A photographer has documented some fascinating changes over a decade in Peel, writes Gemma Nettle.

At the end of October, over 150 shops and businesses were photographed in the town after first being recorded in 2011.

Photographer and web designer Chris Littler visited every business with a ’shop front’ to photograph them and see how much they had changed over the last 10 years.

The results are displayed on a website where the photos are shown side by side.

Mr Littler said: ’I was excited to return to see how things had changed, and to meet again many of the same people, some of them in new locations, and also many new faces.

’Last time the photography was carried out on sunny summer days but this time was more problematic with some stormy weather to contend with.

’As well as the welcoming atmosphere, I do feel there is a lot of evidence of green shoots appearing. There are new traders doing things differently and successfully all around the town.

’There is a clear shift towards the service sector.’

He continued: ’Of the 44 new businesses I photographed, many were in the health and leisure sector. For example, two new bicycle repair shops, two gyms and a Pilates space, and four new beauty salons.

’There are three new art galleries/workshops and two tattoo artists. Many new restaurants/cafes have replaced old ones, and a micro pub makes its first presence on the high street.’

Mr Littler felt the atmosphere in Peel was ’very upbeat’ despite the circumstances with Covid-19.

’Many shop windows had been decorated ready for Hop Tu Naa at the end of the week and the pride in the displays and the shops themselves was evident,’ he said.

’The window dressing competition had attracted a lot of families to the streets. Many shops on Michael Street had their doors open, which also made the shops more welcoming.

’I discovered this had been an innovation in response to Covid and the new need for well ventilated spaces, but the practice had continued, despite poor weather, as people realised the positive effect on welcoming people through the doors.’

He highlighted the fact many businesses have closed down due to the pandemic.

Mr Littler added: ’Although new businesses are plentiful, there have also been some inevitable losses. Many of the closed businesses are substituted with new ones, but others have left behind vacant premises for the moment.

’Isle of Man Bank is a big loss of amenity and employment in the town and its prominent building on Athol Place is vacant and sad looking (except for being lit up for Christmas this year). Lloyds Bank has gone too since 2011 and the loss of the Corrin Home is also widely felt in the town, having been an important feature in the lives of many for more than 60 years.’

Breesha Maddrell, director of Culture Vannin which supported the project, said: ’Documenting the changing face of the Isle of Man is incredibly important to our sense of place and community.

’What is wonderful about this photographic survey is that it offers a window onto everyday life in Peel, something that could so easily be missed.

’Culture Vannin is delighted to be able to support this project through a small grant, in the knowledge that the images will form a rich archive which future generations will be excited to look back on.’

It was also sponsored by Corlett Bolton & Co, a business on Michael Street, the owners of which felt the photos were ’an excellent showcase of the changing face of Peel’.

The results are displayed on the website www.manxshopfronts.com.