the last days of the brutalist crescents and high-rise walkways as they were eventually demolished to make way for modern housing.

Photo © Al Baker.

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.

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