Exploring Three of Andrew Alan Matthews’ Most Beloved Paintings
There’s something undeniably moving about the way Andrew Alan Matthews captures the spirit of Greater Manchester and Salford. His work weaves memory, architecture, and emotion together in a way that invites us to stop, reflect, and remember—not just places, but what they mean to us.
At his current exhibition, open until 27th July at Emma Evans Art Gallery, we’ve had the joy of hearing firsthand from visitors who feel a deep personal connection to the work. Stories have been shared. Eyes have welled up. And people have lingered longer than they planned, lost in moments of recognition.
Among all the powerful pieces in the show, there are three that stand out as Andrew’s personal favourites. Each one tells a unique story, accompanied by a poem written by the artist himself. Together, they offer a thoughtful reflection on the city’s ever-changing face, the lasting shadows of war, and the importance of preserving our past.
Below, we dive deeper into these three special paintings, sharing the themes and inspiration behind each one—and why they hold such meaning.
1. The Thirsty Scholar
This vibrant painting of The Thirsty Scholar is a celebration of colour, character, and community. It’s one of the most visually striking pieces in the exhibition, with a colour palette that glows with warmth and life, much like the place itself.
The scene captures a moment outside the pub beneath the railway arches, where the unmistakable silhouette of The Salisbury Ale House rises behind. It’s a nod to an iconic corner of Manchester’s Little Ireland—a place steeped in working-class history, resilience, and rebellion.
For Andrew, this piece is not only about aesthetic beauty but the layers of memory wrapped within its walls. These are the places where stories are told, where music plays, where generations have met, loved, argued, and dreamed. The Thirsty Scholar isn’t just a bar. It’s a cultural landmark—a kind of unofficial museum of lived experience.
And yet, many walk past it daily without noticing its significance. This painting calls us to pause, to appreciate, and to protect the spaces that give Manchester its soul.
2. Imperial War Museum by Dusk
In contrast to the energy of the city scenes, Imperial War Museum by Dusk offers a moment of stillness. This is one of the most contemplative pieces in the show—a moody and majestic painting that reflects Salford Quays in the fading light.
The dusky palette draws you in slowly. There’s a sense of hush. A breath between stories.
The painting captures the striking architecture of the Imperial War Museum North, designed by Daniel Libeskind, with its symbolic broken fragments representing conflict on land, air, and sea. Reflected in the still waters below, the building becomes almost weightless, ethereal.
But what elevates this piece is the story behind it.
While the painting is peaceful, the accompanying poem reminds us that this calm is hard-won and not universal. Andrew painted this piece as a quiet protest and a gentle call for awareness. As wars continue to rage in other parts of the world, the museum stands as a place of learning, remembering, and, we hope, striving for peace.
Visitors to the exhibition have found themselves returning to this painting again and again. Some have said it brings a sense of grounding. Others have spoken of grief. That’s the power of this work—it invites both sorrow and hope to coexist.
Story by Andrew Alan Matthews
A night on the Quays
In the Salford breeze
I’m at ease
Peace and calm
fills the Salford air
Then I stop and stare
Cos the War museums on the right
Shining a light
In the cold summer night
Reminds me of the past
When war was a ragin
Salford a blazin
People were amazin
They stood together
Through the blitz of the night
Shone like a light
A beacon of right
And today we can see
War on horizon
History disguising
People are rising
Its not surprising
But its A night on the Quays
In the Salford breeze
I’m at ease
Peace and calm
fills the Salford air
as I stop and stare
do we care
yeah
3. McDonald’s Where The Rialto Used To Be
If there’s one painting that has sparked conversation at the exhibition, it’s this one.
McDonald’s Where The Rialto Used To Be might raise a smile at first glance, but the sentiment behind it is anything but light.
Andrew painted this piece in response to the rapid changes in Manchester and Salford’s urban landscape. The Rialto, once a grand and beloved cinema, was a centrepiece of community and culture. It’s long gone, and in its place now stands a McDonald’s—neon, bright, efficient. Functional, but lacking the romance of the past.
In this painting, Andrew doesn’t scold change. Instead, he invites us to consider what we lose when we build over memory. What does it mean when a place of shared experience becomes something transactional?
The message feels even more poignant now, as recent news hit that Hotspur Press, another historic Manchester building, has been mysteriously destroyed by fire. For many, it was more than a building; it was a landmark of creativity and heritage.
A Living Exhibition
Andrew Alan Matthews’ exhibition is more than a collection of paintings—it’s a living, breathing love letter to Manchester and Salford. It’s about the streets we walk every day, the stories hidden in bricks and corners, and the ever-shifting identity of the places we call home.
What makes this show so special is how personal it feels. Whether you’re born and bred in the North West, a recent arrival, or just a curious visitor, you’ll likely find a piece of yourself reflected in Andrew’s work.
And the poems bring a whole other layer of intimacy. Each one is handwritten, displayed next to the paintings, and available to read online. They’re lyrical, thoughtful, and honest. Just like the artist.
Come and See It
The exhibition is open until 27th July, and we’d love to welcome you in. Whether you’re coming to see a specific piece, browse for inspiration, or just want to take a moment to slow down and reflect, we promise it’s worth the visit.
You can explore the full collection and shop online at:
👉 emmaevansartgallery.co.uk
Art like Andrew’s reminds us of what we’ve had, what we’ve lost, and what we still have time to protect.
Let’s keep telling these stories. Before the cities forget.