Legendary suffragette and scholar to be honoured with Fallowfield mural

Over the last decade, Manchester has embraced the power of public art, from the ever-evolving street art in the Northern Quarter to the recent artistic revitalisation of Withington with Withington walls.

Now, Fallowfield Brow, an often overlooked section of South Manchester, is about to receive its splash of colour and history with a mural dedicated to Rosa Grindon, an unsung suffragist and Shakespearian scholar.

The mural, the work of local artist Ethan Lemon, is set to be completed by early November on the gable end of Albion Road, right at the entrance to Platt Fields Park.

This piece will not only brighten the neighbourhood but also commemorate one of Manchester’s lesser-known yet significant historical figures.

Who Was Rosa Grindon?

Rosa Grindon might not be a household name in Manchester like Emmeline Pankhurst, but her contributions were vital to both the suffrage movement and Manchester’s cultural life.

A dedicated suffragist, she spent her life advocating for women’s rights.

However, she is equally remembered for her scholarly passion for Shakespeare.

In 1922, Grindon spearheaded the creation of the Shakespearian Gardens in Platt Fields Park to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

The gardens showcase her dedication to education and beauty in public spaces, and her memory is deeply connected to that small oasis in the park, just minutes away from the mural site.

While the Pankhursts have statues and institutions named in their honour, Rosa Grindon’s legacy has largely faded into the background.

This mural, with its striking design and historical resonance, aims to change that, giving Grindon the recognition she deserves.

The Artist Behind the Work

Ethan Lemon, the artist behind this mural, has made waves in Manchester’s street art scene. His photorealistic portraits, often of women, have garnered attention across the city.

You can check out Ethan’s Instagram by clicking here

His mural on Furness Road, completed in January 2023, was the first of two gable-end murals in the Fallowfield area and cemented his reputation as a talented and accessible artist.

Ethan’s style perfectly complements the subject of Rosa Grindon.

His mastery in capturing the depth of human emotion and the realism of his subjects makes him the perfect choice for bringing this forgotten figure back to life.

His work often highlights historical and cultural figures, making it a natural fit for this project.

Nick Roberts, a long-time resident of Fallowfield Brow and one of the key figures in organising the mural, explained how his involvement began: “I first met Ethan in January 2023 when he was working on another mural nearby.

“I suggested there were other walls around that could use a bit of life, and we ended up surveying six potential gable ends for future projects. That’s how this mural of Rosa Grindon came to be.”

From Scruffy Gable End to Landmark Art

The gable end of Albion Road, which will soon host the mural, is currently a blank canvas, marred by graffiti and neglect.

Situated near the entrance to Platt Fields Park, the mural is positioned in a prime location that will capture the attention of locals and visitors alike.

As Nick Roberts describes it, “This area has often been overlooked, but with a mural like this, we’re bringing some much-needed colour, vibrancy, and history back into the community.”

The inspiration for the design came from Grindon’s connection to the nearby Shakespearian Gardens, which were lovingly restored by Kattie Kincaid and her team of volunteers in recent years.

The gardens received a “Level 5 – Outstanding” award from the North West in Bloom competition and are now part of the National Garden Scheme.

In many ways, the mural ties these two key aspects of Grindon’s life together: her fight for women’s rights and her contribution to Manchester’s cultural heritage.

The mural will feature Grindon’s portrait surrounded by floral motifs in the suffragette colours of purple, white, and green, paying homage to both her activism and her connection to the Shakespearian Gardens.

Lemon has also incorporated a QR code into the mural design.

When scanned, it will direct viewers to a dedicated webpage, providing more information about Rosa Grindon and the mural, thanks to local academic Dr. Monica, who is developing the digital content.

Securing the Funding

As with many community-led art projects, securing funding was a significant hurdle. The mural is largely the result of the persistence and dedication of local residents like Nick and artist Ethan.

“Ethan funded the first two murals in the area out of his own pocket,” Roberts explained, “and the landlords weren’t contributing financially. It was tough.”

The turning point came when the local neighbourhood officer alerted them to the availability of Manchester’s Neighbourhood Improvement Fund.

With this opportunity, they pulled together a proposal centred around Ethan’s stunning design for the mural. By August of this year, they were thrilled to hear that their application had been approved.

Why Fallowfield Brow?

Fallowfield Brow, a small, often forgotten enclave of South Manchester, is made up of seven streets and is best known for its proximity to the bustling student population of Fallowfield.

Yet, beyond the student digs and littered pavements, it is a neighbourhood with deep historical roots.

The streets of Fallowfield Brow—Landcross Road, Furness Road, Cawdor Road, Mabfield Road, and Langley Road—are rich in potential, and this mural is just one part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the area.

As Roberts puts it, “We want to show that this neighbourhood is more than just a student area plagued by graffiti, rubbish, and broken glass.

“The mural is a statement of pride, a way to show people that Fallowfield Brow has a vibrant, positive community spirit and a deep history worth celebrating.”

A Hopeful Future

Public art has a way of transforming spaces, and the Rosa Grindon mural will do just that.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the mural serves as a reminder of the impact of forgotten figures like Grindon and the importance of community-led projects in reshaping our neighbourhoods.

It also serves as a beacon of hope for the area, encouraging pride, and engagement, and perhaps even inspiring future generations to learn more about the rich history of Manchester.

As Roberts says, “It’s more than just a mural—it’s a statement that we are a community, we have history, and we have hope for the future.”

And as the final brushstrokes are added to the mural at the end of October, Rosa Grindon’s legacy will once again be front and centre in the city she worked so hard to improve.