š Smolensky Gallery, ABC Building, Quay Street
šļø 20 June ā 31 July
šļø Free entry
Tony Wilson helped shape Manchesterās music and culture: co-founder of Factory Records, champion of Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, and the man behind the HaƧienda.
For the last 20 years, his personal archive has been packed away in museum storage. But this summer, for the first time, itās being put on public display.
The Tony Wilson Archive Exhibition showcases letters, photos, artwork, and memorabilia, including new limited-edition prints made in collaboration with local artists.
That includes design studio DR.ME, two Salford lads known for their bold, playful work with everyone from New Order to Nike. Theyāve helped bring the archive to life with a new series of risograph prints, made right here in Manchester.
The exhibition opened with a packed-out panel talk and some rare Factory Records tracks from Tonyās personal collection, a fitting tribute to a man who helped shape the sound and soul of this city.
If youāve ever loved the music, the stories, or the spirit of Manchester, itās well worth a visit. Get the details at www.smolenskygallery.com
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š¶ Itās Not A Dogās Life Anymore
Being a dog isnāt what it used to be. When I was growing up in Derry we had a springer spaniel called DJ and he was an outside dog. In so far as he lived outside. He could roam the nearby fields till his heart was content. And he slept in a kennel outside the back door. If it snowed, heād be allowed into the utility room, but no further. If DJ ever made a break for it, into the inner sanctum of the house, my father would rally the children to chase him down and āput that bloody dog outsideā. So I grew up thinking all dogs were outside dogs.
Today our family dog is treated like royalty by many people. My youngest son Ben is best buddies with Freddie the cockapoo, and he has recently bought a book titled āHow To Make Your Dog #Famousā. Last year on holiday in France, in the middle of nowhere, we were minding our own business when Ben pointed to a family walking past with a āfamousā dog that he recognised from Tik Tok. It even had a little sign on its harness with all its social media accounts. Itās a brave new world.
And another thing. When my mother-in-law and father-in-law call my wife every Sunday evening for a weekly catch-up, I can hear them. They ask for any news. Then they ask how Catherine is. Then how the children are. Then, they ask how Freddie the cockapoo is doing. And only then, after enquiring after the dog with great eagerness, and just before hanging up, they throw in a token āIs Conor alright?ā So the dog has usurped me in terms of how interesting or important I am to other people.
Despite all that, Jones And Co. remains a dog-friendly business. We support and donate money to Guide Dogs for the Blind every year. But beyond that we welcome with open arms, any dog who comes along with their owner to Jones And Co. I certainly donāt rally the staff to āput that bloody dog outside!ā Times have changed. Instead the Jones And Co. team will fuss over, talk to, belly-rub, and in five minutes show more affection and emotional warmth to any dog, than I receive from them in a whole year. Iām not bitter though. See below for some Very Important Poochs.
