Manchester Originals makes its mark at Emirates Old Trafford with mosaic unveiling

A Manchester Originals mosaic has been [EB1] revealed at Emirates Old Trafford ahead of the return of The Hundred this week.

The legacy artwork pays homage to the Manchester Originals home city, drawing inspiration from the region’s iconic architecture, music and sporting heritage. As well as bringing to life the Manchester Originals’ striking monochrome brand, it features the Manchester worker bee, The Stone Roses’ lemon and a clever nod to the ‘Mancunian Way’ of doing things.

Renowned local mosaic artist Mark Kennedy is responsible for the masterpiece, and was at Emirates Old Trafford to help unveil the mosaic on Wednesday. Mark’s recognisable creations adorn the streets of Manchester and have become synonymous with the city for over 20 years.

Local residents were invited to Emirates Old Trafford to place the final pieces into the mosaic ahead of the team’s first home game of the tournament on Friday: Manchester Originals vs. Northern Superchargers. These include Craig Tranter, who has spent years raising thousands of pounds for the Lancashire cricket foundation with his support of the match day draws and lottery collections. Old Trafford local Nosheen Saba, club secretary at Old Trafford Kings Cricket club, which was borne out of the Wicketz community programme, will also be there with her children. The Saba children are all Wicketz participants, with one child now playing for Old Trafford Kings CC.

Now in its second season, The Hundred is a 100-ball cricket competition where eight star-studded men’s and women’s teams clash in an electrifying four-week tournament. It brings together the world’s best cricketers, hottest music acts and food vendors to put on a show which has something for everyone in cities across the UK.

Kate Cross, Manchester Originals’ Women’s captain featured in the mosaic, said: “To see how so many fans in the region have embraced this new format for cricket and our team so quickly has been incredible. Manchester is more than our name, it’s our home, so to be part of a piece of art that captures that iconic Manchester spirit is a real honour.

“I can’t wait to see the fans at our home games this Summer and hope to see plenty of photos stood next to the mosaic!”

Mark Kennedy, local artist responsible for creating the mosaic, commented: “This concept of cricket is radical, and Manchester is a radical city. I love the way the tournament brings people and fans from across the city together. Manchester has been my canvas for nearly 30 years, I can’t imagine being from, or based, anywhere else. ”

“We wanted this piece to be modern, but with references that will stand the test of time – and I think the colourway makes it instantly iconic.”