To coincide with the celebration of Harold Riley’s life through the Every Line Is Me exhibition at Salford Museum and Gallery (April 2024 – April 2025) we have installed 4 works from the University of Salford Art Collection in The Old Fire Station Bakery this Summer.
Harold Riley work on display in The Old Fire Station.
Right to left: St Luke’s Church, Seedley (1975), charcoal and chalk. City Motorway (1977), pastel over lithography. Building by the Railway, Trafford Park (1976), chalk pastel. View of Manchester from Salford (1975), gouache and chalk.
Photographed by Sam Parker.
Artist Harold Riley was born in Salford in 1934. After studying at the Slade School of Art, London, and undertaking scholarships in Spain and Italy, he returned to Salford and lived and worked here until his passing in 2023. He dedicated much of his practice to documenting life in Salford and Greater Manchester – from both everyday urban streetscapes to portraits of local sporting stars – particularly at Manchester United FC. Further afield, he also achieved success with portraits of Nelson Mandela, John F Kennedy, and other important public figures.
The University of Salford Art Collection holds more than 100 paintings, drawings, and mixed media artworks by Riley, including local landscapes that capture the changing skylines of Salford and Manchester for over 60 years. Some places, views, and landmarks are still visible today; whilst others have been lost over time to new developments and regeneration.
Do you recognise the locations of City Motorway or View of Manchester from Salford? Get in touch with us by email or Instagram! Photograph it, tag us, let us know how these places have changed over the years.
The 4 works are on display at the Old Fire Station until the end of July 2024. We have also loaned a number of works to the display at Salford Museum & Art Gallery; please visit their website for opening times.
Haven’t visited the Old Fire Station Bakery yet? It’s the newest venue on campus, open to staff students and the public. The cafe, bar and bakery serves speciality coffee, homemade breads and bakes, and a delicious breakfast and lunch menu – including sustainable and locally-sourced options. From 4pm you can also enjoy craft beers, pop-up kitchen vendors, and a range of events from quizzes to live music. Visit the Bakery website for more info and full opening times!
Every Line is Me, Salford Museum & Art Gallery – opening night.
Photographed by Sam Parker.
“Bringing together all of Harold’s many disciplines and subject matter including painting, drawing, digital fusions, and photography. It tells the story of the man, showing works that portray places and people that were important to him. There are quotes from the artist that help illustrate the person Harold was, the legacy that he leaves behind, and the strong connection he had with the City of Salford.“
Every Line is Me at Salford Museum and Gallery celebrates Riley’s life and includes several loans from the University of Salford Art Collection (open 19th April 2024 – 27th April 2025; see Museum for full opening days and times).