Albert Square, Manchester

Edward Harrison Richardson 1882 - 1952

Summary

A freely painted depiction of the Albert Memorial on Albert Square, seen against the backdrop of surrounding buildings. Painted in predominantly muted grey, purple and mauve tones, the scene shows the square busy with people going about their daily business. In the centre of the composition stands the memorial, its spire sharply silhouetted against the uniform sky; behind it are the hazy silhouettes of tall buildings lining the far side of the square, with that on the right under construction, appearing as a framework of girders and cranes.

Display Label

Albert Square, Manchester about 1934 Edward Harrison Richardson about 1882-1952 Oil on canvas on board Richardson was a painter of landscape and still life who mainly exhibited in Manchester and Liverpool. He was either a pupil or a friend of Valette: this atmospheric scene shows their close affinity. In 1930 he wrote: Who can deny that he (Valette) had a great influence on a number of Manchester artists and almost founded a school. Purchased 1980.323