Irwell: Afterlife by Liam Spencer

A collection of black-and-white ink drawings and paintings arranged in a grid, each depicting nature and landscape elements. The artworks feature birds such as a heron and a swan, a fish swimming, plants with spiky silhouettes, boats in a harbour, tall construction cranes, and water reflections. The drawings are rendered in a loose, expressive style, emphasising contrast and texture.

The River Irwell was once the hardest working and filthiest river in the world. Now it is an invaluable wildlife corridor within reach of many thousands of people.

This exhibition explores the Irwell and its valley, from its source in Rossendale to the cities of Salford and Manchester. Paintings, drawings, photography and film reveal its post-industrial landscapes and the wildlife which thrives there, often discreet and hidden from view.

‘Perhaps our grandchildren may catch trout and salmon in the Irwell…. Nothing is wrong with it but the unmitigated filth of man…. Something may some day be done to restore dead, murdered rivers like the Irwell to the life that man has taken from them.’ Arthur Ransome, Manchester Guardian 1926.

Find out more about the artist: Liam Spencer website.

When is it on?

Saturday 5 April to Sunday 7 September 2025

Where is it?

Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WU

Tickets?

FREE, no tickets required.

Contact details

Salford Museum and Art Gallery website

All events and details were correct at the time of publication, but please confirm with the venue or organisers before setting off.

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