A new exhibition at The Lowry will bring together the work of photographer, Stephen Wright – famed for capturing ‘one of the most famous photos in pop’ (Tim Jonze, The Guardian).
His shot of The Smiths outside the Salford Lads Club – for the band’s The Queen is Dead album –was released 30 years ago. Today the image is part of the collections of the National Portrait gallery, Manchester Art gallery and Salford Museum & Art Gallery
Commenting on the famous shot, Stephen Wright said: “That photo of The Smiths was taken on a murky and cold Salford day in 1985. They were at the peak of their success and I’m so proud that the image has become recognisable worldwide. It’s funny really – I remember developing the shot in a makeshift darkroom in my bedroom – using chemicals that I kept in old fizzy drinks bottles.”
Michael Simpson, director of visual art at The Lowry, said: “The Smiths are of the most influential British guitar groups of all time – and Stephen’s shot outside Salford Lad’s Club is how they are remembered to this day. His collection is a must-see for any Smiths fan – and we are proud to display them in the same season that we present 30 Days of The Smiths, a Lowry commissioned sound artwork that brings together music of The Smiths with the stories of real Smiths living in Salford today.”
Wright began his career as a live music photographer. He has photographed some of the biggest names in the industry, including: Madonna, Prince, Miles Davis, Nina Simone and James Brown.
In 2015, a photograph of The Smiths taken by Stephen and donated to Salford Lads Club for a year to use on a charity T-shirt raised £60,000 and funded a trip for teenagers from the Club to visit Native Indians in South Dakota.
9 April – 5 June 2016
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ
The exhibition coincides with 30 Days of The Smiths, a sound artwork by Oberman Knocks that forms part of The Lowry’s Week 53 festival.
It features interviews by the poet Jackie Kay with real Smiths living in Salford today.
Their tales are set to the tune of Panic, This Charming Man and What Difference Does It Make. The piece will premiere at The Lowry on Thursday 5 May.
