An extraordinary “Manc mural” that depicts music legends like Oasis star Noel Gallagher and Bee Gee Barry Gibb in classical Greco-Roman attire is in search of a new home befitting of its enormous stature. The vast artwork was created by acclaimed Manchester artist Michael J Browne back in 2015 as a specially commissioned piece to be displayed inside the Gusto Italian restaurant in Manchester city centre.
It features Manchester architecture like the Central Library, Coronation Street, the Ship Canal and Old Trafford, as well as icons like Alan Turing, Emmeline Pankhurst and John Dalton, all painted in Renaissance-style across a 5 metre wide canvas. It has been on display inside Gusto restaurant on Lloyd Street for the past 11 years.
It caused such a stir when it was first unveiled that the Manchester Evening News even launched a competition to name it. One reader came up with the title “Manchester’s own Northern Lights” which artist Michael then painted into the work above the image of Manchester Central Library.
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But Gusto restaurant has now been transformed into a swish new Italian, renamed Gigi, that is being unveiled to the public this week. And, sadly, the new interiors no longer hold a place for the huge artwork.
Browne’s works continue to be in high demand in the art world, and a rough estimated value of the Gusto mural is £15,000. But the painting’s current owner is prepared to donate the artwork for FREE to another organisation in Greater Manchester if they are able to put it on permanent public display.
They have been working with artist Michael to find a suitable home, but have so far drawn a blank. They’re now appealing for help through the MEN to see if any organisations out there feel they might be able to give the work a suitable new showcase.
Or if someone out there would want the work for their own collection, a private sale would also be considered. With the new restaurant unveiled this week, the artwork has now been placed in storage while a new home is urgently sought.
It features an incredible array of detail, mixing realism with surrealism. It includes the central figures of music icons Barry Gibb and Noel Gallagher dressed in classic garments, but when you look closer you can see Barry’s orange robe has a distinctly 1970s-feel, while Noel’s top half is a classic parka top, wielding his legendary Union Jack guitar.
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Artist Michael, originally from Moss Side says: “The work was completed for Gusto restaurant in 2016, and I painted it on site.
“The artwork has been much appreciated by the many viewers it’s had, and it’s a relevant artwork to Manchester’s history and identity. Especially with me being a local artist in Manchester throughout my life.”
The art includes nods to both Manchester City and Manchester United, has the Rovers Return pub and cobbles of Coronation Street, and nods to the region’s world-leading scientists.
Michael explained how it came upon its title after a competition in the MEN, with the winning entry from reader Denise Donovan of “Manchester’s own Northern Lights”. As part of the prize, Michael added the title to the top of Manchester Central Library which is at the heart of the painting.
It went on to be officially unveiled by then council leader, Sir Richard Leese, inside the glitzy Italian restaurant.
Confirming the current situation, Michael said: “Sadly, my painting has had to be removed from Gusto due to a major refurb and relaunch of the brand, in a very different style.
“Jamie Barber [the new restaurateur], got in touch with me asking if I could help him to find a new Manchester home for the painting. He said he would donate the artwork FOR FREE, to an establishment connected to Manchester council or a government office here (eg. Number 10 North). Otherwise he’d like to sell it to a commercial business.
“I have tried a limited number of council officials, but Central Library doesn’t have the space for it, and the Town Hall representatives can’t look into it yet because it’s too soon, and said there’s a high chance it would spent too much time in storage if they owned it outright.”
Michael continued: “The Manchester museum of Science and Technology also declined, saying, although it contains a number of relevant scientists, other famous figures are not relevant to the museum. It’s been very difficult to reach other outlets and get a response.
“I did also have my eyes on the G-Mex conference centre entrance, which is a very large and open space with empty walls. But I can’t find who to reach out to there either.”
Anyone who might be able to help with a new home for the artwork, can email Michael on mikejbrowne777@gmail.com.
