The street artist behind the recently unveiled mural of Stone Roses bassist Mani is hoping to create a major public artwork celebrating the life of Caroline Aherne - the much-loved comedian, writer and actor who died at her Timperley home 10 years ago this month.
Manchester-based artist Pic.One.Art is appealing to local organisations, businesses, landlords and community groups to come forward with suitable wall space in Wythenshawe, where Aherne grew up.
Best known for creating and starring in The Royle Family, The Mrs Merton Show and The Fast Show, as well as narrating Gogglebox, Aherne remains one of Greater Manchester's most cherished cultural figures.
Though her childhood was spent in Wythenshawe, she made her home in Timperley in her later years, and it was there that she died in July 2016, aged 52, following a battle with cancer.
Pic.One.Art has built a reputation for large-scale murals honouring the region's cultural icons, including the widely visited Mani tribute in Failsworth and an Oasis piece featuring Liam and Noel Gallagher at Sifters Records in Burnage - the shop immortalised in the band's song Shakermaker.
"Caroline Aherne meant so much to so many people and represented a very real, funny and compassionate side of Greater Manchester that still resonates today," the artist said.
"Her writing and characters captured working-class life in a way that was warm, honest and deeply human.
"With it being 10 years since we lost her this summer, it feels like the right moment to create something special in Wythenshawe that celebrates her life and legacy. After the reaction to the Mani mural, I'd love to create another piece of public art that people can connect with and feel proud of locally."
The plan has the backing of Aherne's close friend and long-time creative collaborator Craig Cash, who co-wrote and starred alongside her in The Royle Family, widely regarded as one of the most influential British sitcoms of all time.
"Caroline was the funniest and most talented person I've ever known, but she was also incredibly grounded and proud of where she came from," Cash said. "The idea of creating something lasting for her in Wythenshawe feels fitting, and I think people would love to see her remembered in that way."
The proposed mural aims to celebrate Aherne's cultural impact while creating a lasting landmark for fans across generations.
Anyone able to offer or suggest a potential wall space in Wythenshawe can get in touch via pickoneart@gmail.com.
