Street star is in new exhibition
AN exhibition at the Old Sunday School will look at how a Coronation Street legend started her career in the town.
‘Jean Alexander: Becoming Hilda’ is now open to visitors and will run until September 23.
It looks at how Jean, who became famous for her role as Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street, began with the Adelphi Theatre Guild, who had their base in the town and toured the North West.
Vicky Griffiths, from the Museum, said: “(Jean) went on to become one of the most beloved characters of our longest running TV soap, and it all started here in Macclesfield.
“Jean Alexander’s professional acting career began with the Adelphi Theatre Guild who had their base in the town and toured the North West. Packed full of photographs illustrating her life and work, this display recounts the story that led her to play Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street.”
The exhibition runs alongside a celebration of the UK and India year of Culture, which has been boosted by grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The exhibition, which has been produced in collaboration with Poynton artist Nikki Parmenter, is open and will run until September 8.
It will feature work by Nikki and look at India’s relationship with the town. It will also tell the story of silk dyeing and printing company owner Thomas Wardle and the influence on designer William Morris.
You can meet Nikki to find out more about the inspiration behind the exhibition on Saturday, July 29, and Tuesday, August 22, from 2-4pm.
And on Thursday, August 3, Peter Chand will be entertaining audiences with his Indian Storytelling .
The event runs from 7-9pm and is based around tales from the Indian Subcontinent.
Peter’s parents migrated to Britain from the Punjab region in the 1950s, and though he was born in the Midlands, Peter grew up using Punjabi as his first language. He combines these two cultures seamlessly to tell stories full of life, wisdom, and humour.
Entrance is £5 per person, to book contact 01625 612045 or pay on the door.
A family drop in session on Thursday, August 3, will give visitors the chance create their own patterns and silks to produce a beautiful flickeringly lit lantern.
For more events and details go to the website macclesfieldmuseums. co.uk.