About
This statue commemorates Friedrich Engels, the revolutionary thinker who spent over two decades in Manchester after arriving in 1842. Originally from Ukraine, the Soviet-era monument was relocated to First Street in 2017. Engels developed many of his influential ideas here while observing the city’s industrial conditions. The simple bronze figure bears Russian lettering reading "F. Engels," reflecting its origins. Positioned among modern developments, it serves as a reminder of Manchester’s role in shaping socialist thought. The statue’s relocation ties directly to Engels’ local legacy, marking his connection to the city where he wrote and researched alongside Karl Marx.
Customer Reviews
Very interesting but why is it here in Manchester? Well the 22 year old Friedrich Engels was sent to Manchester in 1842, which was the centre of the industrial revolution, by his wealthy family to work in a mill and hopefully calm his revolutionary ideals. He formed a 20 year relationship with a radical Irish woman and then after she died he married her sister hours before her death! He also regularly met up with Karl Marx. The Soviet built statue was rescued from a field in Ukraine where it had been cut in half and dumped and relocated to recognise his time in Manchester.
Brought from Ukraine to a city where Engels developed much of his opinions and ideas, it's not just a statue but respect to the guy who saw the awful conditions of the working People and wanted to do something about it.
Great to see there's a statue of one the most important intellectuals in history. Engels spent more than two decades in Manchester. Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win.
