The artist behind the recently unveiled mural of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, hopes to create a major new public artwork in Wythenshawe celebrating the life and legacy of actor, writer and comedian Caroline Aherne.
Manchester-based street artist Pic.One.Art is known for large-scale murals honouring some of the city’s most iconic cultural figures, including the widely visited Mani mural in Failsworth and a celebrated Oasis piece featuring Liam and Noel Gallagher at Sifters Records in Burnage.
He is now appealing to local organisations, businesses, landlords and community groups to come forward with suitable wall space in the area where Aherne grew up, as it is the 10th anniversary of her passing this month.
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Best known for creating and starring in iconic television shows including The Fast Show, The Royle Family and Mrs Merton, as well as narrating Gogglebox and being temporarily married to Joy Division and The Light bassist Peter Hook, Aherne remains one of Manchester’s most loved cultural figures, celebrated for her warmth, humour and distinctive voice.
Her close friend and long-time creative collaborator, Craig Cash, who co-wrote and starred alongside her in The Royle Family, and is no stranger to voiceovers himself said: “Caroline was the funniest and most talented person I’ve ever known, but she was also incredibly grounded and proud of where she came from. The idea of creating something lasting for her in Wythenshawe feels fitting, and I think people would love to see her remembered in that way.”
Pic.One.Art said: “Caroline Aherne meant so much to so many people and represented a very real, funny and compassionate side of Greater Manchester that still resonates today. Her writing and characters captured working-class life in a way that was warm, honest and deeply human.
“With it being 10 years since we lost her this summer, it feels like the right moment to create something special in Wythenshawe that celebrates her life and legacy. After the reaction to the Mani mural, I’d love to create another piece of public art that people can connect with and feel proud of locally.”
The proposed mural aims to celebrate Caroline’s cultural impact while creating a lasting landmark for fans across generations.
Anyone able to offer or suggest a potential wall space in Wythenshawe is encouraged to get in touch via [email protected].
