In July 2023, a mosaic was unveiled as part of the first SHY FEST event at Gullivers. It was created by Matt Leak at Leaky Mosaics in Stretford; based on a portrait of Steve, taken circa 2010 by Nigel Maitland.
The mosaic contains some of Steve's ashes within the grouting and currently hangs over the first booth in Gullivers Pub, Oldham Street, overlooking the bar where he bought many a round in for people over the years, and of course, the venue of many of Ste's somewhat legendary Stroke Club nights!
Set against a red background to represent Steve's beloved Manchester United, Matt surrounded his work with a fantastic collage of artefacts related to Steve: his fanzine covers, Stroke Club posters, and such.
I'm certain Steve would be more than impressed with the finished piece although he'd definitely be making some smart quip about its placement and how it's always him getting the bloody rounds in... to which we'd argue that we can now sit and have a natter with him and finally get a word in!
Huge thanks to both artists for their beautiful representations of our friend Steve Shy.
The picture at the top of the page is of Anne, Lee and Scott Burke - Steve's wife and sons, on the afternoon of the portrait unveiling. The lads often drop into the pub and have a pint with their dad.
When I see pictures of his family and friends spending some time with his mosaic, it makes all of the effort and hard work so worthwhile.
Here's a link to Leaky Mosaics if you want to commision some of his work: https://www.instagram.com/leakymosaics/
And Nigel Maitland: https://www.mancunianflaneur.com/