Andy Marshall captures Middleton's heritage on film

St Leonard's Church in Middleton

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Andy Marshall, a Middleton born architectural photographer, has created a film, Middleton Symphonia, to capture his home town and encourage people to see it in a way it’s never been seen before.

Andy, who has worked all over the world and picked up three industry awards and has also been named one of the most influential commentators on the built environment, said: “I remember growing up in Middleton seeing the mills and factories and the old churches were the antithesis of this urban landscape.

"I travel a lot for work and the more I see, the more it reminds me of what a special little place Middleton is. The character and quality of the buildings is really significant and I wanted to convey that. I wanted to show the beauty of the area through timelapse and I’ve showed the more horrible histories side with the inclusion of the gargoyles in the old Hopwood old Hall to appeal to a younger audience.

"The film really tells a story because we show Hopwood Old Hall in a state of decay and then the restoration of the Sam Bamford monument which is brought back to its former glory.”

Andy captured the heritage buildings in the town, including the Medieval St Leonard’s Church, Long Street Methodist Church, Grade II listed by Middleton architect Edgar Wood (1860-1935) and the old Hopwood Hall.

Modern day buildings which will form part of Middleton’s heritage in years to come are also featured - Middleton Arena, the Hopwood Hall Chapel and All Saints and Martyrs Church.

The film was made as part of the Edgar Wood and Middleton Townscape Heritage Initiative.