If you wander around our Hope Building at Salford Royal, you will more than likely come across one of Harold Riley’s brilliant paintings.
Our partnership with Harold started after he generously donated a some of his art to our urology ward. He was later approached to join a panel to help curate the art for the new Hope Building, but politely turned down the role, offering to provide the art himself.
Harold produced a collection of 250 original pieces of art – copies of which are being exhibited in corridors, wards and waiting areas in Hope Building.
The collection has a strong Salford focus across five collections: photographs, monographs, all-year views from above MediaCity and outside Salford Royal, sporting images and portraits of people and pets. It also features eight portraits of Salford Care Organisation colleagues who were involved in his care during his time as an inpatient.
“It was a true honour to be featured in one of Harold’s paintings and what a lovely gesture that showed his appreciation for the care he received during his stay with us,” said Giphtie Mainoo, Ward Manager and Matron who was the subject of one of Harold’s portraits.
“We were all saddened to hear about the loss of such a gifted artist. His contributions to the Hope Building and Salford Royal site have enriched our spaces for our patients, visitors, and colleagues”
Iconic artist, Harold Riley was born in Salford in 1934 and never lost his love for his hometown.
He sold his first painting at the age of 11 and at 17, he won a scholarship to the Slade School of Fine Art and went on to study in Florence and Spain before returning to Salford, where he stayed.
Harold was known for his artistic portrayal of ordinary working lives, including the staff members at Salford Care Organisation, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA), who cared for him during his stays here.
He also made a name for himself painting portraits for numerous famous names including, Prince Philip, Pope John Paul II and Sir Alex Ferguson.