Mural of Joy Division's Ian Curtis returns to Manchester

The black-and-white portrait of Curtis, who took his own life in 1980, covers all three storeys of the Star and Garter pub and was completed this week by local artist Akse P19, following permission granted by local authorities. Photo: Reuters

The northern English city of Manchester welcomed back a mural of its late music icon Ian Curtis on Friday, newly restored after it had been painted over last year to outcry from local residents.

The black-and-white portrait of Curtis, who took his own life in 1980, covers all three storeys of the Star and Garter pub and was completed this week by local artist Akse P19, following permission granted by local authorities on Monday.