Tributes have been pouring in today for legendary Salford figure and artist Harold Riley, who has sadly died at the age of 88.
Harold was a hugely respected talent and local character, who spent lengths of time with the likes of Nelson Mandela, John F Kennedy, and Prince Phillip creating portraits for royalty and political heavyweights.
His work to this day is proudly displayed in the Salford Museum, and he was considered to possess the ‘true spirit of Salford’.
In 2017, Harold was given the Freedom of Salford – and afterwards was permitted to drive a flock of sheep up the Crescent in a truly memorable moment.
He was close friends with L.S. Lowry himself for 30 years.
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To mark the news of his death, the flag at Salford Civic Centre has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Tributes have been flooding in today following the sad news of Harold’s passing, who has been described as ‘one of this city’s most famous sons and treasured artists’.
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Salford Museum and Art Gallery shared: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Salford artist Harold Riley. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
“Harold has been a huge part of Salford Museum & Art Gallery over the years, not only through his wonderful personality but also in his artistic contribution. Born in Salford in 1934, he sold his first painting to the museum aged 11, a sale engineered by his friend L S Lowry, and the museum then went on to purchase other works over the years as he became world-famous.
“As well as painting well-known figures, he spent much of his time recording the lives of people in Salford, and the significant changes to the city, through painting, photography and drawing. This love for Salford was reflected in his work and he enjoyed close links with the museum over the years, popping in frequently as he worked from his nearby studio.
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“In 2017, Harold Riley was given the freedom of Salford, honouring the creative and cultural impact he has made on his home city.
Salford Scene: The NunThe Price of IndustryThe Chimney SweepThe CourtyardSome of Harold Riley’s paintings owned by Salford Museum & Art Gallery
“We are honoured to hold a number of Harold’s works in our collection and even more so to have some pieces currently on display as part of our exhibition ‘Exploring the Collection’, which is open until 30th April. Harold will be greatly missed.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank Harold for all he has done for our great city, he had the true Spirit of Salford with a deep love for the people, communities and an unwavering commitment to his city, Salford.
“Harold was a humble eloquent man with a great sense of humour and with the ability to put everyone at ease particularly through his many stories about his life in Salford and wider experiences travelling the world as an artist.
“Harold was a very generous man contributing to numerous good causes across the City over his lifetime. The list is long, but to name just one, Harold donated 100 original works to Salford Royal Hospital along with 100 prints of these works that are now on display around the hospital to support patients and staff. He will be sorely missed, and Salford is very much the worse for his passing – Rest in Peace Harold.”
Salford City FC shared: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Salfordian artist Harold Riley. He was devoted to his roots and was awarded the freedom of Salford in 2017. Rest in peace, Harold”
Poet Tony Walsh, also known as Longfella, said: “RIP #HaroldRiley, the great Salford artist.”
Photographer Simon Buckley, aka Not Quite Light, posted: “Sad to hear of the death of artist Harold Riley, a great talent, a lovely man and such a faithful son of #Salford.”
“Harold Riley was an incredible artist who remained connected to his roots in Salford. He was a regular in the local church, often doing and giving out quick sketches of the congregation. He will be much missed”
Louise Woodward-Styles said: “We remember with the greatest respect and love our beloved Salford Son. Harold Riley, thank you for being the eyes and smile of our great city. The Civic Flag in the sunshine at half mast for you.”
I’ve just heard that artist Harold Riley has sadly died. I had the pleasure of spending time with him when I worked at @SalfordMuseum, and when he found out that I was moving from Salford to Stockport he drew me this little dog. Such a kind man. #HaroldRileypic.twitter.com/jGoiKYrMOy
Sorry to hear that Harold Riley has died. I photographed him for my ‘Eminent’ Salfordians exhibition for Salford City Art Gallery l, and spent several entertaining, enjoyable days with him. My condolences to his family and friends #Salford@SalfordMuseumpic.twitter.com/yIBXF6BKd1
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
Salford murder victim named and pictured after human remains found
Daisy Jackson
The victim of a major murder investigation in Salford has been named and pictured by police.
Detectives are ‘confident’ that the victim is Stuart Everett, 67, though formal identification is yet to take place.
A major investigation was launched on 4 April after body parts wrapped in plastic were found in Kersal Dale.
Further human remains were then discovered at Blackleach Reservoir and Colliery Wood over last weekend.
DNA samples have been sent away for urgent forensic analysis, after which the victim’s identity will be formally confirmed.
Stuart’s family are being supported by specially-trained GMP officers.
GMP said: “In the last 48 hours they have heard the most devastating news that anyone could hear, and our thoughts remain with them as they begin to process this.”
Two men have been charged with murder and will appear at Manchester Crown Court this morning.
A large police presence will continue to be deployed around Salford as GMP looks to recover more evidence.
The remains found at the other three locations in Salford are still to be tested, but GMP says it is ‘confident’ that they belong to the same victim.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes from GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: “My thoughts and the thoughts of officers and staff across Greater Manchester Police are with Stuart’s family at this traumatic time. Family Liaison Officers are supporting them through each update in our investigation.
“On behalf of Stuart’s loved ones, I ask the public and the press to please respect their wishes for peace and privacy while they process this most devastating news.
“My officers and detectives, alongside additional resources from across the force, have worked tirelessly over the last three days to secure charges.
“We are grateful for the public’s continued help and support throughout this case. We understand the shockwaves this has caused throughout the community and beyond, and we hope you are reassured by the pace of our investigation and also our large police presence in the areas as we continue to make enquiries.
“We have officers drawn from different teams and units in GMP who have helped us search and their efforts do not go unnoticed, and they have all played an important role to help us get to this stage in our investigation.
“We said right at the start that our investigation will not stop until we have every stone unturned, and this continues to be the case. Our investigation has been a huge process so far, and we will continue to push forward in our enquiries to find answers for Stuart’s family.”
Michal Jaroslaw Polchowski (25/04/1956) and Marcin Majerkiewicz (10/04/1982) both of Worsley Road, Eccles, have been charged with murder. They are due to appear at Manchester Crown Court this morning (30 April 2024).