The Salford-born painter, famed for being the artist Nelson Mandela would sit for, Harold Riley DL, has died aged 88.
Famed for his commissioned portraits of figureheads Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Pope John Paul XIII, John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, as well as sporting heroes, the painter’s death was announced yesterday.
Born in Salford in 1934, Riley sold his first painting to Salford Museum and Art Gallery at aged 11.
Following a career studying art in London, Spain and Italy, the Salfordian went on to complete three years of National Service as an officer in 1957.
Becoming close friends with fellow Salford artist, L.S. Lowry, Riley then returned to his hometown in a bid to capture the city’s essence through painting, photography and drawing.
An autoimmune disorder in the later stages of his life saw him raise more than £55,000 for charity whilst confined to his bed in intensive care. Illustrating portraits of his wife, Ashraf, the money raised at auction was donated to NSPCC.
In 2017, Harold Riley was given the freedom of Salford, honouring the creative and cultural impact he has made on his home city.
Today, his works are in the collections of the University of Salford, the University of Manchester, and the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, among others.
Artists and fans from across the city have taken to social media to share their condolences at the painter’s passing.
Salford Precinct’s Artist in Residence, Chelsea Entwistle wrote: “”Hello My Old Friend” 
Such sad news to hear that Harold Riley has passed away. What an incredible human being, shown Salford in such an amazing light.”
Manchester artist, Anthony Cosgrove shared fond memories of the painter. He wrote: “Sad to hear that Salford legend Harold Riley has passed away. I met him a number of times and he always had time for a chat. RIP.”
Mr. Riley was a gentleman, and I mean, a gentleman. I worked with Harold Riley many times during my time on the Salford City Reporter. A fine painter and a fine human being. It was a great pleasure to have known this very kind man. RIP
I only met Harold Riley a couple of times at Salford Art Gallery a few years ago when they held a retrospective exhibition of his work. It’s a great tribute to him that everyone who met and knew him was touched by his warmth and humanity. He represents values and traits that sadly are not as easy to come across these days. That he was a very fine artist goes without saying and is well documented. The love and regard that people hold for him is a tribute to the man. One of life’s true gentlemen. He will be sadly missed and long remembered.
The world lost a great humanitarian and humble man. My condolence to the whole family. RIP my friend