Mural honouring The Fall's Mark E Smith unveiled in Salford
The artwork shows the late frontman holding a buttercup under his chin
Last updated 15th Oct 2026
A new mural celebrating the life and legacy of Salford-born music icon Mark E Smith has been unveiled.
The large-scale ceramic and glass artwork is on the side of a building at the junction of Lower Broughton Road and Great Clowes Street in Salford.
It was created by public artist Mark Kennedy.
The unveiling forms part of Salford 100, the city's centenary celebrations marking 100 years since Salford was granted city status in 1926.
The year-long programme celebrates the people, places and stories that have helped shape the city over the last century.
Smith was born in Broughton and was the founder and frontman of post-punk band The Fall.
He released more than 30 albums with the group.
He died in January 2018.
About the artwork
The mural is based on a photograph Kennedy took while walking through Heaton Park with Smith.
The walk followed a meeting about artwork for The Fall's album Your Future Our Clutter.
In the image, Smith holds a buttercup beneath his chin, a reference to the traditional childhood game asking whether someone likes butter.
Salford City Council supported the project with £6,000 of funding towards materials.
Kennedy was born in Ardwick and studied Visual Arts and Culture at the University of Salford.
He has spent more than three decades creating major public art projects across Greater Manchester and Salford.
His previous work includes projects at Afflecks, the Etihad Stadium and Manchester City's training ground.
Kennedy said: "I read an article asking when Salford would honour its famous son and I took it as a call to arms. For me it was one of those 'build it and they will come' moments."
He said: "I've included references to The Fall and Mark in my public art for more than 30 years, from Afflecks to other projects across Manchester. Mark's work has given me, and countless people around the world, enormous inspiration and pleasure, so creating this tribute has been a great honour."
He added: "The photograph the mural is based on was taken during a walk. Looking back, I see it almost as him asking the viewer a question: 'Do you like The Fall?' Few bands have divided opinion quite like The Fall, but their influence is undeniable."
Why the location was chosen
The site was chosen following discussions with former Fall member Ed Blaney and Stephen Coen, a former Salford City Council councillor of 16 years who has been involved in a number of cultural projects.
The building's owner, Kam, is working to transform the site into a community arts and food hall.
Kennedy has thanked Blaney, Coen, the building's owners, Salford City Council and Smith's family for their support and blessing.
Reaction
Peter Hook said: "Mark and I had a sparky relationship. Groups are so competitive. He was a maverick and totally unique, music is much the worse for not having him. He came to every Hacienda Night we ever did and loved it!"
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: "As we celebrate 100 years of this great city it is fitting that we had this artwork created to recognise a Salford legend and cultural icon."
He said: "Mark Kennedy was the perfect fit to create the mural too. I'd like to thank Mark for creating it, it will be visited by Mark E Smith's family, friends and fans from all over the world."
He added: "This mural is a celebration of a true Salford original and a reminder of the creative talent that continues to emerge from our city."
Coen said: "I'm delighted to see Mark E Smith being recognised in this way in Salford. Having been involved in the early discussions when Ed Blaney reached out to me around the location, knowing the building owners and meeting with Mark Kennedy as the idea developed, it's been great to see it all come together."
He said: "Mark E Smith was a unique and hugely influential figure, with a connection to Salford that is very much part of the city's cultural story. Mark Kennedy has created a fitting and distinctive tribute, and I think it will become something that people from Salford and fans of The Fall from much further afield will come to see."
He added: "It's particularly pleasing that it's here in the city and in a location that feels right for it. I'm proud to have played a small part in helping make it happen."
Kennedy said: "This work is our collective way of saying thank you to Mark E Smith. He was a unique artist and a unique voice. There will never be another person quite like him. I hope it helps make more people aware of his contribution to Salford, to music and to the cultural identity of this city."