Surviving the covid-29 pandemic – Faces and Facades

The Mayor of Knutsford Cllr Stewart Gardiner joined representatives of Knutsford Heritage Centre and Knutsford Library on December 16th to be presented with a copy of Faces and Facades – Surviving the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The book was created by local resident and keen amateur photographer John Horsley and contains 144 photographs of independent and small regional shops that call Knutsford home, paying tribute to their resilience in surviving the pandemic.

John explained, “The idea came to me back in April as England’s non-essential shops re-opened. I took a photo of Peter Murray (in a covid friendly space suit!) outside his shop front and thought I should be recording this historical day in some way. To cut a long story short, I contacted Sandra Curties at Knutsford Town Council for help and the result is a wonderful pictorial reference for not only for us to enjoy but for future generations too.”

The project was only made possible by the kind sponsorship from local businessperson, keen photographer and Knutsfordian Carl Cookson who said, “We are so lucky to have shops that have been trading in Knutsford for generations. Their resilience is testament to adapt to extremely disruptive and changes in their world and in their market. I am delighted to sponsor and be part of this amazing book that celebrates that resilience. We need our shopkeepers as much as they need us. Supporting them and shopping with them is something worth supporting and protecting forever.”

A book was also presented to Sandra Curties, Town Centre and Marketing Officer, and local resident Michael Davies who won the competition to name the book.

Mayor of Knutsford, Stewart Gardiner said, “This is a wonderful way of recalling a time of hardship but allowing us to recall all the positives that came about during the pandemic.  All the wonderful volunteers who showed us the meaning of community and those who dug deep to keep working as essential workers.”

You can buy the book (it is available in two formats), or a PDF version by visiting the blurb bookstore – blurb.co.uk Individual prints are available to purchase from Techno Type on King Street, Knutsford.

Pictured - (L-R)    Jude Johnson, Knutsford Library Manager

                              John Horsley, Photographer and author of Faces and Facades

                              Sandra Curties

                              Town Centre and Marketing Officer, Knutsford Town Council

                              Val Bryant, Knutsford Heritage Centre

                              Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Stewart Gardiner

Photo Credit:      David Bryant