He was the co-founder of Marxism, an author of The Communist Party Manifesto and one of the most influential social philosophers ever.

And now the most distinctive part of Friedrich Engels, his beard, has been immortalised in a colossal fibreglass statue - which also doubles up as a climbing wall.

The German radical, who founded Marxism with Karl Marx, lived and worked in Salford in the 19th century and the pair regularly drank together in the Crescent Pub.

He was so moved by the widespread poverty in the city’s slums that his experience formed the basis of his famous work The Condition of The Working Class in England.

As a tribute, education bosses have paid for a five metre tall sculpture of the social philosopher to adorn the University of Salford’s futuristic £55m New Adelphi creative arts building.

The innovative sculpture shows the social scientist’s head and distinctive large bushy beard – also allowing people to climb to a viewing tower.

The University Art Collection commissioned Salford-based arts production company Engine to produce the work, and the project was led by artist Jai Redman.

Jai said: “I’d been intrigued by the idea of setting up a statue of Engels, ever since reading about a proposed plan to bring one over to Manchester from a former Eastern Bloc country in the 1980s.

“That scheme clearly never happened, but ever since hearing about it, I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to realise this idea, but it’s only now been made possible. This was never going to be a traditional statue – we wanted to be as playful as possible while paying homage to Engels’ huge influence.

(Image: Artwork: Amsler & Ruthardt (Photo by Edward Gooch/Getty))

“That’s why Ian Brownbill, Simon Chislett and myself focused on his impressive beard and – as people inevitably climb on pieces of public art – we chose to also design this as a climbing wall that anyone can enjoy.”’

Professor Allan Walker, Dean of the arts and media school, hopes the sculpture will inspire the next generation of artists, musicians and performers.

He added: “Friedrich Engels was one of the most significant and influential figures to have lived in the city of Salford, and so it’s entirely fitting that a major sculpture in his honour should be here.”

New Adelphi will open later this month with a 350 capacity theatre, recording and performance studios, a band practice room and a roof terrace.