An atmospheric pastel depicting Manchester’s Albert Square in a nostalgic scene of city life. Red and cream double-decker trams pass the distinctive Albert Memorial, while early motor cars, a cyclist and pedestrians cross the rain-darkened square.
McMullen contrasts the illuminated windows and colourful trams with smoky architecture beneath a dramatic sky. Carefully drawn cobbles and reflections fill the foreground, with a woman walking a child and dog adding an engaging everyday detail.
Signed B. McMullen at the lower right and presented with a cream mount in a brown and gilt frame, behind glass.
Details
Artist: Bernard McMullen (1952-2015)
Title: Albert Square, Manchester, with Trams (descriptive title)
Condition: Artwork and frame in very good condition.
Albert Square, Manchester
The distinctive Gothic Albert Memorial anchors the composition. Traditional trams, early motor cars and pedestrians bring the square to life, while the wet cobbles and illuminated windows create the atmospheric character of McMullen’s nostalgic Manchester scenes.
About the Artist
Bernard McMullen was a British artist particularly associated with nostalgic views of Manchester and northern life. Born in Birmingham and raised in Warwickshire, he developed his painting during a lengthy army career before settling in the Manchester area. His urban subjects included tram-filled squares, markets, football grounds and street scenes. He worked in several media, including oil and pastel, and his Manchester imagery was also published in calendars and limited-edition prints.
