A child of Salford was laid to rest today. One who spent his life fulfilling a mission to create a visual archive of his changing city.
The funeral of artist Harold Francis Riley took place at St Luke's RC Church. On its walls, are displayed his drawings and paintings of the stations of the cross, which depict Jesus Christ's last day on earth and journey to Calvary. On January 13th 1935 he had been baptised in an older version of the same church nearby where a community centre now stands in Irlams o' th' Height.
The stained glass windows of the church were based on his designs - including Our Lady of Salford inspired by his painting of the same name. Canon Michael Cooke who conducted the service told a packed church of Harold's "life-long love of Salford" his "kindness and generosity" and "depth of faith".
