Radcliffe: Artist’s own ‘wonderwall’ mural unveiled

Artist Carol Anne Lee worked on the formerly plain brick wall next to the canal on Water Street for more than three months using acrylic paints.

The artwork was created freehand and includes portraits of notable people, events of importance to the area and pop icons Rowetta and Liam Gallagher.

Carol said: “I named it my ‘wonder wall’ before Oasis made the announcement that they were getting back together!

“It is a wonderful project. I’ve never worked on anything of this scale before and absolutely loved every minute of it.

“I wanted to merge the past and present of Radcliffe, showing its history while giving a nod to all of the brilliant volunteers who do so much for the town.”

The mural was commissioned by the Little Britain Angling club, which focuses on protecting, improving and fishing in the River Irwell and nearby canals and waterways.

The colourful mural honours the town's past and present (Image: Newsquest)

Chairman Eric Owen said: “We wanted to do something to highlight the canal and share the importance of keeping it clean and healthy.

“It’s taken about three years to get up and running but the results is amazing. It really touches on the history.

“We’re hoping to secure funding so we can pay Carol to finish the whole wall. She deserves paying for her time and talent.”

The mural was officially "opened" on Thursday, September 5 with a public ceremony and speeches from Carol, Eric and dedicated Radcliffe volunteer Tina Harrison MBE.  

It features a myriad of colourful pieces from wildlife, transport and quotes to the newly opened Radcliffe Star Academy and memorials for key people from clubs and charities in the town.

Tina, a former nurse, was awarded an MBE for her “tireless efforts” in the community.

The event was well attended by volunteers (L-R Tina Harrison MBE, Carol Ann Lee and Sharon Goodman (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “There are so many groups here who come together and do so much good for our town. It’s been great seeing people stop to look and chat.

“There is a big community spirit and everyone is so welcoming wherever you go.”

Carol added: “There was lots of interest while I was working on it. People were so curious and kind, offering me cake and drinks.”

Carol left school aged 14 years old to care for her younger sibling and credits painting as “an outlet for all the difficulties I’ve endured”.

The artist has never had any lessons and has built up a successful career, previously exhibiting her work in the Rossocinabro Art Gallery in Rome, the Northern Soul Festival in Blackpool, Hebden Bridge and Printworks Manchester, amongst many other places.

Carol has also used her paintings to help raise money for such charities as The Christie and Children with Cancer.

She carried out the work on the Radcliffe wall for free and was supported by close friend Angie Power, who joined Carol through all weathers to paint.

Angie said: “I’m no artist but it was so much fun to do. We really bounce off each other.”

Local videographer Leslie Stott documented the work by recording Carol's progress for his YouTube channel, Today in Radcliffe.

One segment of the mural includes a Manchester bee along with the words "we chose love" and "she loves to sing and dance".

Sharon Goodman, from Radcliffe, runs Liv’s Trust, a charity set up in memory of her granddaughter, Olivia Campbell-Hardy, 15, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing along with 21 other victims.

She said: “It was wonderful to see the 22 bees represented in the painting. Liv loved singing and dancing and that’s been reflected here.

“There has been a fantastic reaction from the community and the message that we choose love over hate is more important now than ever before.”