Heritage Decay in My Hometown
A photographic essay & survey by David Matzliach
David Matzliach, Photographer at the Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU), has embarked on a personal photography project resulting in a photographic essay and survey based in Manchester. As a youngster, David enjoyed exploring Philips Park, but now through the lens of archaeology and heritage, the Park holds a different significance.
The paper examines the Georgian and Victorian built heritage of the former Philips family estate in Philips Park, Manchester, United Kingdom. The work juxtaposes photographs taken by David in the present day with archival images from the 19th and 20th centuries to illustrate change and loss over time.
This is followed by a comprehensive photographic survey of the remaining estate buildings and other derelict structures further down in the Irwell Valley, including an aqueduct and viaduct. By doing so, this study aims to document the historical transformations and degradations of such heritage sites and raise awareness about the need for their preservation for future generations.
Philips Park was once home to the late 18th century to mid 20th century Philips family. It contained a family home, which was demolished in 1952 following a decline in its condition when Whitefield and Prestwich Councils were unable to find tenants for it. The family and park have been documented previously, by Ian Pringle in 2009, detailing their history. David wanted to continue this work by producing a 'spiritual successor' in the form of this photographic essay.
Readers of the paper will be exposed to the sharp contrast between archival images of the park and its contents, with the remaining features that survive now through a series of photographs taken by David from 2021-24.
One such example of the juxtaposition of the images in the essay are these of the Quadrangle building. The first taken in 1971 by Ian Pringle and the second taken by David after an arson attack in 2016.
Image Credits: 1971, Ian Pringle and 2022, David Matzliach
Now we see the Conservatory building, the first image taken in the 20th century with its sliding windows intact, contrasting with David's own image taken in 2022.
Image Credits: Early 20th century, Bury Art Museum and 2022, David Matzliach
The once magnificent Garden Temple has changed significantly, losing its statue and flowerbeds.
Image Credits: Early 20th century, Bury Art Museum and 2023, David Matzliach
Published 30 August 2024
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
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