Documenting the Station Agent's House for The Landmark Trust

In 1830, the Railway Age began with the launch of Liverpool Road Station, recognised as the first railway terminus specifically designed for inter-city passenger travel. The residence of its original Station Agent has been transformed by the Landmark Trust into an eco-friendly and accessible holiday let in the heart of Manchester. I was fortunate to photograph the building before the restoration, during its renovation and after completion.

Significant renovations in the 1980’s altered much of the station's original charm and interiors, so The Landmark Trust have chosen furnishings that reflect the elegance of the 1930’s and the golden age of steam travel.

In 1828, the site for what would become Liverpool Road Station was chosen by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, under the guidance of Engineer George Stephenson, due to its strategic location. This building served as the home for the first Station Agent, Joseph Green, and was central to the station's development. It was here that many features defining train travel emerged, including waiting areas, signaling systems, ticketing, and the offices of the station agent.

As the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, Liverpool Road quickly became too small to accommodate the growing popularity of rail travel, leading to its eventual transformation into a goods and freight station by 1844. The station ceased operations in 1975, but its historical importance was recognized, and in 1983, it was repurposed into the Science and Industry Museum, with the Station Agent’s House serving as office space.

In collaboration with the Science & Industry Museum, our restoration project now allows the public to explore the Station Agent’s House for the very first time, marking an important step in the Museum’s initiative to provide visitors access to all aspects of this significant industrial heritage site, which spans seven acres.

Today, this historic Grade I listed building embodies a blend of innovative technology and environmental sustainability, equipped with features to support individuals with limited mobility, including a lift connecting its main floors.

Photographing the Adidas Marketing Conference at Factory International, Mancheste

I always look forward to photographing the Adidas Marketing conferences, and this year’s event at Factory International in Manchester was nothing short of spectacular. Working alongside Jules from TOL Events, who consistently delivers remarkable experiences, I was excited to capture every moment of this high-energy gathering.

A Unique Venue for an Immersive Experience

The venue, a giant warehouse transformed into a versatile event space, provided the perfect backdrop for a dynamic and immersive conference. The auditorium was buzzing with activity as presentations, fashion shows, interviews, and even a beatboxing performance unfolded, keeping attendees fully engaged throughout the day. Every corner of the space offered opportunities to capture both staged and candid moments that reflected the energy and creativity of the event.

Capturing the Finale: A Fun Fair Surprise

The finale was particularly memorable. As the curtain lifted, the audience was treated to a full-size fun fair inside the warehouse, complete with rides, attractions, and a surprise appearance by Juergen Klopp. Capturing the excitement, expressions, and unique atmosphere of this unexpected twist made this assignment especially rewarding. The combination of dramatic lighting, large-scale installations, and human interaction created compelling photographic moments that told the story of the event from start to finish.

The Importance of Professional Event Photography

Professional event photography plays a crucial role for brands like Adidas. High-quality images not only document the day but also communicate the brand’s energy, professionalism, and vision. The photographs from this conference can be used across marketing campaigns, social media, press releases, internal communications, and future event promotion. Capturing a multifaceted live event like this requires technical expertise, creative framing, and an instinct for storytelling. Every shot contributes to the overall narrative, highlighting both the audience experience and the brand identity.

Collaborating with TOL Events

Working with TOL Events ensured a seamless flow throughout the day. Jules’ ability to push creative boundaries and orchestrate an engaging experience made my work as a photographer both challenging and exciting. From structured presentations to spontaneous interactions around the venue, there was always something compelling to capture.

Conclusion: Capturing the Energy and Spirit of the Event

Photographing the Adidas Marketing conference at Factory International in Manchester was an exhilarating experience. From the energetic auditorium sessions to the whimsical fun fair finale, every moment offered a unique story. Event photography is not simply about taking pictures—it is about capturing the spirit of the occasion, the energy of the participants, and the essence of the brand.