Manchester Legend Honored: Tony Wilson Exhibition Opens at Kimpton Clocktower’s The Refuge

A new free exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Tony Wilson is now open at The Refuge in the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.

Tony Wilson: A Portrait of Manchester brings together a series of previously unseen photographs by Paul Wolfgang Webster, captured in 1996. The portraits offer an intimate and candid insight into Wilson, known for his work with Granada Television, co-founding Factory Records, and shaping the legacy of The Haçienda and the city’s global music identity.

The team at The Refuge are passionate about ensuring art is accessible to all, and championing Manchester based creatives, which is why this show is perfect for them. Shown together for the first time, the images were taken close to Wilson’s apartment and emerged from natural conversation, capturing him in a relaxed and personal setting. Webster’s signature monochrome style, shot on a Hasselblad medium format camera, gives the work a timeless quality. Born in Rochdale, Webster has built an international reputation, with work held in the collection of London’s National Portrait Gallery.

Reflecting on the shoot, Webster recalls:

“I felt it was important that the photographs reflected Tony’s connection with Manchester and the North West. He was relaxed and enthusiastic from the start, and once the conversation inevitably turned to music we bonded quickly… It remains one of the most enjoyable photo shoots I’ve ever done.”

Set within one of Manchester’s most iconic social spaces, the exhibition runs from 10 April to 20 May.

Entry is free, and visitors can also purchase limited-edition prints, offering a chance to take home a piece of the city’s cultural history.