Manchester Pride is on the horizon and to show support The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is launching an exhibition with long standing arts partner British Culture Archive (BCA) called ‘Together As One – A Celebration of Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ Community’. Following the success of ‘A Woman’s Work’, the first instalment by the BCA in the hotel features a collection of photographs by Jon Shard and Peter J Walsh, capturing two iconic moments in Manchester’s vibrant history, displayed for visitors to enjoy on the walls of The Refuge from July 28 onwards.
Photography by Peter J Walsh documents the anti-Clause 28 protest, which was held in Manchester and saw over 20,000 people take to the streets to protest Clause 28 – an attempt to suppress the gay community at a time when it was already struggling to deal with the HIV & AIDS epidemic and the backlash towards the community driven by media. Peter J Walsh, who is more well known for documenting the city’s nightlife during the ‘Madchester’ years is one of the few who documented this important protest that would help change the face of LGBTQIA+ rights in the UK.
Jon Shard’s imagery captures The Haçienda’s hallowed dancefloor club night, Flesh. Launched in October 1991, Flesh was the flamboyant mid-week night at The Haçienda, which welcomed everyone, black, white, gay, straight and was also the home of the clubs’ first female resident DJs, Paulette and Kath McDermott.
Flesh arrived during a turbulent time during the club’s and city’s history. The comedown from the Halycon years of 1988-1990 was in full flow and regular ‘Hac’ nights were losing their appeal due to a number of heavy gang related incidents and laddish clientele putting off the punters. The Haçienda and nights such as Flesh fit into a tradition of creativity and cultural innovation in Manchester, which can be seen throughout the city today.
Throughout the summer, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and The Refuge Bar and Restaurant will be hosting a series of summer activity in celebration of all things Pride. From Sparkle Weekend celebrations, a new exhibition celebrating Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ community in partnership with British Culture Archive, and of course the iconic Come As You Are Weekender – there’s something for everyone.
To find out more about the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel x British Culture Archive ‘Together As One – A Celebration Of Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ Community’ exhibition, visit the website here. The exhibition launches on Thursday 28th July and doors open to the general public from 7pm.