Art Among the Light
Outside the main entrance of The Bridgewater Hall, on a pink sandstone plinth, stands a commanding bronze bust of Sir John Barbirolli. Three times larger than life, the head-and-shoulder portrait captures both the gravitas and warmth of the man who transformed the Hallé Orchestra into one of Britain’s most celebrated ensembles.
Unveiled in December 2000, the bronze bust of Sir John Barbirolli stands outside The Bridgewater Hall on a stone plinth, marking a place of honour for the conductor who shaped the Hallé Orchestra’s golden years. The ceremony, held on what would have been Barbirolli’s 101st birthday, was attended by orchestra members, special guests, and Lady Barbirolli, with the Duke of Devonshire performing the unveiling.
The bust was sculpted by Byron Howard (1935–2019), a self-taught Yorkshire artist known for his expressive bronze portraits and figurative works. This piece is the fifth Howard created of Barbirolli, and he described the project as “a tremendous pleasure to work on,” adding, “I, like many others, was completely bowled over by the orchestra and the way he conducted it.” Attached to the plinth is also a memorial plaque for Michael Kennedy (1926-2014), longtime friend of Sir John and Lady Barbirolli and a respected music critic and biographer.
Barbirolli became principal conductor of the Hallé in 1943 and remained at its helm until his death in 1970. His leadership after the war is widely regarded as a defining period in the orchestra’s history, rebuilding its reputation and establishing what is often called the “golden age” of the Hallé.
Positioned outside the Hall where audiences arrive each day, the bust continues to honour Barbirolli’s enduring contribution to Manchester’s musical life and the Hallé Orchestra’s celebrated history.