Remembering Arthur DonnellA Local Legend in the Entertainment World

The world of entertainment is mourning the loss of Arthur Donnelly, a beloved music video star and prominent businessman, who passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on May 23, 2023. Surrounded by his loved ones in his Stockport home, Donnelly’s impact on both the music and local communities remains profound. As tributes flood in online, it becomes evident that his legacy is one of warmth, generosity, and creativity.

A Life Well-Lived

Arthur Joseph Donnelly was born on March 4, 1942, in Wythenshawe. He grew up in a bustling family setting, the son of Ellen and James Donnelly, alongside his two brothers and four sisters. His journey began when he met his future wife, June, at the Plaza dance hall at just 17. The couple married in August 1963 at St Jerome’s Church in Ardwick and shared an incredible 63 years of marriage until June’s passing in 2022.

Donnelly’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a scrapyard on Great Ancoats Street in the 1970s, which later moved to Hayle Street in Ardwick. This scrapyard, known as Ardwick Autos, became a cultural landmark, serving as a backdrop for music videos featuring iconic figures like 808 State and Ian Brown, making it a staple in the fabric of Manchester’s music scene.

A Generous Spirit and Cultural Connector

Arthur wasn’t just a businessman; he was a community figure who embraced everyone. His scrapyard was a melting pot for a diverse array of individualmusicians, actors, and everyday people. In an interview, his daughter Tracey reflected on how the yard attracted an eclectic mix of character“He looked after everybody… he was a bit of a Robin Hood type figure,” she said, emphasizing her father’s kindness and resourcefulness.

His sons, Anthony and Chris, also carry on the family legacy through their fashion label, GioGio, and contributions to Factors Records. Arthur’s vibrant personality made him a father figure not just to his family, but to many in the community who saw him as a mentor and friend. Chris shared, “I’ve had a dozen people say to me our dad was like a dad to them.”

A Star in Film and Music

Arthur’s charisma also landed him a spot in the music video for the 2008 hit "I Remember" by DJ Deadmau5 and Kaskade, showcasing his connection with the entertainment industry. The video featured acclaimed actors Stephen Graham and Warren Brown and highlighted Arthur’s unique character. Brown recently paid tribute to him, calling him an “absolute legend,” and many others echoed this sentiment that Arthur was “one in a billion.”

The closing of his scrapyard in 2018 marked the end of an era but not the end of his influence. The area is now making way for the redevelopment of Mayfield Park, yet Arthur’s impact on Manchester’s culture remains indelible.

Final Farewell

As the family navigates through their grief, they are organizing Arthur’s funeral at St Anthony’s in Wythenshawe. Tracey has expressed her desire for the service to be open to everyone who wishes to pay their respects, reflecting her father’s belief in community and connectio“My dad loved everybody; it will be open to everybody, it’s what he would want.”

Arthur Donnelly leaves behind a loving familhis three children—Tracey, Anthony, and Chris—seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His life was not just about business; it was about building relationships and uplifting everyone around him.

In the words of Tracey, “The yard was special… it was such an eclectic group of people,” and so was Arthur—a man whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.