The River Irwell was once one of the hardest working and filthiest rivers 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 from the artist here →
Sunday 7th September 2025, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Join artist Liam Spencer on the last day of Irwell: Afterlife to hear him talk about the exhibition.
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