CampaignsPublic relations and media

Telling the story of Small Shops in a PR campaign

the modernist society

The Modernist Society approached the High-Rise team for PR support as they rightly guessed we share an interest in twentieth century architecture

We worked on the launch of their photography book Small Shops. The book features photographs from amateur photographer Brian Lomas and of independent shops in North Manchester in the 1980s. Despite being within many of our lifetimes, the black and white images capture a time and place that already seem like a lost age.
 
Brian’s work highlights the unregarded parts of the city. Buildings that come and go with little or no fanfare, but have meaning to the people who have used them. There’s a sense of nostalgia. Looking back at the ‘good old days’, before supermarkets and large chains took over our high streets.
 
We quickly realised that behind the images, there was a compelling story to tell.  
 
Our PR strategy: using the power of storytelling 
 
Brian has lived in North Manchester his whole life, and is a self-taught photographer. His work had never been published until he walked into The Modernist Society’s Manchester shop with a carrier bag full of photos. His story gave Small Shops a human element that local audiences could connect with. We also recognised that with his own natural talent for storytelling, Brian would be a brilliant interviewee
 
Our aim was not only to talk about the book itself. But, to tell the story of the creative process behind the images. 
 
Brian took his photographs on a Rolleiflex camera, shooting straight on, in monochrome, with cold, flat northern light. We knew that the style of photography would have appeal to the creative community. 
 
Targeting local, national, broadcast and trade media was our focus. We considered each different audience and shaped the story of Small Shops in a way that would resonate with them
 
The results 
 
Press coverage included an interview with Brian on BBC North West Tonight, alongside feature coverage in The Observer, Manchester Evening News, The GuardianNorthern Soul,About Manchester, Creative Boom, and others
 
 
If you would like to speak to High-Rise about how we can raise your business profile, then please do reach out.
Photos of Moston in the 1980s might seem like a niche subject, but the media were immediately interested.
PR for businesses
PR for businesses
PR for businesses
High-Rise have really helped us to increase our profile regionally and nationally, including for important projects which might have otherwise gone under the radar.
Jack Hale
The Modernist Society
0 m
Circulation
0
Social shares
0 k
Estimated coverage view
0
Average domain authority
Path Financial

Digital PR success for green financial firm

See case study
People’s Powerhouse

Event and media support for Northern campaign

See case study
Greater Manchester Talent Match

End of programme report launch

See case study
Centrepoint

Design work for In Memory Giving campaign

See case study