the modernist

the modernist exhibitions / events / publishing about 20th century modernism, architecture and design the modernist is...

a magazine - published quarterly since 2011.

"the modernist offers unique perspectives on 20th-century architecture and design. With its pages full of bus stops, B-roads and concrete — you won’t find any swaying fields of wheat here. But don’t be fooled by all the municipal mundanity; warm and endearingly nerdy, this is an unconventional but nonetheless idyllic picture of Britain. In these strange times, there is solace to be found in the qu

iet fanaticism of this magazine." (Stack Magazines)

a shop – not just on-line but in in real life too. Our bricks and mortar shop opened in May 2019 in central Manchester and is the only bookshop in Manchester specialising in architecture and design. Our focus is modernist architecture, graphics, typography, transport, furniture and product design. Alongside the books we have a specially selected range of modernist products from cushions to mugs and from chocolate to shiny spoons. It’s also with our office upstairs, our library, gallery and event space holding regular exhibitions. a publisher – our publishing arm was established in 2011 with the modernist magazine. It has now developed into a small press, publishing limited editions about 20th century architecture and design. All current publications are available. part of the modernist society which we originally founded as The Manchester Modernist Society in 2009 as a creative community, its social wing is its ‘Chapters’ all organising tours, lectures and gatherings. There are currently Chapters in Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Birmingham Leeds and Swansea. The Modernist Society is dedicated to celebrating and engaging people with twentieth century architecture and design, through publishing, events, exhibitions and creative collaborations.

24/12/2024
20/12/2024
Happy Dayz are here again - its time for '12 Arcades', Steve Marland's calendar for 2025. Join him in Funland or take a ...
12/12/2024

Happy Dayz are here again - its time for '12 Arcades', Steve Marland's calendar for 2025. Join him in Funland or take a coach to Magic City! £15.00
https://buff.ly/3Z8JDGj

Be amused and look forward to those sunny seaside dayz! With our calendar for 2025...12 Arcades by photographer and mode...
12/12/2024

Be amused and look forward to those sunny seaside dayz! With our calendar for 2025...12 Arcades by photographer and modern moocher Steve Marland.

Available on-line and from the modernist shop. £15.00.

58 Port Street
Manchester
M1 2EQ

Toastrack, Renold, Forton by .play .. available now at the modernist shop.58 Port Street Manchester M1 2EQ Open Tuesday ...
09/12/2024

Toastrack, Renold, Forton by .play .. available now at the modernist shop.

58 Port Street
Manchester
M1 2EQ

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-5pm.

07/12/2024

the modernist magazine | issue 52 - Nuclear
Available online and in-store now

In this issue we look at both the visual culture that grew up around nuclear energy and some of the epic infrastructure that the harnessing of its energy necessitated.

Infrastructure is represented by beautiful photo essays from Martine Hamilton Knight, who gets inside Nottingham War Rooms, Peter Williams, who looks at nuclear power stations in the landscape, and Nigel Green, who gets deep inside Dungeness power station.

Also, no self-respecting publication on the theme of NUCLEAR could ignore Chernobyl, and Alka Murat takes us around Pripyat, the city that served the neighbouring power plant.

Issue 52 will also be the last edited by Ashiya Eastwood as she is leaving us for pastures new. Since joining us in 2019, she has guided the modernist through twenty issues and many changes. the modernist would not be what it is today without her, and we are very grateful for her part in our story. Thank you Ashiya, you will be greatly missed.

the modernist diary for 2025 is now in! AND we've done a year planner too. Completely original to the modernist - design...
06/12/2024

the modernist diary for 2025 is now in! AND we've done a year planner too. Completely original to the modernist - designed from the ground up by Johnson Inc.

https://buff.ly/3VqQMiY

Stendig Calendar 2025 : Massimo Vignelli.Created by legendary Italian designer Massimo Vignelli in 1966, the Stendig rem...
06/12/2024

Stendig Calendar 2025 : Massimo Vignelli.

Created by legendary Italian designer Massimo Vignelli in 1966, the Stendig remains one of the best examples of 1960s modernist design, featuring two of the movement’s most iconic creations – Swiss typeface Helvetica and the Grid. Soon after launch, the calendar entered into the permanent collection of the MoMA, New York, where it remains on display to this day.

Vignelli’s design is simple, yet bold, printed on 122x92cm sheets of high quality, 160gsm paper, which alternate between black and white background with each passing month. Sheets are detachable, designed to be removed at the end of each month. Previous months’ sheets make excellent wrapping paper.

Pick yours up from (£75.00)
58 Port Street
Manchester
M1 2EQ

The lovable Hornsea cat is back! This time on a long handled heavy cotton tote, in orange. 40cm high x 42cm wide and wit...
05/12/2024

The lovable Hornsea cat is back! This time on a long handled heavy cotton tote, in orange. 40cm high x 42cm wide and with a roomy 10cm gusset.
https://buff.ly/49qkRER

A great turnout for the this weekend at the Thank you once again to the Bound team for organising this annual celebrat...
02/12/2024

A great turnout for the this weekend at the

Thank you once again to the Bound team for organising this annual celebration of publishing and print.

We're in two places at once today.. at the Christmas Fair as well as the ..Come along, plenty to see!
01/12/2024

We're in two places at once today.. at the Christmas Fair as well as the ..

Come along, plenty to see!

30/11/2024

For our next issue of the modernist, we are going NUCLEAR, and whilst we hope it’s an explosive issue, we also hope there is no fallout from our decision.

Although the power of atomic, and subsequently nuclear, energy only came of age halfway through the twentieth century, its invention and ominous presence dominated the second half of that century—both geopolitically and ideologically. Initially embraced as the epitome of modernity, its unbridled destructive power meant it transformed from a useful servant into an aggressive master, and the early, almost cartoonish image of its capabilities gave way to a more apocalyptic vision.

We look at both the visual culture that grew up around nuclear energy and some of the epic infrastructure that the harnessing of its energy necessitated.

Details on featured artists and collaborators soon to follow.

the modernist magazine; issue 52 - Nuclear

Coming soon

And we're off.. the Bound Art Book Fair begins.The Whitworth Oxford Road Manchester.
30/11/2024

And we're off.. the Bound Art Book Fair begins.

The Whitworth
Oxford Road
Manchester.

Our new collection that celebrates some of the best 20th-century typefaces - on prints, tee shirts and notebooks.https:/...
29/11/2024

Our new collection that celebrates some of the best 20th-century typefaces - on prints, tee shirts and notebooks.
https://buff.ly/49fsjCF

the modernist along with dozens of local and international publishers, artist presses and collectives will be at the Bou...
29/11/2024

the modernist along with dozens of local and international publishers, artist presses and collectives will be at the Bound Art Book Fair at the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester on the weekend of 30 November-1 December 2024. Come and join us.
https://buff.ly/2MveGpe

We had a wonderful evening at in London last night, celebrating the publication of our latest book 'Modernist British G...
29/11/2024

We had a wonderful evening at in London last night, celebrating the publication of our latest book 'Modernist British Graphic Design'.

The authors, Ian and Tony were joined by lots of family and friends along with many design aficionados.

Just 500 hard back copies of the book have been printed and they are selling fast.

Big thanks to Pentagram Design for hosting the event. And of course to Ian and Tony for all the work they have put in to bring this beautiful project to fruition.

Address

58 Port Street
Manchester
M12EQ

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 5pm
Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

01612358469

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Videos

closed for the holidays.mp4
closed for the holidays.mp4

the modernist magazine | issue 52 - Nuclear Available online and in-store now In this issue we look at both the visual culture that grew up around nuclear energy and some of the epic infrastructure that the harnessing of its energy necessitated. Infrastructure is represented by beautiful photo essays from Martine Hamilton Knight, who gets inside Nottingham War Rooms, Peter Williams, who looks at nuclear power stations in the landscape, and Nigel Green, who gets deep inside Dungeness power station. Also, no self-respecting publication on the theme of NUCLEAR could ignore Chernobyl, and Alka Murat takes us around Pripyat, the city that served the neighbouring power plant. Issue 52 will also be the last edited by Ashiya Eastwood as she is leaving us for pastures new. Since joining us in 2019, she has guided the modernist through twenty issues and many changes. the modernist would not be what it is today without her, and we are very grateful for her part in our story. Thank you Ashiya, you will be greatly missed.

2 Nuclear avail online now.mp4
2 Nuclear avail online now.mp4

the modernist magazine | issue 52 - Nuclear Available online and in-store now In this issue we look at both the visual culture that grew up around nuclear energy and some of the epic infrastructure that the harnessing of its energy necessitated. Infrastructure is represented by beautiful photo essays from Martine Hamilton Knight, who gets inside Nottingham War Rooms, Peter Williams, who looks at nuclear power stations in the landscape, and Nigel Green, who gets deep inside Dungeness power station. Also, no self-respecting publication on the theme of NUCLEAR could ignore Chernobyl, and Alka Murat takes us around Pripyat, the city that served the neighbouring power plant. Issue 52 will also be the last edited by Ashiya Eastwood as she is leaving us for pastures new. Since joining us in 2019, she has guided the modernist through twenty issues and many changes. the modernist would not be what it is today without her, and we are very grateful for her part in our story. Thank you Ashiya, you will be greatly missed.

final nuclear teaser 2.mp4
final nuclear teaser 2.mp4

For our next issue of the modernist, we are going NUCLEAR, and whilst we hope it’s an explosive issue, we also hope there is no fallout from our decision. Although the power of atomic, and subsequently nuclear, energy only came of age halfway through the twentieth century, its invention and ominous presence dominated the second half of that century—both geopolitically and ideologically. Initially embraced as the epitome of modernity, its unbridled destructive power meant it transformed from a useful servant into an aggressive master, and the early, almost cartoonish image of its capabilities gave way to a more apocalyptic vision. We look at both the visual culture that grew up around nuclear energy and some of the epic infrastructure that the harnessing of its energy necessitated. Details on featured artists and collaborators soon to follow. the modernist magazine; issue 52 - Nuclear Coming soon

square vid call out for artists twitter and facebook.mp4
square vid call out for artists twitter and facebook.mp4

Got an idea for an exhibition? We want to hear from you! We’re looking for artists, collectors, collaborators and all-round creatives for our programme of rolling exhibitions in our small city centre gallery. Head to our website for more information and details on how to submit. https://buff.ly/3YT8e0h Good luck - we look forward to seeing your submissions. Images from past exhibitions, courtesy of Simon Phipps (Brutal North) and Sander van Heyden (ILLUMINATE - Architecture and Light).

Modernist Graphic Design in Britain 1945-1980.mp4
Modernist Graphic Design in Britain 1945-1980.mp4

Our new book, Modernist Graphic Design in Britain: 1945-1980 by Ian McLaren and Tony Pritchard, is available online and in-store now. The years following the second world war in Britain saw the emergence of what has become known as graphic design. Designers of that period believed their efforts aligned with the rebuilding of society and its infrastructure. Despite acute austerity there was a very positive optimism to what they could contribute. Many challenged developments such as nuclear weapons; apartheid; and promoting trivial products. Modernist graphic design is characterised by visual attributes such as simple sans-serif typography, the dynamic use of space and grid systems, reductive drawing and cropped photography. Innovative technological advances are embraced, in a functional, economic, and rational ethos. The authors contend that much of British Modernist graphic design includes an under appreciated and unique sense of wit. The book is the first to provide a representative collection of a number of designers who made a significant and enduring contribution to British visual culture. With a limit of just 500 copies, this book is a must-have for all design enthusiasts.

Arrows of desire Nick Job.mp4
Arrows of desire Nick Job.mp4

In this book, Nick Job charts the highs and lows of the British Rail symbol over the course of its colourful life, seeking to discover exactly what it is about the enigmatic ‘double arrow’ that appears to have guaranteed its prime position in the pantheon of all-time classic logos. https://buff.ly/3AlOPwr

bookshop.org.mp4
bookshop.org.mp4

Looking for a book on architecture, graphics, typography, transport, furniture and product design? Look no further. https://buff.ly/46EaB90

Join @marlandstephen on a mooch around Wthenshawe with special access to the marvellous William Temple Church by George Pace. Saturday October 5th Click shop link in image to book.

Blackpool 09.24.mp4
Blackpool 09.24.mp4

There's a few places left for our architectural mooch in Blackpool this weekend - come along! Click link for more details. https://buff.ly/4e8Mmo2

Blackpool 09.24.mp4
Blackpool 09.24.mp4

Blackpool Mooch - 28th September 2024 - join Steve Marland and the modernist society for an architectural moooch by the sea. https://buff.ly/4e8Mmo2

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the modernist magazine is a quarterly printed publication about 20th century modernist architecture and design. Published in the North of England and now spreading its tentacles across the world.

We’ve hand picked a team of experts, and dilettantes alike, to bring you news, reviews, musings and delightful titbits about modernist architecture and design. So, if you love 20th century architecture and you revel in the smell and feel of ink and paper, the modernist magazine is just the ticket. So, where can we get hold of a copy? You can buy on-line with a click here http://www.the-modernist.org/shop or you can pop down the shops... http://www.the-modernist.org/stockists/