Salford Artist Harold Riley has died at the age of 88-years-old and will be ‘greatly missed’ by the team at Salford Museum and Art Gallery.
The artist who grew up and lived in Salford sold his first piece of art at the age of 11 to the Salford Art Museum and Gallery, through the help of his friend and fellow artist, L.S Lowry. Riley spent most of his and career living in Salford, being inspired by the city around him.
Riley studied at Salford Grammar School as a child, where his love of art began, before being awarded a scholarship to study at the ‘Slade Fine School of Art’, at the University College in London, when he was seventeen. From being a student, Riley made a lifelong relationship with L.S Lowry, as their passion for art of their local area was shared.
This was the beginning of his illustrious career, as following from this he was awarded another scholarship, in travel, where he spent time in Italy and then a British Council Scholarship in which he gained the opportunity to live and work in Spain.
However, when Riley returned to Salford in 1960, he focussed his art into the city of Salford and its people; He was most famous for his portraits and sports painting, pictures and photographs.
The famous artist was not only well known for his artistic flare, as he was also a great asset to his community. Salford Museum and Art Gallery explained that “In 2017, Harold Riley was given the freedom of Salford, honouring the creative and cultural impact he has made on his home city.”
Upon his return to his hometown, Riley painted pieces including ‘Brown Poisons’, in Trafford Park, 1960.
There is an exhibition room named ‘Exploring the Collection’, which is open until 30th April, at the gallery highlighting these works.
A Spokesperson from the gallery said: “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.”
They also mentioned that he would often visit the gallery, as he worked nearby and that, “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.”
There have also been tributes flooding into social media, in tribute to Riley, with words describing him as a ‘great friend’ and someone with ‘warmth and affection’.
Sad to hear of the death of artist Harold Riley, a great talent, a lovely man and such a faithful son of #Salford. pic.twitter.com/70KFqooFjt
— NOT QUITE LIGHT – NQL (@NotQuiteLight) April 19, 2023
The Mayor of Salford shared his thoughts:
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Harold Riley.
From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank Harold & the family for all they have given our great city.
Harold epitomised the true Spirit of Salford in all that he did, he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/kuJAZE4VVf
— SalfordMayor (@salford_mayor) April 20, 2023
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