Manchester and Salford Illustrated
This eclectic exhibition of work celebrates Manchester and Salford in all their diversity. Organised by Wood Street's Creative Friends, in aid of the Wood Street Mission, the prints will be sold at £25 each to raise funds for families living in poverty in the two cities.
Using very different styles, the artists capture different aspects of the cities' personalities, and draw upon figures from popular culture as reference points. Morrissey's `vicar in a tutu' is there, in the work of Chris Madden; and John Cooper Clarke, the Bard of Salford, makes an appearance on multiple occasions, skulking through like a chimney sweep, his infamous poem Twat written out verse by verse by Mark Brown. Chorlton's suburban bohemia is depicted affectionately by Hannah Dawn Henderson, whose cyclist promotes co-operative grocers, Unicorn.
The artwork draws upon aspects of Manchester and Salford that make a city unique, and engage with the public on a level more contemporary than what L.S Lowry envisaged when he painted the areas. Now tower blocks and the Metrolink predominate, but in the context of the Friends of Wood Street exhibition, they become landmarks to a place loved by its citizens, using figures past and present who have helped to form a sense of identity.
The Wood Street Mission began in 1869, to combat child poverty in the cities, and continues to do so in 2011, with exhibitions such as this put on by the Wood Street's Creative Friends, a collaboration between artists and designers doing their bit.
"We're staging this exhibition to increase awareness of the immense commercial illustration talent we have here in Manchester and Salford, and share new perspectives on both cities" says Stephen Hey, of Wood Street's Creative Friends.
"It's been very hard to select just 30 works to exhibit but, with prints for sale for only £25, our visitors will be able to buy a unique piece of art without spending a fortune" he adds "And every penny raised will directly help local children living in poverty."
Manchester and Salford Illustrated
Creative Lynx, Fifth floor
52 Princess St, Manchester
Until 10th November
Open: Mon-Fri
Prints are available for £25 from the exhibition or online via www.manchesterandsalfordillustrated.co.uk/
See also Flckr photo preview of the work click here
And search Facebook: Manchester and Salford Illustrated
Words by Sarah Ward
See also previous Salford Star article on Wood Street Mission: click here
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