Factory Records former offices, Manchester

When the Factory Records label was created in 1978 its office was a small flat on in Didsbury, a leafy district of Manchester. As the company signed up commercially successful bands like Joy Division, Happy Mondays and James (and opened The Hacienda nightclub) it rose to become one of the most influential independent record labels of the time. In September 1990 it moved offices to Princess Street on the edge of the city. The building still remains and here it is on a summer's afternoon.

The premises were named FAC 251 which related to Factory Records's unique catalogue system. They logged everything, assigning numbers not just to musical releases but to artwork and other related objects (Tony Wilson's headstone has a FAC reference.) Tenure at this building was short as the company imploded and went bust in 1992. Over the years the premises - with the River Irwell running by its rear - were the home of the Paradise Factory Nightclub but now it’s The Factory - a nightclub for young folk (negative reviews on Tripadvisor.) This is not my kind of place (give me a library or a bleak cemetery instead please) : deafening indie music, over-priced drinks/entry, and bands playing alternative (i.e. crap) stuff. Sorry I'm a bit of an old fossil.

I visit Manchester city about twice a year and had a quick look at the place the last time I was there. I parked nearby to ensure I'd walk along Princess Street. I appear in only one photo - across the road from the club were some dodgy-looking lads were watching me and I didn't foresee my timer-set camera to be on its tripod for long.

At the rear...