The face of Manchester is constantly shifting, as street artists use its historic buildings as canvases and its people as inspiration. Here are the pieces worth seeking out.
These eight famous figures have helped put Manchester on the map and, now, the city is thanking them by playing host (and home) to tours, museums, buildings, walks and art pieces dedicated to them.
Got your brolly? Get ready to retrace their steps by embarking on these current events honouring them.
Tony Warren
One of Manchester's great exports, 'Coronation Street' was the brainchild of Pendlebury-born Tony Warren, a man who showed the world that working-class cobbled streets could tell a story all of their own. Walk the streets yourself on the Corrie tour. The Studios from Dock 10
L.S. Lowry
Stretford-born Laurence Stephen Lowry is one of the country's most beloved artists. The arts centre amed after him remains the gallery with the largest collection of his work in the UK. It's free to get in, but don't forget to have a look at what's on in the theatre space as well and make a day of it. Lowry Centre, Pier 8, The Quays
Morrissey
Salford Lads Club will forever be associated with The Smiths, our finest band (even if Morrissey’s more recent statements have been a touch problematic) so prepare for a possible wait as people pose for a pic outside the building where the inner sleeve of 'The Queen Is Dead' was shot. Do pop inside to see the archive and the Smiths room, too. Salford Lads Club, Saint Ignatius Walk
Sir Humphrey Chetham
Establishing a free collection of books which, as stated in his will of 1651, 'required nothing of any man that cometh into the library', Crumpsall-born Sir Humphrey Chetham showed all the signs of being a true Manc even back then – self-made, generous and, in refusing a knighthood, arsey. His altruism gave the city a great deal, including this stunning building. Top tip: go and find the devil's hoof print in John Deeís desk... Chetham's Library, Long Millgate
Emmeline Pankhurst
Outrageously, until last year there had been only one statue of a woman in the city centre (a quite grumpy-looking Queen Victoria in Picc Gardens). Following a public vote, a new and wonderful addition to our public art portrays Moss Sideís very own Mrs Pankhurst in an inspiring and very upstanding pose. St. Peter's Square
Friedrich Engels
Outside HOME, a statue of the German philosopher Engels – who worked in a cotton mill in Salford in the 1840s – stands after taking a long journey across Europe. Artist Phil Collins documented the trip in his film 'Ceremony' as part of 2017's MIF. First St.
Anthony Burgess
Did you know that Harpurheyís finest son was also a composer? At the Burgess Foundation, home to a fascinating collection of the great writer's artefacts, you can find out a lot more about him and see an event in its delightful performance space. International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge St.
Elizabeth Gaskell
The Victorian novelist was born in Chelsea but settled in Ardwick and wrote some of her finest works here. Visit her beautiful former home and its gardens; they offer a glimpse inside the life of the author and contextualise the times in which she wrote. Elizabeth Gaskell House, 84 Plymouth Grove
