A major community crowdfunder has been launched to create a large-scale mural in tribute to Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, the bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, while raising money for Maggie’s Centre Manchester.
Inspired by Ian Brown’s eulogy to Mani at his funeral at Manchester Cathedral in December last year, the mural will be painted in Failsworth, where he grew up, and is being organised by the team at GRIT Studios following an outpouring of love from fans across Greater Manchester and beyond after his death in November.
Mani’s brother, Greg Mounfield, is supporting the campaign and has facilitated the wall space for the artwork, as well as selecting the final design. The piece will be created by Pic.One.Art, whose recent portrait of Noel and Liam Gallagher outside Sifters Records in Burnage became an instant landmark for Oasis fans.
The initiative is being led by GRIT Studios, the not-for-profit arts organisation, which says the project will celebrate Mani’s life, music and character, while directing all profits from the crowdfunder to Maggie’s Centre Manchester. The charity was close to Mani and his wife Imelda’s hearts during her cancer treatment, and the couple previously fundraised for the centre.
Imelda died from cancer in 2023.
For John Macaulay, co-founder of GRIT Studios, the campaign is also deeply personal. He spent time with Mani during a pivotal period before The Stone Roses reunited in 2011, with their connection strengthening during trips to Shanghai and Beijing, where they worked alongside Manchester band Puressence on a music venture linking the city with China.
“Mani was one of the warmest, funniest and most generous people I’ve ever known. He had time for everyone,” said John. “The work we did together in China over a decade ago genuinely changed the course of my life, and without Mani, GRIT Studios probably wouldn’t exist. He encouraged us, believed in us, and inspired us to think big. Having him involved as a DJ and supporter of what we were trying to build meant everything.”
Referencing Ian Brown’s words at Manchester Cathedral, he added: “We loved Ian Brown’s beautiful words about Mani in Manchester Cathedral and his suggestion of a 50-foot gold statue! You never know – it might happen in the future, but for now we’ll focus on a mural – it feels like the least we can do to honour someone who gave so much to Manchester and to the people around him.”
The mural will be painted on a prominent wall in Failsworth, creating a space for locals and visiting fans to pay their respects. Organisers hope it will become a lasting cultural landmark in North Manchester, reflecting not only Mani’s musical legacy but the humour and generosity so many have spoken about in recent months.
John added, “The incredible response to Mani’s passing has shown just how deeply he was loved. This mural will be a way for fans to come together, pay tribute and create something very special for the community, as well as raising funds for Maggie’s which was so important to Mani and Imelda.”
The ‘Mural for Mani’ crowdfunder is now live, with donations of any size encouraged. All profits raised will go directly to Maggie’s Centre Manchester.
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