Plans for a lasting tribute in Wythenshawe
A major public artwork celebrating Caroline Aherne is being planned for Wythenshawe, ten years after her death. Manchester-based street artist Pic.One.Art, known for murals of Mani and the Gallagher brothers, is seeking a suitable wall space in the area where the comedian grew up.
The proposed mural aims to honour Aherne's legacy as one of Manchester's most beloved cultural figures, best known for The Fast Show, The Royle Family, and Mrs Merton. The artist is appealing to local organisations, businesses, landlords, and community groups to come forward with potential locations. Anyone able to offer or suggest a wall space in Wythenshawe is encouraged to contact Pic.One.Art via email.
Caroline Aherne's enduring impact
Caroline Aherne died in July 2016 at age 52 after a battle with lung cancer. She had previously survived a rare eye cancer as a child and bladder cancer. Born in London and raised in Wythenshawe, she began her career on the Manchester comedy circuit before creating the iconic Mrs Merton character with Frank Sidebottom on Piccadilly Radio. The character led to The Mrs Merton Show, which won a BAFTA.
She co-wrote and starred in The Royle Family, a groundbreaking working-class sitcom that earned multiple BAFTAs. Her close friend and collaborator Craig Cash said: “Caroline was the funniest and most talented person I’ve ever known, but she was also incredibly grounded and proud of where she came from. The idea of creating something lasting for her in Wythenshawe feels fitting, and I think people would love to see her remembered in that way.”
Artist's vision for the mural
Pic.One.Art said: “Caroline Aherne meant so much to so many people and represented a very real, funny and compassionate side of Greater Manchester that still resonates today. Her writing and characters captured working-class life in a way that was warm, honest and deeply human. With it being 10 years since we lost her this summer, it feels like the right moment to create something special in Wythenshawe that celebrates her life and legacy.”
The artist's previous work includes a giant mural of Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist Mani on the side of the La Fardy pub in Failsworth, created over 11 days, and an Oasis piece featuring Liam and Noel Gallagher at Sifters Records in Burnage.
Remembering Caroline Aherne
Following her death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. TV producer Jeff Pope called her “one of our greatest working class heroes.” Comedian Matt Lucas said: “Caroline Aherne moved television comedy on to a new place. Her extraordinary work will be cherished by future generations.” Denise Welch wrote: “My comedy hero has died. What a valiant battle she fought.”
Craig Cash recalled an emotional phone call from Aherne after she was told she had two months to live. “I was just in denial. I just kept saying no, just kept repeating no. And she was like, 'But we had some laughs though didn’t we, Cashy,'” he said, breaking down in tears.
In 2014, Aherne teamed up with Macmillan Cancer Support to improve cancer care in Manchester, noting that survival rates in the city were 25% lower than average and lung cancer rates were a third higher. With typical humour, she joked at the launch: “So many funny things happen when you’re in there [having treatment]... If you can separate yourself from it and have a sense of humour really helps you and your family.”
