Factory Records co-founder Peter Saville has spoken out in support of plans to create a tribute to Tony Wilson, but believes the late music mogul's legacy warrants more than a conventional statue. He also thinks former Joy Division singer Ian Curtis deserves to be commemorated.
Saville, the graphic designer responsible for Joy Division and New Order's classic album covers, later became Creative Director of the City of Manchester. He has helped brands including Selfridges, EMI and Metrolink revamp their images. Born in Hope Hospital, Salford, and a former Manchester Polytechnic student, Saville designed Wilson's headstone in Manchester's Southern Cemetery, which is embossed with the words: "Broadcaster Cultural Catalyst".
Support for a tribute
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News chief reporter Neal Keeling, Saville said: "I am supportive of the notion of it. In principle it is unquestionable." He acknowledged that Wilson could be a divisive figure, but added: "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. This is part of the territory of being prepared to stick your neck out and do something."
He said the commemoration of Wilson, Factory Records and Curtis is "a matter for both Manchester and Salford", adding: "I have to say I am surprised that civic funds are not being found to mark this history."
Contemporary work 'more relevant'
Saville acknowledged that Wilson's achievements were enormous, saying: "It may be that it is still too soon. Maybe a hundred years has to go by before things are set in stone or bronze. From my point of view - did Tony and Factory Records do something renowned for Manchester and Salford? They did. Without a shadow of a doubt Factory Records created a remarkable perception and inspiration for Manchester and Salford."
Asked how Wilson would react to a statue of him going up, Saville said: "He would be embarrassed, but privately, pleased with the recognition - I hope he would. It will happen. In the late years of Howard Bernstein's times I said to him there will be a statue of Ian Curtis in Albert Square one day, and he said 'who's that then'. But it is a generational thing." He 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."
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