A remarkable collection of artworks that shine a light on the city’s grand edifices, quirky nooks, hidden quarters and modern architecture with equal affection and pride.

From cotton mills – for this city was once the centre of textile manufacture – to classical composers and the successful careers of the Gallagher brothers, this is a city with a rich and diverse history. It’s university, where Ernest Rutherford first split the atom in 1917, and established at the birth of modernity as we know it, features many 19th-century buildings and since 2004 been the largest single-site university in the UK – hosting both the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.

In their work, over 50 local artists portray the Gothic grandeur of Manchester cathedral, it’s many and varied railway stations, and the breathtaking architecture of the Royal Exchange Theatre, the city’s former cotton exchange.

This book is a tribute to Manchester, a city famous for its creative and commercial exports, whose extensive canal network and dense urban landscape helped solidify its position as the world's first industrial city. The Manchester Art Book offers a new perspective on the city, through the eyes of the local artists it continues to inspire.

Having lived in Manchester in my formative years – I longed for those days when it wasn’t raining! And you could look up and take in the architecture and beauty of this great city. It’s a real trip down memory lane seeing some of that beauty captured in this wonderful art. -- Mathew Horne, Actor (Gavin and Stacey, The Catherine Tate Show)
The sheer variety of styles, media and approaches illustrated is positively inspiring, both to consider a visit, but also to get the materials out. * The Artist *
Wonderful images that capture the industrial heart yet the vibrant soul of our beloved Manchester. -- Simon Gregson, Actor (Coronation Street)
The latest in The City Through the Eyes of its Artists series of books takes us on a tour of the streets of Manchester via vibrant artwork reaching back to the city's rich industrial heritage and bringing us up to date with the modern scene...This is a real treat for city visitors. * Best of British Magazine *
This wonderful book is a celebration of everything Manchester stands for in the arts – our unique talent, culture, vibrancy and representation. -- Shobna Gulati, Actor (Coronation Street, Dinner Ladies)
As an affectionate guide and souvenir, this volume is pretty much pitch perfect ... * Artbookreview.net *
Just as Manchester does things differently, so does this book. It captures the character & uniqueness of Manchester through a variety of eyes. -- Cel Spellman, Actor and broadcaster (Cold Feet, CBBC)
I love these wonderfully bold images of my home city, Manchester. They evoke both its towering industrial past and its vibrant, creative present. -- Paula Wilcox, Actor (The Liver Birds, Emmerdale, Coronation Street)

Emma Bennett is the editor of the city art book series. She is a collage artist, creating vibrant intricate hand-cut collage pictures using minute details. Her fascination with design and recycling leads to beautiful collages, as in the cover of this lovely book.