Two local artists have used the history of Manchester’s industrial roots to breathe new life into city centre hotels.

After securing their first large contract in the hotel sector, Paulette Bansal and Jackie Anderson have produced bespoke art works to transform the Macdonald Townhouse.

Using their creative skills coupled with digital technology, the duo’s company, Composite Imaging, played a central role in the latest development of the former Princess Hotel.

The 140-year-old former cotton warehouse has recently been renamed the Macdonald Townhouse and the pair used its colourful history as inspiration during the creation of a range of works that now adorn the hotel’s new boutique- style interior.

Images portraying scenes from its industrial heritage were used for a large mural in the hotel’s lobby. Cotton fields were the theme for a series of acrylic panels in the bar restaurant area, and hand drawn sketches of Manchester’s landmark buildings were used to create headboards for the hotel’s 84 bedrooms.

Paulette, who lives in Didsbury, said: “We were thrilled to be involved in a project that gives further life to such an iconic Manchester building. We believe that art should be an integral part of any building and our aim is to transform spaces into inspiring environments for the people who use them.”

Hotel refurbishments have become a major area of work for Composite Imaging over the last 12 months.

Paulette and Jackie also worked on a nostalgia-themed project at the Great John Street Hotel. The pair were commissioned to design artwork based on original archive material from the former school and they were also involved in creating bespoke pieces for London’s Wyndham Grand Hotel in Chelsea.

Paulette said ‘’The projects have been exciting and they have also given us the chance to showcase our work on a public platform.’’

Paulette and Jackie met on a fashion & textile design course at De Montfort university over 30 years ago and kept in touch when they embarked on different careers, Paulette as a teacher and Jackie as a fashion buyer.

They teamed up again 2005 to start the business after enrolling on a creative computing course.  Paulette said ‘’Because we have known each other since 1979, we knew we could trust each other and work well together.

We both have two children each and working from home has provided us with a good home and work life balance, but most importantly, our jobs allow us to explore our creativity.’’

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Tags: Art for hotels | bespoke artworks | Macdonald Townhouse | Manchester Artists