2022 sees our iconic Mancunian shopping emporium celebrate 40 years of independent retail, enterprise and creativity. To commemorate the incredible heritage and legacy of our building, we've commissioned a special 40th birthday portrait exhibition and book. “Afflecks 40” will celebrate those who have been part of our journey and we're looking for Afflecks fans to be part of it.

The Afflecks 40 project aims to capture 40 people who have been significant to our five-decade-strong journey, and is being delivered in collaboration with acclaimed photographer Paul Wolfgang Webster. Wolfgang, who has permanent portraits in London’s National Portrait gallery and has shot some of the city’s most famous faces, has been commissioned to capture the people and personality behind Manchester's most beloved building. More than a portrait project, Afflecks 40 seeks to uncover the untold stories and amazing individuals that have made our destination the world-famous icon that it is today.

Andrea George, Director for Town Centre and Consumer Brands at Afflecks comments: “We want to celebrate 40 years of people, projects, ideas and enterprise. Afflecks has always been about its people, and that’s why the Afflecks community is at the heart of this project.

"It means so much to so many - it’s a safe place, a creative hub, a symbol of independent enterprise and it’s been at the centre of an entire pop culture movement. We want to capture the ultimate “Afflecks Family Album”... the people from that incredible journey, from fans who have been shopping there since the 80s, to those who have run businesses, and anyone who has a special connection or story to share.  I personally have such special memories of being immersed in Afflecks when I was a teenager, buying my first pair of Red or Dead shoes!” 

Those selected to take part in Afflecks 40 will take part in a professional portrait shoot by Wolfgang and feature in the exhibition and accompanying book. 

The project has been commissioned by Bruntwood Works, Afflecks’ owners and operators of Afflecks.