A major new exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Tony Wilson – legendary broadcaster, cultural pioneer and co-founder of Factory Records – opens this summer at Smolensky Gallery.
Uncovering archives of the life and legacy beyond the myth of Mr Manchester.
Presented by the Tony Wilson Archive and curated by Smolensky Gallery, this immersive exhibition explores Wilson’s lasting influence on Manchester’s music, design and cultural scenes. Visitors can expect a carefully selected collection of personal letters, photographs, memorabilia and artwork, shown publicly for the first time.
The exhibition also launches a new series of risograph prints from the FAC Collection, created in collaboration with Manchester artists DR.ME. The first edition will be on display during the exhibition, with additional releases to follow throughout the year.
A special panel talk will take place during the run, featuring contributions from Oli Wilson (Tony Wilson’s son), Joe Wilson (Smolensky Gallery), Mat Bancroft (Curator, John Rylands Library), Jan Hicks, John Cooper (Cerysmatic Factory), and artists DR.ME. Together, they’ll discuss the archive’s journey and Tony Wilson’s enduring impact on music and culture.
The event will conclude with a rare DJ set by Oli Wilson, featuring tracks from Tony Wilson’s personal Factory Records collection, with support from DJ Pablo Blanquito.
The exhibition is free and open to the public from 20 June to 31 July 2025.
