A vast mural depicting music legends Noel Gallagher and Barry Gibb in classical Greco-Roman attire is in search of a new home after being removed from a Manchester city centre restaurant. The artwork, created by Manchester artist Michael J Browne in 2015, was a specially commissioned piece for the Gusto Italian restaurant on Lloyd Street, where it has been on display for the past 11 years.
The 5-metre-wide canvas features Manchester architecture including the Central Library, Coronation Street, the Ship Canal and Old Trafford, alongside icons like Alan Turing, Emmeline Pankhurst and John Dalton, all painted in Renaissance style. It also includes nods to Manchester City and Manchester United, the Rovers Return pub and the cobbles of Coronation Street.
Restaurant rebrand leaves mural homeless
Gusto has now been transformed into a new Italian restaurant called Gigi, unveiled to the public this week, and the new interiors no longer accommodate the artwork. The painting's current owner is prepared to donate it for free to another organisation in Greater Manchester if they can put it on permanent public display. A private sale would also be considered.
The owner has been working with Michael to find a suitable home but has so far drawn a blank. They are now appealing for help through the Manchester Evening News to find an organisation that can give the work a suitable showcase.
Artist's appeal for a new home
Michael, originally from Moss Side, said: "The work was completed for Gusto restaurant in 2016, and I painted it on site. The artwork has been much appreciated by the many viewers it's had, and it's a relevant artwork to Manchester's history and identity. Especially with me being a local artist in Manchester throughout my life."
The mural caused such a stir when first unveiled that the Manchester Evening News launched a competition to name it. The winning entry, "Manchester's own Northern Lights" from reader Denise Donovan, was painted into the work above the image of Manchester Central Library. The painting was officially unveiled by then council leader Sir Richard Leese inside the restaurant.
Challenges in finding a venue
Michael confirmed: "Sadly, my painting has had to be removed from Gusto due to a major refurb and relaunch of the brand, in a very different style. Jamie Barber [the new restaurateur] got in touch with me asking if I could help him to find a new Manchester home for the painting. He said he would donate the artwork FOR FREE, to an establishment connected to Manchester council or a government office here (eg. Number 10 North). Otherwise he'd like to sell it to a commercial business."
He added: "I have tried a limited number of council officials, but Central Library doesn't have the space for it, and the Town Hall representatives can't look into it yet because it's too soon, and said there's a high chance it would spent too much time in storage if they owned it outright. The Manchester museum of Science and Technology also declined, saying, although it contains a number of relevant scientists, other famous figures are not relevant to the museum. It's been very difficult to reach other outlets and get a response."
Michael also mentioned the G-Mex conference centre entrance as a potential location, but he cannot find who to contact there. The artwork has now been placed in storage while a new home is urgently sought. Anyone who might be able to help can email Michael on mikejbrowne777@gmail.com.
