Modernist Memory: The Toast Rack 

I’m honoured to share that my photograph “Modernist Memory: The Toast Rack” has been selected for exhibition at the Glasgow Gallery of Photography’s Shape Exhibition (4th - 28th September 2025).

For me, this recognition is more than a personal milestone. It’s a chance to spark conversation about the overlooked landmarks that quietly shape our cities and our memories.

The Toast Rack, completed in 1960 by architect Leonard Cecil Howitt, is one of Manchester’s most distinctive modernist structures. Originally designed as a catering college, its bold and unusual form has long divided opinion. Seen by some as quirky and by others as eccentric. Yet, beneath its playful nickname lies a story of civic ambition, post-war optimism, and public purpose.

Through my lens, I wanted to capture more than just its striking silhouette. My photograph reframes the building not only as an architectural curiosity but as a cultural artefact. A reminder of a time when design and intent worked hand in hand to serve communities. The Toast Rack stands as a symbol of how architecture can be both functional and visionary, and how spaces once dedicated to education and growth continue to hold meaning even after their purpose fades.

Being included in the SHAPE Exhibition at the Glasgow Gallery of Photography is an affirmation of my artistic commitment: to look closer, to see the beauty in the everyday, and to honour structures that might otherwise be forgotten. It’s a celebration of memory, design, and the quiet resilience of our built environment.

I’m grateful to the gallery for this opportunity, and I look forward to seeing my work alongside the many talented photographers who are also exploring the theme of shape in its many forms.

📍 The SHAPE Exhibition runs at the Glasgow Gallery of Photography this season. If you’re in the city, I’d be delighted for you to experience “Modernist Memory: The Toast Rack” in person.