David Chadwick’s incredible photographs document the first residents of Hulme Crescents, then the largest public housing development in Europe.

Chadwick arrived in Manchester in 1972 to study photography at Manchester Polytechnic’s School of Art. During his final year, he began documenting Hulme and continued to do so for the following two years. During this period, the old two-up-two-down terraces were demolished to make way for the new Hulme, consisting of brutalist crescents and high-rise walkways.

The Hulme Crescents faced various challenges over the years, including social issues and concerns related to the safety of the walkways and the quality of the housing. Ultimately, due to issues such as crime and poor living conditions, the decision to demolish the Crescents was made in the 1990s as part of broader urban regeneration efforts in the area. The demolition marked the end of an era and sparked discussions about the efficacy and impact of certain approaches to public housing and urban planning.

This is the second of two galleries showcasing Chadwick’s work that documents the Hulme community as they settled into their new surroundings. The link to the first gallery, showcasing David’s images of Hulme, is at the bottom of the page.