Iconic Ian Curtis mural recreated at new location in Manchester – photos
A year after the original was painted over
A mural of late Joy Division legend Ian Curtis has been recreated at a new location in Manchester a year after the iconic original was controversially painted over.
The previous mural, by acclaimed street artist Akse P19 and based on a seminal photo of Ian Curtis taken by Philippe Carly, was located on a building on Port Street in the Northern Quarter, Manchester.
It was unveiled in October 2020 to mark World Mental Health Day, however less than two years later in August 2022, fans were outraged when it was painted over with an Amazon advert for Manchester rapper Aitch’s debut album ‘Close to Home.’
Last month, Manchester councillors gave the green light for a new mural to be created on the side of the Grade II listed Star & Garter pub near Piccadilly Station.
Akse P19 commenced work on the mural on Monday (4th September) and he completed Ian Curtis’ face today. He aims to put the finishing touches to the mural on Sunday to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day.
The new mural was commissioned by Manchester music and mental wellbeing festival Headstock alongside Aitch’s management company.
Headstock Founder, Atheer Al-Salim, told the BBC it was “poetic” that the mural is now placed on one of Manchester’s most cherished gig venues the Star & Garter, and added: "It was important that we took the time to find the right location to ensure a long-term home for the artwork."
23-year-old rapper Aitch strongly condemned the move to paint over the original mural last year.
He said today of the new mural: "I'm so happy that Akse's Ian Curtis mural has finally been reinstated in Manchester. The original mural was a cultural landmark for everyone, not just Mancunians."
Ian Curtis died by suicide in May 1980 aged 23.