Manchester Arndale unveils giant mural artwork to honour heroes of Rio
- Written by I Love MCR
- Last updated 8 years ago
- Art & Design, Community, Culture, Shopping, Videos
Didsbury-based artist David Gee’s biggest project yet – a giant mural celebrating over 70 ‘Made in Manchester’ medals at Rio 2016 – has been unveiled at the Manchester Arndale.
The mural, which is almost 10 metres in length, celebrates the achievements of the athletes born in Greater Manchester, or who now live and train in the area, who won medals at this year’s Olympics and Paralympics.
Armed only with his trusty pen, David worked through the night to craft his latest masterpiece.
Among those celebrated in the mural are local newlyweds Jason Kenny and Laura Trott and other Manchester-based athletes at one of the city’s medal hubs, the Velodrome.
The artwork, which is located in Exchange Court by the Next store, also features well-known landmarks including Manchester Arndale, the Town Hall and the Mancunian Way.
Cyclists Jody Cundy MBE and Megan Giglia feature alongside Paralympic swimming heroes Tom Hamer and Stephanie Slater, who both train at the National Performance Centre at Manchester’s Aquatics Centre. Para-archer John Stubbs, who hails from Bowden Vale and trains at Eccles Archery Club, is also represented.
All five athletes joined Arndale Centre director David Allinson and Councillor Pat Karney at Manchester Arndale to launch the project.
Credit Ben Blackall
“Manchester has a rich sporting culture and we’re proud to see so many medals from our home-grown athletes, as well as those who choose to live and train here,” said Manchester Arndale centre director David Allinson.
“Being in the centre of the city, we wanted to do something extra special to give our local heroes a fitting celebration. The results were so impressive we had to find a 10 metre space to fit them all on!”
“This is a fantastic project to be involved with,” said David. “I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world as an artist, but being able to produce something so unique at home as my biggest ever challenge is a real honour. I hope our athletes and visitors to the centre enjoy the mural and take a moment to appreciate Manchester’s amazing achievements.”
The artwork will be on display in the Arndale for six weeks to allow visitors to Manchester’s ‘welcome home’ Olympic parade on 17 October to see it.
To see a timelapse video of David creating the mural click here
- This article was last updated 8 years ago.
- It was first published on 4 October 2016 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]
Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here.
Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!
An email you’ll love. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news stories delivered direct to your inbox.
Got a story worth sharing?
What’s the story? We are all ears when it comes to positive news and inspiring stories. You can send story ideas to [email protected]
While we can’t guarantee to publish everything, we will always consider any enquiry or idea that promotes:
- Independent new openings
- Human interest
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Community Interest Companies (CiCs) and projects
- Charities and charitable initiatives
- Affordability and offers saving people over 20%
For anything else, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us about advertorials (from £350+VAT) and advertising opportunities: [email protected]
The very special toy shop where parents don’t pay a penny is open – and busier than ever
Manchester’s oldest homelessness charity celebrates 40 years of supporting the needy
Games, science and history collide at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this winter
Best bars and pubs to watch the football and live sport in Manchester
How Baguley Hall Primary School is nourishing minds with a morning Magic Breakfast
