Lawyer helps create new look for Manchester music legends | 23 December 10

A SPECIALIST creative industries lawyer from law firm Ward Hadaway has helped to create a new look for some legendary Manchester bands – and raise thousands for charity.

Laura Harper, a partner at Ward Hadaway in Manchester, played a key role in the first major event for Forever Manchester, a fund-raising initiative from the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester (CFGM).
Laura, who is a trustee with CFGM, approached one of her clients, top illustrator Si Scott, to see if he would be interested in getting involved with the project.

Si responded by producing an exclusive exhibition of work which is now being sold to raise funds for Forever Manchester.

The exhibition features 11 pieces of artwork based on lyrics from songs by the likes of Oasis, The Stone Roses, Elbow, Joy Division and Buzzcocks.

The acclaimed pieces - on show at the Manchester Photographic Gallery until the end of January – have been produced in a strictly limited run of 50 copies of each and have already raised over £11,000 for Forever Manchester.

The money will be used to provide grants to a wide range of community activities to help an estimated 200,000 people living in disadvantaged areas of Greater Manchester.

Laura Harper said: “It is fantastic to be involved in something that is so creative and that will hopefully benefit thousands of people.

“Si is an incredibly talented illustrator whose work is in demand across the world so to get him involved on this project was a real coup for Forever Manchester.

“He’s produced some outstanding pieces for this exhibition and we are very grateful for all the time and effort he has put in for what is a very deserving cause.”

Si Scott is based in Manchester and is ranked as one of the top 200 illustrators in the world.

His work has been commissioned by the likes of MTV, American Express and Tiffany & Co.

Laura and her team at Ward Hadaway worked on a pro bono basis to help the charity clear the rights to use the song lyrics in Si’s artwork, securing approvals from the artists, record companies, agents and publishing companies.

The team also advised on issues involving the Performing Rights Society (PRS) and music licensing company PPL.

Si Scott said: “Manchester’s music scene has long been a source of inspiration so when I was approached to do something for the Forever Manchester campaign, this seemed like an ideal opportunity to demonstrate that.

“I am grateful to Laura and her team for working hard to ensure all the rights were cleared to use the lyrics in the artwork and hope that the final pieces succeed in raising a lot of money for the cause.”

Laura said: “There has been a terrific team effort from everyone involved in this project and a real drive to make it a success.

“The exhibition has been extremely well received and it will hopefully raise thousands more for the cause over the next few weeks.”

Nick Massey, Chief Executive of Forever Manchester, said: “We have seen a fantastic response to the exhibition already. It has been brilliant to work with such professional, creative people on such an exciting project.”

Further information on the Si Scott exhibition can be found online at http://forevermanchester.com/index.php/news with limited edition prints being sold at £100 each.

From 1st January 2011 the prints will also be available to purchase on the Forever Manchester website at http://forevermanchester.com/shop/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=26

Funds raised from the sale of prints are match-funded by the Government, allowing even more money to be raised for Forever Manchester.

Laura Harper and her team at Ward Hadaway’s office at Manchester’s Sharp Project advise a range of creative industries clients including artists, bands, designers, TV production companies and film makers.

The team has previously advised on projects including an international collaborative film project between Salford University and Salford-based film company Candella Films, a US commission for renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe Limited and a book celebrating the life of the late Joy Division and New Order manager Rob Gretton.

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