THE changing face of Knutsford has been painstakingly chronicled in a new magazine.

Amateur photographer John Horsley has captured pictures of the independent traders who make the town so special.

This personal crusade was mounted to see how shopkeepers have fared since his first photographic archive was published following the pandemic in 2021.

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“One year on and it is fascinating to see just what has changed in the town,” said John, 71, who has lived in Knutsford for 38 years.

Knutsford Guardian: Adam and Kate Rickett, of Dexter & Jones which has expanded premises on Princess StreetAdam and Kate Rickett, of Dexter & Jones which has expanded premises on Princess Street (Image: John Horsley)

“Yes some businesses have closed but many new ones have opened.

“Some of the independents that have survived the pandemic have thrived and expanded into new or bigger premises.”

The retired management consultant is hopeful traders will continue to flourish.

Knutsford Guardian: Angela Hardman, Zane Lewis and Ruby Rowles, of Urban Sanctuary, which has re-branded on King StreetAngela Hardman, Zane Lewis and Ruby Rowles, of Urban Sanctuary, which has re-branded on King Street (Image: John Horsley)

“The town has got an inherent resourcefulness about it,” said John, who has published 154 photographs of proud traders outside their businesses in Faces and Facades 2 – One Year On (2021-2022)

“It has a unique ambiance. You can pick up something here you don’t see anywhere else.

“If you shop in Knutsford you often feel as if you’ve found something as opposed to knowing what you want before you set out.

“There are some really quirky designer shops where you can discover little things you don’t expect.”

Knutsford Guardian: David Kelley, of The Tanning Boutique, a new business on King StreetDavid Kelley, of The Tanning Boutique, a new business on King Street (Image: John Horsley)

Cycling hub Apus Peak on Tatton Street, Copper 29, a wine bar and bistro on Princess Street and Petite Pomme, a patisserie on Regent Street closed down recently.

Others have shut due to retirement.

However, many new businesses have opened.

Fashion buyer Kaley Gibbons, 36, launched Mini Moi, a community hub for mums and babies, on Minshull Street.

Knutsford Guardian: Kaley Gibbons, of Mini & Moi, on Minshull StreetKaley Gibbons, of Mini & Moi, on Minshull Street (Image: John Horsley)

The mum-of-two said: “The children’s wear I stock is a little bit different, very fresh and modern.”

A new eco-friendly dog shop, Doggo General Store, offers only UK or handmade products on King Street.

Knutsford Guardian: Rob Benson, of Doggo General Store on King StreetRob Benson, of Doggo General Store on King Street (Image: John Horsley)

Owner Rob Benson, 44, said: “We won’t stock anything that has travelled five hours on a plane or been made on the other side of the world.”

Shel Parker and Michalle Tremaine opened their own beauty salon, The Beauty Club, on King Street.

Knutsford Guardian: Michelle Tremaine, of The Beauty Club on King StreetMichelle Tremaine, of The Beauty Club on King Street (Image: John Horsley)

Shel, 30, said: “This is a dream for us. We both absolutely love our job, it is so rewarding.”

Ferhat Bilgi offers a sewing and alteration service at a new shop, Golden Stitches in Canute Place.

Knutsford Guardian: Ferhat Bilgi, of Golden Stitches on Canute PlaceFerhat Bilgi, of Golden Stitches on Canute Place (Image: John Horsley)

Barista Mark Lee-Kilgariff, who launched his mobile coffee business Tatton Perk in a distinctive orange vintage van, has opened two coffee shops on King Street car park and at Booth Park.

Knutsford Guardian: Nick Smithers and Mark Lee-Kilgariff, of Tatton Perk on on King Street car parkNick Smithers and Mark Lee-Kilgariff, of Tatton Perk on on King Street car park (Image: John Horsley)

Helen Williams opened Willow Bridal on Princess Street and chocolatier Hattie Coffin launched Hot Cocoa on King Street.

Knutsford Guardian: Helen Williams, of Willow Bridal on Princess StreetHelen Williams, of Willow Bridal on Princess Street (Image: John Horsley)

Wine merchants Morgan Ward and Edward Speakman who run Morgan Edwards, outgrew their base in Knutsford Market Hall.

Knutsford Guardian: Hattie Coffin, of Hot Cocoa on King StreetHattie Coffin, of Hot Cocoa on King Street (Image: John Horsley)

The friends have opened a wine bar and shop in the second oldest building in town, a Grade II listed property dating back to the 16th century on King Street.

Knutsford Guardian: Morgan Ward and Edward Speakman, of Morgan Edwards on King StreetMorgan Ward and Edward Speakman, of Morgan Edwards on King Street (Image: John Horsley)

Fine fragrance specialists Pulse of Perfumery has also moved to larger premises in King Street to meet the growing demand from customers.

Knutsford Guardian: Peter Murray, of Pulse of Perfumery on King StreetPeter Murray, of Pulse of Perfumery on King Street (Image: John Horsley)

Owner Peter Murray said: “The new larger perfumery has allowed us to add a selection of luxury niche brands we’ve long admired but didn’t have the space for, which our discerning clients are very much enjoying.”

John said: “People seem to get the impression of businesses closing, but when you look at what is really happening there is a lot of positivity.

“I think it’s quite exciting for the future.”

Faces and Facades 2 – One Year On is available from blurb.com/b/11437696-faces-and-facades-2