In 1906 Roger Oldham, a member of the Manchester Society of Architects, wrote and illustrated a small booklet called 'A Manchester Alphabet'. The Alphabet takes us on a journey around Edwardian Manchester from Ancoats to the (Bellevue) Zoo. Fast forward to 2014, and a copy of the booklet is found on the shelves at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Special Collections. Inspired by its humour and charm, a project began to update Oldham's original Alphabet.

'A New Manchester Alphabet' is a snapshot of Manchester in 2015: illustrated by students from the Manchester School of Art and written by poetry students from The Manchester Writing School. This collaboration takes us on a brand new journey: from Afflecks, via New Islington, to Ziferblat. This special event to launch the new book is being held at Manchester Art Gallery which featured in Roger Oldham's original Alphabet (P for Picture Gallery). Join us for an evening of festive cheer featuring readings from both Alphabets and catch a rare glimpse of Roger Oldham's original hand-coloured illustrations. Poetry readings will begin at 5.30pm.

'A New Manchester Alphabet' is a collaboration between MMU Special Collections, The Manchester Writing School and the Manchester Schoolof Art.

Image: Z for Ziferblat illustrated by Cherie Jerrard