Salford Lads Club, Coronation Street, M5 3SA

Salford Lads Club, Coronation Street, M5 3SA

The photographs taken here, on a cold December day in 1985, would turn the Salford Lads Club into a focal point for Smiths fandom. A trip to Manchester for a Smiths fan isn’t really complete without visiting here and having your photo taken in front of that famous green door. 

The club opened  in 1904 and has been providing activities for local youngsters ever since. 

It was Morrissey’s idea to take some Manchester based photographs for ‘The Queen is Dead’ album. The photographer, Stephen Wright, was chosen after he had sent some live shots to Rough Trade which Morrissey liked. Initially they tried Victoria Station but the lighting wasn’t right. They spent just twenty minutes or so around the Salford Lads Club and Coronation Street. Stephen developed the photos in his home  darkroom and sent them to Morrissey who was impressed with his efforts. He sent a postcard to Stephen thanking him, “A sweeter set of pictures were never taken. I smiled for a whole minute (phone Roy Castle, that’s a record)”.

Apparently Johnny indicated that he didn’t like the one where he’s stood behind Morrissey. When the album came out you can guess which photo was used. 

Having said that I've only just noticed, forty years later, that the Lads Club shot on the original CD booklet is slightly different from that on the vinyl album and cassette. The first photo is the famous shot on the vinyl gatefold, the second is from the CD.

This is what the famous door looked like in 1988.

Initially the use of the Lads Club image resulted in some resistance from the Club’s management. They weren’t keen on being associated with an album titled ‘The Queen is Dead’ and this wasn’t helped with the appearance of Smiths related graffiti on the walls of the building. Over time views changed and in 2004 the Smiths Room was opened which attracts visitors from all over the world. 

If you’re paying a visit and want to see the Smiths Room then bear in mind that the Club is only open at certain times. As I write (Summer 2026), the Club's open for visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays 11am - 2pm. Check the Club's website for details.

If you can't make the advertised times personal tours can be arranged, email the club at visit@salfordladsclub.org.uk 

I'm sure they'd welcome your support, you can purchase some nice Salford Lads Club related stuff here.

Finally, prints are available to purchase from Stephen Wright's website:

 https://www.smithsphotos.com/about/

Directions 

From the City Centre the easiest way to the Club is on the 33 bus. Get off on Regent Road by Comus Street and you're just a minute away.

Walking from the City Centre will take you approximately 35 minutes.

The last time I went I got a cab as I'd just missed the bus, it only takes 5-10 minutes. Prices will depend on the type of cab.