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.
Harold RileyHarold Riley
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
Salford City sign EFL veteran and former Manchester United academy player James Chester
Danny Jones
Salford City FC have announced another new signing ahead of the 2024/25 season, as former Wales international and EFL veteran James Chester joins the League Two side on a free transfer.
With nearly 500 appearances to his name over the course of 17 years at a dozen different clubs, James Chester is a real journeyman of English football, having first come through the Manchester United academy before enjoying his longest spells at the likes of Hull City and Aston Villa.
The Warrington-born defender, who also had 35 caps for Wales and played his part in them reaching the quarter-finals at Euro 2016, was most recently playing at Barrow AFC but is now set to join fellow third-division side Salford as they look to finally mount a more promising promotion campaign.
Signing a one-year deal with the Ammies on Wednesday, 17 July, Chester is their seventh signing of the summer transfer window thus far. They’re not messing about.
Salford City announces the signing of ex-Wales centre-back James Chester on a one-year deal! 🤝
Having spent time in the Premier League at both West Bromwich and Aston Villa, the lattermost he helped gain promotion back to the top flight back in the 2019 Championship playoff final, the centre-back brings real experience to the Greater Manchester team.
The local club, co-owned by the Class of ’92, have plateaued in recent years after climbing out of the National League and somewhat losing their momentum following an albeit impressive three promotions in four years. They finished 23/24 in 20th place after flirting with relegation for much of the season.
With that in mind, even at 35, shoring up the defence with a player of his ilk who helped the Cumbrians to 12 clean sheets last season could prove big for the local outfit.
Commenting on the move, Chester told club media: “I look back on the games that I have played in, and I think that if you had told me before I started my career, I would never have believed you and I would have snapped your hands off there and then.
You can watch James Chester in his first full interview as a Salford City player down here.
“There is a lot to choose from, but I think the Euros on the whole for Wales was a huge highlight, to be involved in that was very very special. But I think to have played for, and to represent the clubs that I have done, and to have had the career that I have, I find myself very fortunate and very proud it is continuing.”
Chester went on to add: “I still have a desire to play and win, so hopefully the supporters will see that from me. I was out in Dublin with the squad last week and it is a really good group to be around, and there are a lot of young players here too, so hopefully I can help them and bring them along as well…
“I still have the desire to carry it on and take it further, and all the Salford fans will see that.”
Given the local connection to CEO Nicky Butt and the rest of the Man United legends that still remain influential around Peninsula Stadium, he’s sure to be a valuable senior presence in and around the dressing room.
Featured Images — Steindy (via Wikimedia Commons)/Salford City
Salford
Coronation Street reveals lineup of famous faces you could meet on ‘Stars Tours’ this summer
Emily Sergeant
Coronation Street has revealed the lineup of cast members you’ll be able to meet if you go on one its famous ‘Stars Tours’ this summer.
Unfamiliar with what ITV‘s ‘Stars Tours’ are all about?
Well, they’re basically everything you know and love about the original Coronation Street set tours, but only this time with a more famous flare, as the unique concept sees mystery cast members from the iconic show join selected afternoon visits every weekend.
The famous Corrie faces add an extra layer of star quality to the already-popular guided tours of the UK’s most recognisable TV set.
Thousands of visitors to Greater Manchester have already been on ‘Star Tours’ this year, and Corrie royalty like Maureen Lipman, Colson Smith, Andy Whyment, and Samia Longchambon have joined in on the fun, and have posed for photos, signed autographs, and even spent time chatting to loyal fans.
Coronation Street has revealed its lineup of famous faces you could meet on ‘Stars Tours’ this summer / Credit: Coronation Street Experience
While it’s not to say that those famous faces won’t be reappearing on an upcoming tour over the next couple of weeks, so keep your fingers crossed if you’re a big Kirk or Maria fan, but the Coronation Street Experience has now revealed that absolute Corrie legend Sue Cleaver will definitely be among the mystery guests to appear this summer.
Fans will get to take a guided 90-minute journey around iconic Coronation Street locations on these exciting star-studded tours.
The Rovers Return, The Kabin, and Roy’s Rolls are just some of the locations you’ll get to see the outside of with your own eyes, while you can actually go inside interior sets like Prima Doner too, and even walk along the entire length of Coronation Street, as well as adjacent streets that are featured in the show.
Fans get to meet legends as they take a guided 90-minute journey around iconic Coronation Street locations / Credit: Continuum Attractions (via ITV)
“We know our guests want to get as close to the show as possible, and our Star Tours are the ultimate way to do just that,” explained Kristian Johnson, who is the General Manager of the Coronation Street Experience.
“Coronation Street has incredibly loyal fans, and we are so fortunate that the stars of the show want to repay their loyalty.
“They love spending time with our guests to fulfil their bucket list wishes and give them a day to remember. Seeing their excitement when they come face-to-face with their favourite cast members like Sue, Maureen, or Colson is undoubtedly one of the best parts of my job.”