Salford Museum and Artgallery exhibition

The museums write up of the exhibition

Check out my exhibition at Salford Museum and Artgallery 2023 -2024 I was the resident inaugural solo artist

https://salfordmuseum.com/exhibition/andrew-alan-matthews/

https://salfordmuseum.com/event/andrew-matthews/

The Artist

Andrew Alan Matthews is a proud Mancunian artist who fell in love with Salford when he lived here for 18 years. His artwork is inspired by night-time vistas of both the cities skylines. His expressionistic style is created using free flowing brush strokes and palette knives. He creates the figures through inking, which evolves from the paint, allowing their characteristics to emerge in a modern scene. His paintings come to life further through storytelling and poetry. He finds painting with acrylics on canvas relaxing, enjoyable and stress free.

Andrew first fell in love with art on visits to Salford Museum and Art Gallery with his parents as a child. He was mesmerised by the dramatic painting ‘Famine’ by John Charles Dollman, which is still displayed in the Victorian Gallery on the first floor. It was this painting that made him want to become an artist. Later, whilst studying at Manchester Metropolitan University, he saw L.S. Lowry works on display here and attended a lecture on Lowry, which inspired him to create his own style of painting.

At the age of 28 Andrew was diagnosed with mental health issues which almost destroyed his career and life. Now fully under control, art and creativity help him to manage his condition and lower stress levels.

Andrew’s paintings are brought to life through story telling and poetry. Click on the images below to read Andrew’s original words about each of his paintings. There are also links to YouTube where you can listen to Andrew’s poetry.

Upcoming Events

New in 2024

My Cityscape paintings are due to be published in the city through the eyes of its Artists Book in 2024 , watch this space and check out the website

https://www.thecitythroughtheeyesofitsartists.com/manchesterhome.html

Learn More

Online Exhibition

Dover Inn Salford

60 x 46cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

‘A story of an old Salford pub in the pandemic.’

The Dover Inn Salford

On Fenney Street

Near Broughton baths

an old Salford pub in a quiet part of town

lots of history a free house

near our old house

live music and a good beer too

used to be rows of terraced streets

back in the day seen some history over the years

lots of beers, cheers and tears

a Salford pub near Broughton baths

stands here today through good times and bad

a traditional Salford pub

and today new houses and flats

breathin new life

yeah the Dover Inn Salford stands the test of time in a quiet way

its out of the way

and today

you can see people in masks waitin for the day the pub reopens again

and when lockdowns lifted

we’ll be gifted with a Salford pub

a quiet pub at the bottom of the street

like Coronation Street

yeah the Dover Inn Salford

a quiet pub at the bottom of the street

a Salford street

what a treat

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

The Lower Turks Head

76 x 50 cm
Original was sold via silent auction in aid of Real Change MCR it raised £350 for the charity to help the homeless

£50 limited edition print

‘This story highlights the plight of the homeless on a autumn night. I painted this scene as I come across homeless people on the streets of Manchester on the way home from work as a call centre worker working in the Arndale tower. It makes me sad to see the homeless struggling. I count my blessings that I have a family house and home.’

The Lower Turks Head,

Homeless man

Wishes he were dead,

Outside the pub

On an autumn night,

Cold freezing wet floor,

He’s hopin for more,

Spare some change Mr,

As he holds out his cup,

To the call centre worker,

Yeah he’s finished for the day,

Works in the Arndale tower

Don’t glower it’s an iconic tower,

He’s had a stressful day,

Calls 24 hrs a day,

He just wants a pint at the end of his shift,

Cos he’s a modern worker,

He’s no shirker,

he’s a hard worker,

looks at the homeless man and thinks how this can happen man,

this poor man with his dog is down on his luck,

who gives a f**k,

so he puts his hand in his pocket

and hands him some change,

god bless Mr,

as he looks at his blister

on his hand,

he can’t even stand,

he’s down on his luck,

he’s had hard luck,

so the call centre worker

says it’s alright mate

and goes into the pub orders a pint

and drinks into the night,

he thinks it could be me or anyone that’s on the street tonight ,

a homeless life of trouble and strife,

but he’s got a life outside of work

a family house and home,

he’s thinkin of the long walk home

at the end of the night

on a Friday night,

but it’s alright

cos he’s in The Lower Turks Head,

Homeless man

Wishes he were dead,

Outside the pub

On an autumn night

Cold freezing wet floor,

He’s hopin for more.

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

This work is being donated by the artist via silent auction to Real Change MCR, a charity fund that helps homeless people across Manchester. Please visit their website for more information.

To bid:

You can bid in person at the gallery by filling in a bidding slip and posting it in the box. Or you can bid online.

To enter the silent auction online, please email exhibitions@scll.co.uk with your name, phone number and highest bid amount.

The highest bidder will be contacted at the end of the exhibition. Payment will need to be made directly to Real Change MCR. Once payment is confirmed, the winner can collect the painting from Salford Museum and Art Gallery to enjoy!

If you are unable to bid, but would still like to support Real Change MCR, you can make a donation via their website

The Total amount raised for the charity was £350

The Lowry Centre

80 x 60cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

Lowry’s Matchstick men,

We haven’t forgotten them,

Where Lowry painted industrial scenes,

Where the weird odd and few came to life,

He didn’t have a wife,

But made a life of matchstick men,

And we haven’t forgotten them,

So he walked Salford’s streets

With very little treats,

And banged on gallery doors

To have his art on the walls,

But they turned him away,

So he just had to say,

I’ve got the weird odd and the few just lookin at you,

where disabled men,

industrial scenes

Are making me dreams,

So look at them,

London came on the scene,

now he’s livin the dream,

of a Salford industrial theme,

now Lowrys gone

his arts hanging on a wall,

the Lowry in Salford is named after him

So come visit him,

So yeah Lowry’s Matchstick men

We haven’t forgotten them,

Lowry painted industrial scenes,

Where the weird odd and few came to life,

He didn’t have a wife

he made a life of matchstick men,

And we haven’t forgotten them

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

Salford Quays Detroit Bridge No1 by Night

120 x 40 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

‘The Detroit Bridge is a Salford Quays landmark. The 80-metre-long footbridge spans Dock 9 linking Harbour City and Metrolink to The Lowry and The Designer Outlet. 15 years ago, the bridge was moved to its current location.’

On Detroit bridge by night

man walks his dog

in the cold of the night

shining his light

on modern Salford tonight

And on the docks

There’s no more clocks

Clockin you in

There in the bin

ships used to sail in

With cargo filled high

hustling bustling

port of the day

People used to sway

And work on the docks

With dockers hard graft

Bringing in booty

From around the world

cotton, grain, timber,

tea, fruit, oil and petrol,

frozen meat

what a treat

Exported

textiles, cars and trains

5000 dockworkers

Graftin away in its hey day

docks closed in ‘82

Haven’t a clue what they did for you

And now

Detroit bridge by night

man walks his dog

in the cold of the night

shinin his light

on modern Salford tonight

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

Salford Quays Swing Bridge No1 by Night

120 x 40 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

Salford Quays swing bridge by night,

Yeah the quays,

There’s not many trees,

Lots of water surrounds you,

Old docks of the past,

Turned into a haven,

Of leisure for your pleasure,

The BBC stands on the right,

that shines a light

Of broadcasting power,

Every hour,

Even in a shower,

But don’t glower,

There’s a swing bridge,

That leads you to the other bank,

And we can thank ITV,

cos Coronation Street is on the other side,

Shinin a beacon of light,

Stories to tell

Of a Mancunian and Salford way of life,

Of trouble and strife,

People have got a life,

So as we look on this Salford scene,

We can dream,

Of a better way of life,

Yeah, Salford Quays swing bridge by night,

It’s alright

On a summers night

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

l

Salford Quays Blue Cranes by Night

120 x 40 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

‘I thought I would paint this scene where the blue cranes used to stand tall and proud, they were iconic reminders of the Salford past, but sadly they are now gone, so I thought I would pay tribute to the Salford Dock workers and what it used to be like by doing a story about the blue cranes.’

Salford Quays blue cranes by night

The blue cranes

Stood tall and proud

A historic reminder of the past

When dockworkers

Toiled away

day in day out

Bringing booty in from the ships

Ships from around the world

Used to sail in

With cargo piled so high

Tea, fruit, oil and petrol

Lots of goodies to be seen

From the Salford scene

But now today the blue cranes are gone

So I’ve painted a picture

To remind you of the past

And present

Hard graft of the day

Has now turned into

leisure for your pleasure

A modern view of

Salford Quays blue cranes by night

Yeah the blue cranes

Stood tall and proud

A historic reminder of the past

And boy did it last

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

Salford Quays Skyline by Night

120 x 40 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

Salford concrete glass and steel

Is it real

As I feel

The chill coming down

I’m givin a frown

It’s all changed round here

Heading from the bridge

Past the Lowry

I wonder back to the days

When kids in clogs

Were playin with frogs

And knocked on Salford streets

With very little treats

Near Ordsall Hall

Standin tall and proud

A reminder of the past

Amongst flats and hotels

Where posh folk sip coffee

On a ledge so high

In the Salford sky

Concrete glass and steel

Is it real

What was it like

In the days of the docks

Where Salford ghosts

Walked round docks,

Terraced streets and pubs

On the Salford scene

Its obscene

Cos there gone now

Just a few left

Dotted round Salford

Some boarded up

Abandoned and turned into

Something else

What else could they do

Its progress they say

Common folk

Told to stay away

Community spirit has gone

Replaced by concrete glass and steel

Is it real

They don’t feel

Where the Salford way of life

Of trouble and strife

But people had a life

And a community

They had unity

And today

Concrete glass and steel of Pomona docks

Its real

But they don’t feel

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

Salford Quays Imperial War Museum by Night

120 x 40 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

A night on the Quays

In the Salford breeze

I’m at ease

Peace and calm

fills the Salford air

Then I stop and stare

Cos the war museums on the right

Shining a light

In the cold summer night

Reminds me of the past

When war was a ragin

Salford a blazin

People were amazin

They stood together

Through the blitz of the night

Shone like a light

A beacon of right

And today we can see

War on horizon

History disguising

People are rising

It’s not surprising

But its a night on the Quays

In the Salford breeze

I’m at ease

Peace and calm

fills the Salford air

as I stop and stare

do we care

yeah

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

Manchester Central G Mex by Night

120 x 40 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

Manchester Central G Mex by night

On a restless night

People coming and going

Toin and throwin

Manchester is growin

Cos there’s sky scrapers

Being built

They’re at full tilt

To build a modern city

Tryin to make it pretty

Cos it’s the masterplan in motion

Planners got emotion

he stands on the corner

With pen in hand

He’s makin a stand

turn old into new

Wants to make it brew

Cos it’s the power centre of the North

People come forth

And take in that view

Modern Manchester on cue

And we knew it’s meant to be

So come see the masterplan

He’s the man does all he can

shake it up on the street

shuflin his feet

To a Mancunian beat

He’s got a treat

For people on street

yeah

Manchester Central G Mex by night

On a restless night

People coming and going

Toin and throwin

Manchester its growin

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

Shudehill Manchester No1 by Night

120 x 40 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

‘A story about an old Mancunian homeless man looking back on better days . I painted this scene of Shudehill with views looking onto the rear of the Manchester Arndale Centre near the Shudehill exchange. I like this view and I used to ride my motorbike past here everyday to go to work and I love the old and new buildings and the area is steeped in history.’

Streets of Shudehill Manchester by night,

At the back of the Arndale,

Trams passing by,

an old guy,

he’s seen some history over the years,

plenty of beers and cheers,

in the Lower Turks Head,

a regular punter of Manchester pubs,

been on pub crawls most of his life,

he had a life,

a proper Mancunian,

trudgin the streets to a Manchester beat,

yeah it’s the end of the night,

no pandemic is to be seen,

in this Manchester scene,

it’s all a memory for this Mancunian man,

thinking back when days were better,

freedom of movement,

pubs all open,

fun and laughter with his mates,

putting the world to rights with no fights,

but now he’s trudgin the streets at night,

a homeless night awaits,

cos he’s lost his job and home,

he’s got no phone,

lookin for his home,

a shop doorway awaits,

wishes he could turn back time to a better day in his heyday,

yeah he’s a Mancunian Man,

on the streets of Shudehill Manchester by night,

help him tonight

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

First Street Manchester by Night

120 x 40 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

‘The story of a homeless person walking to the Mancunian way to sleep for the night.’

First Street by night

Shine a light on a homeless night

And help him tonight

Cos He walks on by

starting to cry

thinks he will die

with buildings shiny and new

lighting the way

he’s homeless today

been told to stay away

cos he once had a home

a happy home

now he’s starting to roam

the streets again tonight

laughter fills the air

on a cold summer air

filtering down

from a flat so high

he starts to cry

can someone help him

and give him a break

he’s not fake

he’s starting to shake

now he’s heading out of town

to sleep under the Mancunian way

so help him today

and call street link on 0300 500 0914

Yeah

First Street by night

Shine a light on a homeless night

And help him tonight

Cos He walks on by

starting to cry

thinks he will die

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

Salford Lads Club by Night

80 x 60 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

Salford Lads Club by night

A club for boys

Serving community since 1903

And now girls

Are on the Salford scene

We can dream

New dawn of Salford

Where old and new

come together

Its clever

A tardis of our time

No grime or crime

From Edwardian times

to present times

a social mecca

it’s for the better

Plenty of history for you

Archives and volunteers

And through the years

They gave cheers

To the Smiths and myths

Boxing, arts, camping and glampin

Sports and all sorts

So yeah

Salford Lads Club by night

A club for boys

Serving community since 1903

And now girls

Are on the Salford scene

We can dream

New dawn of Salford

Where old and new

come together

Its clever

Salford Lads Club forever

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

Hello Andrew, I wanted you to know that we picked up the painting today of Salford lads club, we have taken it to Cleethorpes and it looks great in our room, we love Manchester /Salford and come every month as our daughter lives in Manchester , We usually stay at Media City (we also love the Smiths :) Just wanted you to know why we purchased it and if you ever want it for any reason we can bring it back for you , thanks very much. Louise.x

The Black Friar, Salford

50 x 60 cm
NFS
£50 limited edition print

‘Built in 1886, The Black Friar was resurrected in 2021 after lying derelict for over 15 years. Lovingly restored, the pub is a true harmony of old and new.’

The Black Friar Salford

Surrounded by skyscrapers

Scraping the sky

Old and new

Salfordian on cue

Yeah he’s an old Salford man

A ghost from the industrial scene

Walks the scene

Where this pub of the past

Rose from the slums and ashes

Girls in lashes

Now flashes the bling

a Salford pub

revamped and glamped

food and beer

with lots of cheer

as the Salford ghost

looks on the scene

he dreams of his past

where Salford workers toiled away

in its heyday

smog on the scene

of an industrial theme

and now he smiles

on modern Salford

it’s changed for the better

he should write a letter

yeah

The Black Friar Salford

Surrounded by skyscrapers

Scraping the sky

Old and new

Salfordian on cue

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

Mancunian Way by Night

120 x 40 cm
£490 original
£50 limited edition print

‘This is a story of a homeless man under the bridge and subway at night.’

Mancunian Way by night,

A homeless night,

On a restless night,

A long sweeping bridge,

Highway in the sky

Makin me cry,

Cos there’s a homeless guy

Pushing a trolley underneath,

The subway nearby,

With bags piled high,

Lookin for a place to sleep,

Settle down for the night,

On a restless night,

Cars buzzin by,

highway in the sky,

He thinks will I die tonight,

Cos he’s an old guy,

he’s frail,

went to jail for many a year,

But he once had a life,

With no trouble or strife

Had a wife and family,

lived it up,

had fun in the sun,

he was no bum,

then it went wrong

amongst the throng,

his family died and he cried,

so he fell in the gutter,

lost his bread and butter,

turned to drink and drugs for hugs,

now he’s full of bugs,

under the Mancunian Way subway,

so help him today,

call Streetlink on 0300 500 0914,

so yeah,

Mancunian Way by night,

On a homeless night,

a restless night,

A long sweeping bridge,

Highway in the sky,

Makin me cry,

So go on help this guy

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

The Kings Arms, Salford

60 x 60 cm
£490 original

A3 Print £50

The Original Painting has now entered the Salford Museum and Artgallery collection

The Kings Arms Salford

Where all the worlds a stage

And a cat called Charlie

Haunts the place

Make yourself at home

snifter in the snug

Give yourself a hug

jug of beer

Isn’t it queer

Cos

There’s a theatre up here

The spoken word

Haven’t you heard

Music and beer

Real ale here

Don’t sneer

Cos it’s a cosy Salford pub

On Bloom Street

Near Trinity Way

So don’t stay away

Come here today

The Kings Arms Salford

Where all the worlds a stage

And a cat called Charlie

Haunts the place

Make yourself at home

snifter in the snug

Give yourself a hug

It’s an iconic pub

Listen to Andrew Alan Matthews poem

The Lower Turks Head Painting Donated to Real Change MCR Raised £350 for the homeless

The Original was sold via silent auction in aid of Real Change MCR it raised £350 for the charity to help the homeless

This video highlights the plight of the homeless on a autumn night I painted this scene as I come across homeless people on the streets of Manchester on the way home from work as a call centre worker working in the Arndale tower. it makes me sad to see the homeless struggling .

I have donated “The Lower Turks Head Painting” to help raise funds for Real Change MCR. They are a charity that help the homeless get back on their feet. There was a silent Auction of the painting in the Salford Museum and Artgallery and it raised £350 for the charity

Real Change MCR link: - https://streetsupport.net/manchester/realchangemcr/

The Silent Auction was held at Salford Museum and Artgallery

Painting DEmo at Salford Museum and Art gallery

write up from Salford Museum and Artgallery

Local artist Andrew Alan Matthews presents his collection of paintings of Salford and Manchester by night. Living in Salford for 18 years, he fell in love with the views across Salford Quays and around Manchester City Centre. Painting his cityscapes using loose and free flowing brush strokes, pallet knives and ink allows the characteristics of each city to emerge. The artist finds this process relaxing, enjoyable and stress free, a positivity he hopes to promote through his paintings.

Andrew Alan Matthews is a proud Mancunian artist producing original artworks of Manchester, Salford and beyond. His brand, philosophy and aim in life is to promote positivity through art, turning negatives into positives. For more information, visit Andrew’s website.

We are pleased to present Andrew Alan Matthews as the inaugural solo artist for our new community space, The Park Gallery, open weekends, and school holidays only.

If you are unable to visit in person then please view the exhibition online here.

On display from Saturday 2 September 2023 to Sunday 11 February 2024.

If you missed the artist’s painting demo on Sunday 22 October, then please click here to watch the recordings.

Salford Cinema by Day

The artist says:

This building on the corner of Chapel Street and Trinity Way has an unusual history. It was originally built as a Scottish Presbyterian Church in 1846, complete with tall spire. The present frontage was then added in 1912 and it was opened as the Salford Cinema (one of the first in Salford and Manchester), which then changed in 1938 to the Rex Cinema, surviving until 1958 before becoming a bingo hall between 1967 and 1985. Now the wheel has come full circle, and the building is once again a House of God as The New Harvest Christian Fellowship Church.

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

Salford Cinema

Corner of Chapel Street

And Trinity way

No way

Modern Salford Today

Started out

as a Scottish church

In 1846

Then changed 1912

Salford Cinema

First in the area

Then a Rex Cinema

And Bingo hall

67 to 85

Then house of God again

So think again

Cos It’s a Salford landmark

Where skyscrapers

And cars buzzin by

A Salford grey sky

As modern folk

Walk on past

On there way to work

Or a night out

Histories all about

These Salford streets

Treats

So yeah

Salford Cinema

Corner of Chapel Street

And Trinity way

No way

Modern Salford Today

To listen to the artist click here

Poetry Night Dedicated to Andrew Alan Matthews

There was a poetry night held at Salford Museum and Artgallery by the Northern Poets Society on the 15th Nothember 2023

write up from Salford Museum and Artgallery

Join us for our brand-new open mic night hosted by local collective Northern Poets’ Society!

This month we’ve asked members of Northern Poets’ Society to write new pieces inspired by our current exhibition Salford & Manchester by Night by local artist Andrew Alan Matthews. The artist himself will also be a featured poet so this isn’t one to miss!

On the night, audience members will also be invited to share their own poems or spoken word pieces on this theme, or any topic. This is a safe, supportive space where all are welcome to participate – or you can simply sit back and enjoy! If you do wish to join in, the sign-up sheet will be made available at the start.

Drinks and snacks will also be on offer throughout the night from our cafe. Please note payment will be card only.

The event will be taking place from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, with the readings beginning at 6:30pm.

Ages 18+ only.

£5 per person, booking required.

Northern Poets’ Society is a community that was created by Brian Dunne during lockdown, who now hold regularly monthly zoom sessions as well as live events, with the aim of promoting an inclusive community where creativity can grow.

Find out more about the exhibition and artist →

COMMENT FROM ME

I am Truly overwhelmed, Honoured and privileged that all the Poets from Northern Poets Society had been inspired to write awesome poetry inspired by my Artwork of Salford and Manchester by Night, on display in Salford Museum and Artgallery and on until 11th February 2024 open weekends and school holidays. Here is the Link to the online exhibition https://salfordmuseum.com/exhibition/andrew-alan-matthews/

The poetry night was on the 15th November 2023 and all the poets were amazing . I would Like to Thank Bryan Dunne for Hosting the event and Salford Museum and Artgallery accommodating the event in their wonderful Museum and Artgallery. It’s a dream come true for me, so Thankyou to all that contributed on the night.

Here is one of the poets that are truly amazing, hope you enjoy there poetry

Emma Jane Barlow - https://youtu.be/tHLtivG9QIE

Poetry Night Link to Videos

Press Updates/Links

I was the resident Artist and the Inaugural Solo Artist of an exhibition of my Salford & Manchester by night collection, in the park gallery.

It has been my life’s ambition to be a solo artist here and where my Art Idol L.S Lowry’s Art is hanging on the walls. it is where My Mum & Dad took me as a child and I was in awe with the paintings on display.

This is where my love of art began.

the exhibition ran from Saturday 2 September 2023 to Sunday 11 February 2024.

And was open on weekends and school holidays,

https://salfordmuseum.com/exhibition/andrew-alan-matthews/

Also at the exhibition I have donated “The Lower Turks Head Painting” to help raise funds for Real Change MCR. They are a charity that help the homeless get back on their feet. There was a silent Auction of the painting in the Museum. and it raised a lot of money for the charity

I am featured in Salford Now News, A Remembrance day Tribute to all servicemen, women and the fallen in all conflicts past and present of all races colours and creeds, wear your poppy with pride this weekend and Lets Have peace in our time.

https://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2023/11/10/salford-artist-to-have-poetry-night-dedicated-to-him/?fbclid=IwAR1msbToIhZHnRWtpRnjjVDp3LHAgfgUUQ9yD42pVzOB7tfKo_F2scVfmtY

Also check out the newspaper article.

Manchester Evening News Article about me and my Exhibition at Salford Museum and Artgallery

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/how-haunting-painting-famine-fed-27635581?utm_source=mynewsassistant.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=embedded_search_item_desktop

Salford Now News Article about me and my Exhibition at Salford Museum and Artgallery

https://www.salfordnow.co.uk/2023/09/26/local-artist-announces-new-exhibition-at-salford-art-gallery/

Interview with Wythenshawe FM News Presenter Ben Cooper

https://youtu.be/enFa9iG56X4

Interview with That’s TV Manchester - https://youtu.be/Ha_iKEa5sE4

I am Featured in an Interview with Sophie Pease at Quays TV. Check it out, (time slide 10.30)

https://youtu.be/lXftqb2Od6w

https://youtu.be/CiOkUXsUfOI

Exhibition Speech at Salford Museum and Artgallery - https://youtu.be/EO_U7bSrIck

Salford Museum and Artgallery Interviews 2023

https://www.facebook.com/salfordmuseum/videos/6607993999290339

https://www.facebook.com/salfordmuseum/videos/1800634320388145

Books for sale by Andrew Alan Matthews

https://www.blurb.co.uk/user/andyeileen

I am very honoured to be included in an Article for- The Athletic, the sports arm of the New York Times. My Mind Your Car Mr painting is featured alongside the story of Maine Road. A big Thankyou to Daniel Taylor Chief sportswriter for the Athletic. Here is the link to the story.

https://theathletic.com/3417752/2022/07/17/etihad-maine-road-city/

My Moss Side Nostalgia collection is now on Moss Side Story website check it out

https://mosssidestory.uk/arts-crafts/moss-side-nostalgia-paintings-by-andrew-alan-matthews/

Mention of Me in childhood stories website

https://childhoodstories.info/_thisisus1/Childhood_Where_the_good_things_are.html

Comment from alexatourguide

He is a proud Mancunian artist who grew up in Moss Side. His website & videos are inspirational

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGxmU59AFtr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Salford Museum and Artgallery Press release written by Alison Short

August 29th 2023

Local painter to exhibit in the gallery that inspired him to become an artist

An up-and-coming local artist is opening an exhibition at Salford Museum & Art Gallery this September, showcasing 21 pieces of art depicting Salford and Manchester by night including The Lower Turks Head, Salford Quays and The Imperial War Museum.

55-year-old Andrew Alan Matthews from Northern Moor in Manchester will present a collection of expressionist paintings of Salford and Manchester at a new community space called The Park Gallery. He is the inaugural solo artist to show work in the newly created exhibition space.

Andrew’s work is gaining worldwide popularity as not only are the paintings colourful in a unique style, but he brings his art alive with the addition of poetry and storytelling.

From humble beginnings, Andrew was born in Winsford, Cheshire, before his family moved to Moss Side where he grew up during the 70s and 80s. He then lived in Salford for 18 years’ and now resides with his family in Northern Moor, Manchester.

No stranger to Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Andrew was inspired to be an artist after a visit to the museum with his parents as a curious six-year-old where he saw the painting Famine by John Charles Dollman, and was mesmerised by the dramatic, moody piece. It was in this moment that he knew he wanted to become an artist.

The family were living in Moss Side at the time and his parents, his father a bus driver and his mother a cleaner, gave him a sketch pad and oil pastels and he began to draw beautiful animals, copying images found on cigarette cards. It became obvious very quickly that he had a strong artistic flair, and his talents were spotted by his primary school head teacher who encouraged him to study art all the way through his school education from O to A Levels. He continued his artistic education by studying graphic and engineering drawing design at college, eventually studying textile design at Manchester Metropolitan University.

He became a design separation artist in the textile industry working for TFS, later to become ABC Batik, which required excruciating attention to artistic detail in the design and production of textile designs onto cloth. Unfortunately, ten years into this career, Andrew had to rethink his life and career as there were now other pressures affecting his life.

At the age of 28 Andrew was diagnosed with mental health issues which almost destroyed his career and life. Now fully under control, his mental health has made him realise that he had to reevaluate life and through the help of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), art and creativity and medication he is now able to turn the negative into positive.

To help manage his condition and lower his stress levels, Andrew decided that working part time jobs would help him to pursue his creative projects and become a professional artist. It was whilst working at call centres and other workplaces around central Manchester, Salford, and Wythenshawe that he became interested in social issues, especially homelessness which further shaped the artist he is today.

Said Andrew: ‘I’d have a particularly bad day at a call centre near The Arndale, and to relax I’d nip into the pub on my way home, and outside there would be homeless people. We’d chat and I’d buy them a sandwich or give them some money and it would make me realise that my day was nowhere near as bad as theirs. These encounters made me sit up and think, and want to help.’

Fast forward twenty years and more than 200 paintings later, mainly cityscapes, which have been sold as far away as Jamaica, his work is currently picking up pace as he offers much more than paintings. Andrew is also a storyteller and each of his paintings has an associated commentary through YouTube video uploads, and some are accompanied with bespoke poetry.

Andrew produces art and video stories of people, places and social issues in Greater Manchester, Salford and beyond. His style of painting is very unique; it is expressionistic with a free-flowing style using brush strokes, pallet knives and ink which allow the characteristics of each area of the City to emerge. Andrew’s art has been inspired by L.S Lowry characters, painted and drawn in his unique style using his croquis method to bring the characters to life. Andrew uses acrylics and ink painted on canvas and finds this medium relaxing, enjoyable and stress free.

Living in Salford for 18 years, he fell in love with the views across Salford Quays and around Manchester City Centre but he also appreciates the way landscape has changed over time and evolved, with it bringing social issues ‘from dockers to shoppers’. He donates a great deal of art to raise money for homeless charities across Greater Manchester and will continue to do so. His work is also on sale at the museum while his exhibition is live.

Says Andrew Alan Matthews: ‘I am delighted to be exhibiting at Salford Museum & Art Gallery as this is where my love of art began. I am a proud Mancunian artist with a deep love for Salford and I want to showcase my work and social commentary to as many people as possible. I have a positive message to spread which is promoting positivity through art, and turning negatives into positives. Art has helped me deal with my life-long mental health and I want to inspire others to enhance their lives positively through art. So, if you are in a dark place today, remember, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and help is out there’.

Amy Brunn, exhibition manager for Salford Museum & Art Gallery, said: 'Andrew's art is striking, bold and makes a massive impact in the gallery. His story telling and poetry is a real social commentary on Salford and Manchester and brings the paintings to life. The way that he uses the paint in layers, dragging it, produces architectural details and creates characters in his own unique style. This is why we wanted to represent Andy as our inaugural solo artist in our new community exhibition space, The Park Gallery.

His exhibition opens at a free event on Saturday September 2nd at 1pm at Salford Museum & Art Gallery, Peel Park, Salford, until 11th February 2024. There will be a silent auction throughout the exhibition to raise funds for Real Change Manchester, a charity which helps the homeless.

Andrew Alan Matthews’ exhibition is at Salford Museum & Art Gallery (The Crescent, M5 4WU) located within The Park Gallery, which is open weekends, and school holidays.

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The Kings Arms Salford

I am extremely honoured and privileged that the painting of the Kings Arms Salford has now entered the Salford Museum and Artgallery Collection. Thankyou to Amy Brunn and the Team

The Kings Arms Salford Where all the worlds a stage

Hi Everybody here is a painting and video of The Kings Arms Salford by Andrew Alan Matthews

Hope you like it

A3 Limited edition Print £50 contact me andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

A bit of History

Its a Ale house and award winning theatre in the back streets of Salford

The Kings Arms was first licensed in 1807 which marked a time where Bloom Street was lined with multiple shops, houses and other beer houses. Intriguingly, the original Kings Arms stood on a plot on the opposite side of the road that is now currently a car park. In October 1850 The Kings Arms was advertised to let by the Adelphi Brewery. The new tenant was Thomas Holden and upon his departure in September 1858, the advertisement stated that the pub had been selling seven barrels of beer a week for seven and a half years.Lucy Davis (1848-1924) was landlady from 1883 at the current location on Bloom Street. she acquired the leases with her husband, but after a few months she threw him out for being a drunk and a lout, running the business solo.

The Pub had a dance hall upstairs and also rent out rooms by the hour… Madam Lucy had lots of ladies working for her and the Kings arms was the place to visit after a long day in the factory.For over a century, the three main buildings on Bloom Street were the Corporation gas offices, Salford House and The Kings Arms. The gas offices closed long ago and the last residents of the hostel left in the 1990’s but successfully The Kings Arms is still in business. A number of clubs have found a base at the Kings Arms. Between 1946 and 1971 it was the regular meeting place of the North of England Irish Terrier Club which was founded in 1906. Salford Friendly Anglers Society, the world’s oldest angling club, has traditionally used the pub as its meeting place. (A sign “Ye Anglers Club House” can still be made out on the brickwork on the gable end of pub.) In 2007, The Knitting Club was founded and meets every Monday evening in the snug. The Kings Arms is at the heart of the community with connections that strive to bring about a sense of empowerment and positive spirit for the people of Salford and Manchester.

The Kings Arms has been used as a location for filming for TV productions such as Cracker, Fresh Meat, History channel Les Dawson Story, Hairy Bikers and several music videos.

In 2011, the pub lease was taken over by Paul Heaton and Zena Barrie and since then more emphasis has been placed on the pubs artistic endeavors. Regularly accommodating art exhibitions, fringe festivals, gigs, poetry night and all sorts of weird and wonderful types of entertainment.

In December 2015, Lisa Connor took over the premises with the intention to continue with the pubs artistic vision and build on how the pub can help the local community.

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

The Kings Arms Salford

Where all the worlds a stage

And a Cat called Charlie

Haunts the place

Make yourself at home

snifter in the snug

Give yourself a hug

jug of beer

Isn’t it queer

Cos

Theres a Theatre up here

The Spoken word

Haven’t you heard

Music and beer

Real ale here

Don’t sneer

Cos It’s a cosy Salford pub

On bloom street

Near Trinity way

So don’t stay away

Come here today

The Kings Arms Salford

Where all the worlds a stage

And a Cat called Charlie

Haunts the place

Make yourself at home

snifter in the snug

Give yourself a hug

Its an iconic pub

https://youtu.be/J0qgA5-keTE

Andrew Alan Matthews

Art by Andrew Alan Matthews

Salford Museum and Artgallery exhibition

The museums write up of the exhibition

The Artist

Andrew’s paintings are brought to life through story telling and poetry. Click on the images below to read Andrew’s original words about each of his paintings. There are also links to YouTube where you can listen to Andrew’s poetry.

Upcoming Events

New in 2024

Online Exhibition

Dover Inn Salford

‘A story of an old Salford pub in the pandemic.’

The Lower Turks Head

This work is being donated by the artist via silent auction to Real Change MCR, a charity fund that helps homeless people across Manchester. Please visit their website for more information.

To bid:

The Lowry Centre

Salford Quays Detroit Bridge No1 by Night

‘The Detroit Bridge is a Salford Quays landmark. The 80-metre-long footbridge spans Dock 9 linking Harbour City and Metrolink to The Lowry and The Designer Outlet. 15 years ago, the bridge was moved to its current location.’

Salford Quays Swing Bridge No1 by Night

l

Salford Quays Blue Cranes by Night

‘I thought I would paint this scene where the blue cranes used to stand tall and proud, they were iconic reminders of the Salford past, but sadly they are now gone, so I thought I would pay tribute to the Salford Dock workers and what it used to be like by doing a story about the blue cranes.’

Salford Quays Skyline by Night

Salford Quays Imperial War Museum by Night

Manchester Central G Mex by Night

Shudehill Manchester No1 by Night

First Street Manchester by Night

‘The story of a homeless person walking to the Mancunian way to sleep for the night.’

Salford Lads Club by Night

The Black Friar, Salford

‘Built in 1886, The Black Friar was resurrected in 2021 after lying derelict for over 15 years. Lovingly restored, the pub is a true harmony of old and new.’

Mancunian Way by Night

‘This is a story of a homeless man under the bridge and subway at night.’

The Kings Arms, Salford

Andrew Alan Matthews Exhibition Speech

Interview with Quays TV on the painting called Famine by John Charles Dollman

Interview with Quays TV

Interview with That's TV News

Interview With Wythenshawe FM with Ben Cooper

Salford Museum & Artgallery Full Interview

The Lower Turks Head Painting Donated to Real Change MCR Raised £350 for the homeless

Painting DEmo at Salford Museum and Art gallery

Painting Demonstration

Painting demo part 1

On Sunday 22 October Andrew Alan Matthews worked in the gallery on a new painting. Visitors were able to watch him work, ask him questions and have a chat. It was a great day and Andrew recorded the session. Please click on the links below to watch the demo.

Painting Demo part 2

Painting Demo Part 3

Salford Cinema by Day

The artist says:

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

Poetry Night

Poetry Night

Poetry Night Dedicated to Andrew Alan Matthews

Join us for our brand-new open mic night hosted by local collective Northern Poets’ Society!

Press Updates/Links

Press Updates/Links

The Kings Arms Salford

The Kings Arms Salford Where all the worlds a stage

Immersive Reflections: A Gallery of Andrew Alan Matthews's Artistic Journey