New Joy Division murals unveiled to mark Ian Curtis' birthday

By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 15th Jul 2025

Proper Sound has unveiled two new Joy Division murals (Credit: Proper Sound)
Proper Sound has unveiled two new Joy Division murals (Credit: Proper Sound)

Two new Joy Division murals have gone on display in Macclesfield.

Proper Sound on Chestergate has unveiled two new artworks dedicated to Macclesfield's most famous son, Ian Curtis.

It comes on what would have been his 69th birthday, having been born on July 15, 1956.

Proper Sound owner Lucie Wright said: "Proper Sound draws visitors from all over the world on a weekly basis and we're proud to be a regular stop on Manchester music tours.

"People come to Macclesfield to pay homage to Joy Division, Ian Curtis, and the town's musical heritage, and our yard has become a key part of that experience.

"We thought, why not add another piece of art out front too, one that pays tribute to Ian walking the streets of his hometown?"

ALSO READ: 'The show must go on' - Joy Division Day going ahead despite gig cancellation

There are still a few finishing touches to be made (Credit: Proper Sound)

Proper Sound's courtyard is home to Macclesfield's original Ian Curtis mural, created in 2021.

It has now been joined by a painting of Joy Division on the Epping Walk bridge, inspired by the iconic photos taken by photographer Kevin Cummins.

Meanwhile, the front of the venue has been adorned with a mural of Ian Curtis on Barton Street, where he wrote many of the band's songs and tragically took his own life.

Lucie said: "After nearly four years of being open, we felt the yard was due a tidy-up.

"We know how much people love the space where our mural is, so we decided to make it bigger and extend the artwork even further.

"We're thrilled with how the new bridge scene has turned out – it's the perfect spot for visitors to step into the scene and have their picture taken as if in the shot themselves.

"The new mural outside complements the existing space perfectly and gives fans and visitors another meaningful place to stop and reflect."

She added: "Alongside the murals, we host regular music events, supporting both local talent and visiting DJs, and we're proud to offer a welcoming space for both locals and visitors to connect over music, art, and Macclesfield's shared history.

"We already have plenty more ideas in the works to honour the town's unique connection to music and its global influence."

Proper Sound are usually closed on Tuesday but will be opening from 11am to 3pm this week to give Joy Division fans a chance to mark Curtis' birthday (July 15).

Many of Joy Division's song were written at Curtis' home on Barton Street (Credit: Proper Sound)

This Saturday (July 19) is the second annual Joy Division Day.

Organiser Trevor Stokes will be hosting tours of 12 stops around Macclesfield with links to the band.

Those wishing to join are asked to meet at Sparrow Park between 10.30am and 11am.

The second tour will then meet between 2pm and 2.30pm, again at Sparrow Park.

     

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