A distinctive illustration of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, created by artist Stanley Chow, has become an enduring visual symbol for the politician, appearing on everything from campaign materials to merchandise. The image, known for its subtly angry expression and dark attire, was first conceived in October 2020, shortly after Mr Burnham's impactful speech outside Manchester Central Library during the pandemic.
Chow, a 51-year-old designer based in Manchester, revealed that the inspiration for the portrait came from his wife, who suggested he capture Mr Burnham's galvanising presence. Using Adobe Illustrator, Chow created the stylised image and shared it on Twitter. He noted that within minutes, Mr Burnham himself had adopted it for his own social media profile, a move Chow initially saw as sufficient recognition.
The artwork quickly transcended its initial digital use, becoming a visual proxy for Mr Burnham's mayoral campaigns and his broader political messaging, including recent campaigning in Makerfield. Its depiction of Mr Burnham, often seen without a tie, has been interpreted as embodying his 'anti-establishment' sentiment and his desire to be perceived as a 'man of the people'. Chow describes his style as a blend of caricature and portraiture, aiming to distil a face into recognisable shapes while retaining the subject's essence.
While Mr Burnham's initial use of the image was informal, his team has since licensed the artwork from Chow, acknowledging its widespread appeal. However, the image's virality also led to unauthorised use. Chow confirmed he took legal action against senior Reform UK figures, including Nigel Farage and a Makerfield by-election candidate, for doctoring and using the image to promote anti-immigration sentiments without his permission. Chow stated that while he accepts the nature of memes on social media, the political alteration of his work by Reform UK crossed a line.
The illustrator, whose work has featured in prestigious publications such as The New Yorker and Time magazine, reflected on the unexpected journey of his artwork. He noted that the image's success might stem from its 'modern but playful' aesthetic, which potentially helps to 'humanise' Mr Burnham and align with his public persona as an accessible leader. The incident highlights the complex interplay between artistic creation, public figures, and the digital landscape, where images can rapidly gain cultural significance and face challenges regarding intellectual property.