A new mural of The Fall frontman Mark E Smith has been unveiled in Salford, on the wall of the former Oasis Aquarium next to the empty Victoria Theatre. The location, half a mile from Manchester city centre on the other side of the River Irwell in Lower Broughton, will be passed by thousands daily at the junction of Great Clowes Street and Lower Broughton Road.
Artwork inspired by a walk
The artwork is based on a picture taken by artist Mark Kennedy as he and Smith walked through Heaton Park after a session at The Woodthorpe pub in Prestwich, discussing the design of a cover for the album "Your Future Our Clutter". Kennedy said: "After we had finished it we took, as was usual a few beers, and walked over to Heaton Park. I was still taking images on my phone as I was trying to correlate pictures for the inside cover of the So whatever came into my focus I would document for further use."
"Mark stopped in his tracks, picked the buttercup up, put it under his chin. So, I took the picture, then we carried on walking and then we went to the Coach and Horses or The Ostrich for a few more pints."
Salford tribute calls answered
The new artwork follows an article in the Manchester Evening News in June asking if his face would ever appear in his first home – Salford. His family lived in Broughton before moving to Prestwich, with Smith attending Sedgley Park Primary and Stand Grammar School in Whitefield. Former Salford councillor John Warmisham, who lives in Broughton, had championed calls for a tribute. He told the Manchester Evening News: "I know I'm biased as Mark was a hero of mine - a pure underrated genius."
The large-scale ceramic and glass mural is part of Salford 100, the city's centenary celebrations marking 100 years since Salford was granted city status in 1926. Attending the unveiling was another Salford music legend, Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order fame, who said: "Mark and I had a sparky relationship. Groups are so competitive. He was a maverick and totally unique, music is much the worse for not having him. He came to every Hacienda Night we ever did and loved it!"
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett added: "As we celebrate 100 years of this great city it is fitting that we had this artwork created to recognise a Salford legend and cultural icon. Mark Kennedy was the perfect fit to create the mural too. I'd like to thank Mark for creating it, it will be visited by Mark E Smith's family, friends and fans from all over the world."
Funding and legacy
Salford City Council supported the project with £6,000 of funding towards materials. Kennedy said: "I read an article (in the Manchester Evening News) asking when Salford would honour its famous son and I took it as a call to arms. For me it was one of those 'build it and they will come' moments." The location was chosen following discussions with former Fall member Ed Blaney and Stephen Coen, a former councillor of 16 years at Salford City Council. The building's owner is working to transform the site into a community arts and food hall.
Kennedy, who has spent more than three decades creating major public art projects across Greater Manchester, added: "This work is our collective way of saying thank you to Mark E Smith. He was a unique artist and a unique voice. There will never be another person quite like him. I hope it helps make more people aware of his contribution to Salford, to music and to the cultural identity of this city." Smith formed The Fall with friends Martin Bramah and Tony Friel after dropping out of college in his late teens, and released 32 albums.
