Salford’s Tree of Knowledge: The value of retaining history

2022 marks 60 years since Alan Boyson’s mural was unveiled. The precious artifact took pride of place at Cromwell Girl’s School in Salford and remained there throughout the school’s and the subsequent school’s history.

The ‘Tree of Knowledge’ as it has become known, is a Grade II listed relief mural that was created in 1962. Made from water-worn pebbles and historic ceramic fragments found on the site prior to construction, it has long been a landmark feature of Salford. It features an owl representing wisdom overlooking the flowering tree of knowledge.

Along with the school, the mural was due to be demolished in 2009. However, locals had a different idea and campaigned to have it listed. Following a successful campaign, it was saved, and in August 2009 it was listed by English heritage as ‘a rare surviving example of bespoke 1960s ceramic mural’ with a ‘high level of aesthetic and artistic quality.’

The mural is situated in the middle of a 0.74-hectare site with a heritage condition for the redevelopment that the mural remains in public view, exploiting its historical significance to the local area.

The result was that the site remained untouched for 10 years with many developers reviewing options but ultimately deciding it was too expensive and difficult. But protecting and maintaining listed buildings needn’t be at odds with new build development. Innovation is imperative if we are to have a sustainable pipeline of future development.

So, in 2019 we started to work in partnership with Salford Council, local charity The Broughton Trust and ultimately PRP Architects to bring the site into active use. Since then, we have successfully secured planning for 45 highly sustainable affordable homes for local people, that allow this amazing structure to be showcased, demonstrating an innovative approach to sustainable development. Work to develop the new homes commenced with Seddon Construction in March and they are due to be ready for occupation next Autumn.

The development has not been straightforward with everything from the planning process, the site preparation and the build bringing new challenges. The structure had to be supported with significant scaffolding with detailed method statements approved to ensure adequate protection. Furthermore, the ‘tree’ will act as a gable wall for two houses which are supported by significant additional steel structures.

A local resident and student of the school was quoted as saying “The Tree of Knowledge is a beautiful part of our Salford history. They MUST understand how important this mural is to us. We must do everything possible to save it. The mural was always a taking point with us girls and the teachers. It is part of our past and belongs in our future and our children’s future.”

And I couldn’t agree more. As a local resident, art lover and Project Manager, I feel extremely privileged to be a part of a project that so beautifully protects our history whilst building new, highly sustainable and affordable homes for the future.

I don’t often admit to having favourites but this site is definitely up there and I can’t wait to see it completed next year.