Peter Saville, the graphic designer who co-founded Factory Records and created iconic album covers for Joy Division and New Order, has given his backing to plans for a statue of Tony Wilson in Salford. However, he believes the tribute should be a contemporary work rather than a conventional statue, and that former Joy Division singer Ian Curtis also deserves commemoration.
The proposed 7ft bronze statue would be placed in Greengate Square, once the site of the old Victoria Bus Station, with Wilson looking towards Manchester from Salford. The campaign is driven by Salford-born Peter Hook, former member of Joy Division and New Order, and ex-Salford councillor Steve Coen. They have suggested the estimated £250,000 cost could be raised by selling shares in the statue, complete with Factory-styled certificates.
Saville's endorsement and reservations
Saville, who was born in Hope Hospital, Salford, and studied graphic design at Manchester Polytechnic, said: "I am supportive of the notion of it. In principle it is unquestionable. I appreciate, sometimes to a significant degree, Tony was and could be a divisive personality."
He added: "But I would hazard a guess that many of the historic figures now highly regarded, were probably pretty divisive as well. There are probably gentlemen in Albert Square who were loved and despised simultaneously by people."
Saville, who received a CBE in the Queen's 2020 New Year Honours list, designed Wilson's headstone in Manchester's Southern Cemetery, embossed with the words "Broadcaster Cultural Catalyst". Wilson died on August 10th 2007 aged 57 after the kidney cancer he was being treated for progressed and he suffered a heart attack.
Factory Records' legacy
Saville, who designed the first Factory poster (FAC 1) and artwork for Joy Division's Transmission album and New Order's Power, Corruption & Lies, as well as the Hacienda poster (FAC 51), said: "I have to say I am surprised that civic funds are not being found to mark this history."
He added: "When you go around the world Manchester is known for its football - United and now City, which is good, but it is also known for Factory Records. That is the creative dimension of the arts. It raises the profile of a city internationally."
Saville, whose period as a consultant to Manchester City Council came under chief executive Howard Bernstein and leader Sir Richard Leese, noted that Factory Records created "a remarkable perception and inspiration for Manchester and Salford" and that Tony Wilson was "the catalyst of everything that happened at Factory".
Ian Curtis's role
Saville said: "The capital that made Factory Records work was Ian Curtis's life. It was his giving of his life in 1980 which made the full Factory project viable for the next decade. Ian died, people bought the records, found they liked Joy Division, which led to New Order, which set off the Hacienda."
He expressed concern about the statue's design: "I am more concerned with what the statue would look like than what the share certificates would look like. The project is going down a path that I would not go down. I think a contemporary work should be considered rather than a classic statue."
Saville added: "In the spirit of Factory Records I think a contemporary work would be just as relevant - arguably more relevant. It should be a recognition of the person's contribution not what they looked like."
Council discussions
Salford City Council officers have already met Peter Hook and Steve Coen to discuss a tribute to Wilson. Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport, Sustainable Development and Regeneration at Salford City Council, said: "The council has met with project representatives to discuss a permanent tribute to Tony Wilson. Discussions are at a very early stage, and any proposals will need to be fully developed and considered before any commitment is made."
He added: "The council has a strong track record of recognising and celebrating individuals who have made a significant contribution to the city's cultural, social and economic life. Any decision would be subject to the council's formal decision-making process."
