Tributes have poured in for the late Salford artist, Harold Riley, whose death was announced yesterday at aged 88.
The flag at Salford Civic Centre has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect for the painter, who famously was the only artist that Nelson Mandela would sit for.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett shared his condolences in a statement. He said: “It is with great sadness that I have recently heard of the passing of Harold Riley.
Famed for his commissioned portraits of figureheads Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Pope John Paul XIII, John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, as well as sporting heroes, the painter shared a deep friendship with fellow Salford artist, LS Lowry.
Mayor Dennett continued: “In Salford we are incredibly lucky to have been blessed with two of Britain’s foremost artists of the 20th century – Harold Riley and L.S. Lowry, who were friends for 30 years, charting over 100 years of the social history of Salford through their art. Salford gave LS Lowry the freedom of the city in 1965 and 52 years later Harold Riley also followed his friend and accepted this prestigious honour.
“From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank Harold for all he has done for our great city, he had the true Spirit of Salford with a deep love for the people, communities and an unwavering commitment to his city, Salford.
“Harold was a humble eloquent man with a great sense of humour and with the ability to put everyone at ease particularly through his many stories about his life in Salford and wider experiences travelling the world as an artist.
“Harold was a very generous man contributing to numerous good causes across the City over his lifetime. The list is long, but to name just one, Harold donated 100 original works to Salford Royal Hospital along with 100 prints of these works that are now on display around the hospital to support patients and staff.
“He will be sorely missed, and Salford is very much the worse for his passing – Rest in Peace Harold.”
Born in Salford in 1934, Riley sold his first painting to Salford Museum and Art Gallery at aged 11.
Following a career studying art in London, Spain and Italy, the Salfordian went on to complete three years of National Service as an officer in 1957.
An autoimmune disorder in the later stages of his life saw him raise more than £55,000 for charity whilst confined to his bed in intensive care. Illustrating portraits of his wife, Ashraf, the money raised at auction was donated to NSPCC.
Tom Stannard, Chief Executive at Salford City Council said: “Harold was a renowned artist, known throughout the world but he remained devoted to his home city. He was given the Freedom of Salford in 2017 and after the ceremony had the opportunity to drive a small flock of sheep up the Crescent.”
Some of Harold’s work is currently on display at Salford Museum and Art Gallery.
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