Manchester Arndale is hosting a free exhibition called MCR Made featuring 13 inflatable artworks by artist Stanley Chow, celebrating famous Mancunians such as Noel Gallagher, Emmeline Pankhurst, and Alan Turing.
Exhibition Details
The suspended artworks float above the shops and depict figures from music, sport, science, politics, art, and culture, including Liam and Noel Gallagher, Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Emmeline Pankhurst, Alan Turing, L.S. Lowry, Lemn Sissay, Caroline Aherne, and Aitch.
Stanley Chow, born and based in Manchester, created bold, minimalist portraits that have earned international recognition. He recently gained media attention for his portraits of Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Artist's Perspective
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Chow said: "In terms of picking the people, that was the hardest part. The question was how do we whittle down hundreds of famous Mancunians?"
He added: "Art doesn't necessarily need to be in a gallery, art should be an every day thing and can people come here, and even if they don't instantly find inspiration, they'll find it subconsciously. I feel we should have art everywhere."
Special Portrait and Initiative
As part of MCR Made, Chow illustrated an exclusive new portrait of MP Ellen Wilkinson, born in Manchester in 1891, who was a suffragette, women's rights campaigner, and the first female Education Secretary in the British cabinet.
Her legacy is honored through the 'Ask for Ellen' initiative at Manchester Arndale, which offers free sanitary products to those in need. Launched in 2022, the initiative responded to research showing a high percentage of UK girls missing school due to period poverty.
Chow noted: "Not everyone knows who she was but hopefully having her here means that people will learn about here. She was known as 'Red Ellen' so she's wearing red and her hair too and that's the bit I've tried to highlight."
Visitor Information
The exhibition runs from 3 August to 24 October 2026. Visitors can follow a free trail throughout the Arndale, featuring photo opportunities with the icons.
Additionally, 26 limited edition A4 prints signed by Chow will be given away, with two prints of each icon produced and winners allocated randomly. More details are available on the Manchester Arndale Instagram page.
