‘Oldham Mural’ masterpiece set to be revealed

The acclaimed ‘Oldham Mural’ at the Church of the Holy Rosary in Fitton Hill

Members of the public will be able to take a look at a very special Oldham church masterpiece during a tour event in September.

The event, on September 17, will provide a rare and exclusive opportunity to see the acclaimed ‘Oldham Mural’ at the Church of the Holy Rosary in Fitton Hill, by the visionary émigré artist George Mayer-Marton (1897-1960).

The mosaic mural was originally flanked by fresco representations of the mourning Mary and St John, but currently only the glittering mosaic of the Crucifixion is visible following overpainting in the 1980s.

The church has been closed since 2017 and is the subject of a SAVE/C20 campaign.

Participants will also visit Mayer-Marton’s only other ecclesiastical mural that survives in situ at nearby St Clare’s in Blackley, occupying almost the full height of the east end.

Prof. Clare A. P. Willsdon will introduce both works.

Finally, All Saints and Martyrs, Middleton (listed in 2021 Grade II), which shares several features with Coventry Cathedral, features a work of art that totally dominates the lofty interior and which was commissioned for the church.

This is the awesome ‘Langley Cross’ by Geoffrey Clarke, a sculpture which deserves to be recognised as of national significance.

Dr Judith LeGrove will talk about the work.

For details about the event and to book tickets, click here

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