Musical heritage on show

AN exhibition that explores Stockport’s musical heritage features new items from The Smiths and New Order.

Stockport Museum, on the Market Place, now includes the drums used by Mike Joyce on The Smiths’ debut single Hand in Glove in its Strawberry Studios: I am in Love exhibition.

The song was recorded there in 1983 and helped The Smiths shoot to stardom.

Other new exhibits include a limited print of New Order in the studios designed by Peter Saville and an original Gizmo prototype – the cult musical gadget designed by 10cc’s Godley and Creme.

The display launched in January this year celebrating 50 years since the studio opened its doors - and since then other people have been in touch to offer their own memorabilia.

On its opening weekend around 2,000 people visited and it will close in January next year.

When Strawberry Studios opened in 1967 it was one of the first professional recording studios outside of London and seen as pivotal in the development of the post-punk Manchester sound.

Janny Baxter, the exhibition curator, said: “The exhibition has been hugely popular and hopefully finally given Strawberry the recognition it deserves. Strawberry’s importance to the British music scene is immense.

“Legendary Manchester bands Joy Division, The Smiths and The Stone Roses were all able to record their debut material.

“This new display gave us an extra chance to celebrate this and continue our Strawberry love affair.”