Record label put hidden treasure on show
UNSEEN treasures from the Factory Records archive - including Joy Division and New Order items - are to go on show at an exhibition celebrating the legendary label.
Use Hearing Protection opens at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum this summer, telling the story of the company’s formative years from 1978 to 1982.
Founded by Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmus, the innovative and influential label played a large role in shaping the music of that time.
The exhibition will take visitors on a journey through the label’s early work, via a display of the first 50 numbered Factory artefacts.
Music journalist Jon Savage, recognised as a leading voice on the history of Macclesfield band Joy Division, acted as consultant curator.
The museum recently acquired his personal collection of artefacts relating to the band, a number of which will be on display alongside objects loaned from the estates of Wilson and former Joy Division and New Order manager Rob Gretton.
Lead curator Jan Hicks said: “Factory Records was progressive in its use of digital and electronic technologies, which are core focuses of the stories we tell here at the museum.
“We are committed to expanding our collection of Factory-related material and acquiring Jon Savage’s Joy Division archive has allowed us to grow this substantially.
“It will be a fantastic addition to the exhibition.”
Previously unseen items that will feature in the exhibition include a letter signed from Rob Gretton to Wilson, thanking him for supporting Joy Division on his Granada Reports music segment.
The band made their TV debut on his What’s On section on September 20, 1978.
Visitors can also see a flyer for an early Factory Night at the Russell Club, in Hulme, and a document with illustrations outlining Joy Division’s live gear set up.
Jan said: “Joy Division were ground-breaking in their use of electronic and digital technology,
“As well as using new technologies in the studio with producer Martin Hannett, the band incorporated effects technology in their live performances.
“This document sets out for venues the range of PA equipment the band needed for live performances and includes an illustration of how some of the equipment should be set up.”
Use Hearing Protection runs from July 3, 2020, to January 10, 2021, and will be located on the second floor of the museum.
Tickets are £7 for adults (£5 concessions) with children aged under 11 free with a paying adult.