Noel Gallagher returns to the place he penned Oasis classics for photography exhibition

Noel Gallagher is now part of the prestigious ‘Greater Mancunians’ project, a groundbreaking initiative led by students from Manchester College.

During his recent visit to Manchester, Gallagher, who was gearing up for a performance at Liverpool Arena, participated in the project by posing for a photograph outside India House on Whitworth Street.

The image was captured by Katie O’Neill, one of the talented photographers contributing to the initiative.

Definitely Maybe and What’s the Story Morning Glory

Notably, India House holds sentimental value for Gallagher, being the place where he wrote the songs for the first two Oasis albums, ‘Definitely Maybe’ and ‘What’s the Story, Morning Glory.’

Noel explained: “India House is literally ground zero in the story of my musical life! I moved into a flat there with my then-girlfriend in 1989, broke and bored. By the time I left in 1993 I’d joined my little brother’s band and had written Live Forever and Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.”

The Greater Mancunians project aims to encapsulate the essence of individuals born, raised, or significantly contributing to Greater Manchester, highlighting their impact on the city and its surroundings.

The work will be showcased in a forthcoming book and a major exhibition scheduled between Friday, April 19th, and Sunday, April 30th, 2024, at the iconic Manchester Central Library.

In the making for seven years, this ambitious project has involved over 150 young visual artists and 120 Greater Mancunian contributors, ranging from celebrities to everyday heroes, each with unique stories and remarkable achievements.

The Incredible Talent in Manchester

The initiative celebrates the rich tapestry of the Mancunian spirit, emphasising the diverse talent that has shaped the region for the greater good.

As part of the project, various figures from the realms of music, sports, entertainment, entrepreneurship, politics, acting, comedy, art, poetry, academia, and community service have been photographed at locations of personal significance within the Greater Manchester area.

Photography at Manchester College

Head of Photography at Manchester College, Harry Potts, coordinates the project, guiding students through the photography process and imparting essential employability and work experience skills crucial for entering the creative industries.

He said: “The project started in 2016 when student Harry Yeates wanted to photograph legendary poet John Cooper Clarke for his final major project.

“The photo was taken under Blackfriars Bridge, connecting Salford to Manchester, next to his life-sized stencil by the artist Stewy.

“We repeated this collaborative formula with a handful of other notable Mancunians and slowly a project was organically developing.

“As with John Cooper Clarke, we always ask the contributor to choose the location for the photography.

“This is an integral part of the project as we want the image to have poignancy and context. Professor of Emergency Medicine Tony Redmond chose inside the NHS Nightingale Hospital.

“Actor Bill Roache was photographed on the set of Coronation Street and Noel Gallagher chose India House where he lived during the whole Madchester era and where the story of Oasis began!”

The contributors play a key role in selecting locations for their photography sessions, adding poignancy and context to the images.

Harry Potts and the students regularly collaborate to draw up a wish list of potential contributors, many of whom have been highlighted in recent news stories and current events. They include Andy Burnham, Diane Modahl, Peter Saville, Jason Manford and Johnny Marr and ~ as a fitting end to the project ~ the plan is for instigator Harry Yeates to be invited back to capture the final photograph.

The Greater Mancunians exhibition promises to offer a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Greater Manchester, showcasing seven years’ worth of imagery and stories.

The exhibition, hosted at the heart of the city in Manchester Central Library, aims to seamlessly blend art and popular culture, providing a comprehensive view of the city’s vibrant past and present.

Greater Mancunians captures the essence of those born, bred, or contributing significantly to Greater Manchester, celebrating their impact on the city and its surrounding boroughs.

It is set to leave a lasting legacy with a forthcoming book and a major exhibition taking place between Friday 19^th April – Sunday 30th June 2024 at the iconic Manchester Central Library.