the modernist : gallery | events | publishing

the modernist : gallery | events | publishing

2019 sees the 10th anniversary of the founding of The Modernist Society and with it we hope to enter a new and exciting chapter in our story. After ten years of popping up in other people's spaces, we hope to create a place that we can share with you. 

Here is our patron Johnny Marr with a little message for you all.

There is currently no dedicated exhibition space for architecture and design in Manchester and we will provide a place to see exhibitions, meet and learn about modernist architecture and design, watch films, pick up information and of course, buy some of our publications and modernist merchandise. 

manmodsoc exhibition 2015

We have now secured the lease on a premises in Manchester's Northern Quarter that we will turn into an accessible and exciting venue for Modernist events and exhibitions, book launches, talks and screenings.

Founded as The Manchester Modernist Society in 2009 by Jack Hale, Eddy Rhead and Maureen Ward, The Modernist Society is a creative project dedicated to celebrating and engaging with twentieth century architecture and design, through publishing, events, exhibitions and creative collaborations. 

The Modernist Society as grown into a nationally recognised organisation and the new gallery will serve as the base for all its operations including the continuing development of our 'chapters' in Sheffields, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds and more.

'the society’s work puts it at the vanguard of a clear upsurge of interest in the modernist ethos and its everyday manifestations.' The Guardian.

Making Post War Manchester exhibition 2016

We have walked the city, watched films, created exhibitions and artworks, published maps, magazines and books, we have been on trips to car parks, cathedrals and nuclear power stations.

By 2015 requests from other cities had begun to come in for additional branches of the Society, and starting with Sheffield these new 'chapters' are now being developed.

Our publishing arm 'the modernist' was established in 2011, initially publishing as a quarterly printed magazine. the modernist has now developed into a small press, publishing limited editions about 20th century architecture and design.

‘valiantly champions 20th century architecture’ The Morning Star 

We need to raise £15,000 to help us fit out the space, decorate, buy furniture and equipment for events and screenings, provide signage, legal fees and to support our programme of events and activities.

Your support will help bring our new space for architecture and design to life. Make a donation or pledge support in return for a reward.

Thank you. The Modernists.

*The Modernist Society is a not for profit Community Interest Company

Rewards

For backing our project we wanted to offer something above and beyond the usual.

The main reward is, of course, allowing The Modernist Society to thrive and prosper and offer a higher level of public engagement. 

We wanted to offer something unique, so we decided that in exchange for your money we would give you some of our own money. 

We are offering you two options. The first option is that in exchange for your money we give you credit to spend in our online shop. It isn't an equal pound for pound exchange rate but the excess will help go towards our funding target.

The physical reward, and the much more interesting one in our opinion, is Modernist Money.

In collaboration with the artist Mishka Henner we have produced a fictitious currency and in exchange for your Pound Sterling we will send you the equivalent in Modernist money - in the form of an individually stamped and numbered artist print. We are offering a rate of conversion at 1:1 - £20 will get you a 20 note, £50 a 50, £100 a 100. The rarity and collectable nature of this artwork will hopefully result in an increase in value, possibly a stronger and safer bet than the post Brexit pound. 

Sadly our Modernist Money isnt legal tender (yet) but you will have a very unique memento to thank you for supporting this exciting project.

Below is a sneak peak at the designs for the money.

Our crowdfunding 'rewards' are created by internationally renowned artist Mishka Henner. Mishka has exhibited at MoMA New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Turner Contemporary, Margate, Hasselblad Foundation, Goterborg, and Örebro konsthall amongst others and he will be designing our currency especially for us. 

Potential Corporate / Institutional / Philanthropic individual pledgers

If none of the pledges cater specifically to any sponsorship or support you would like to give please do not hesitate to get in touch on [email protected] and we ill be very happy to talk about a bespoke reward package with you. Thank you.