Strawberry Studios exhibit at Stockport Museum grows

Stockport Museum launched it’s Strawberry Studios: I Am In Love exhibition back in January. New items of memorabilia from The Smiths and New Order have just been added to the collection and will be on display with several other exhibits until it closes in January 2018.

The new exhibits include the drums used by Mike Joyce on The Smiths debut single Hand in Glove (recorded at Strawberry in 1983), 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 in Creme.

The museum’s exhibit has proved popular and since launching earlier in the year. Several music fans have been in touch to offer their own Strawberry Studios themed mementos to add to the collection which is free to visit.

Stockport Museum has been re-vamped and addressed that previously stories of Stockport were missing from the displays, including the impact of Strawberry Studios on the town. Stockport and Manchester’s rich musical heritage is explored in the exhibition and celebrates 50 years since the studio first opened its doors.

Strawberry Studios in the 80s.

Bringing 10,000 visitors

Welcoming more than 2,000 visitors on its opening weekend, the display soon became Stockport’s most popular ever exhibition bringing music lovers to the town from all over the UK.

Councillor Kate Butler, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:

“This exhibition has proven to be a major success, bringing more than 10,000 visitors since its opening in January 2017. These new items will add to an already exciting display which celebrates how Stockport’s Strawberry Studios nurtured and captured the iconic Manchester sound.”

Founded in 1967, Strawberry Studios became one of the first and finest professional recording studios outside of London. Home to 10cc and studio of choice for numerous top artists and producers, Strawberry was 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, The Stone Roses were all able to record their debut material thanks to 10cc’s vision back in the 1970s. This new display gave us an extra chance to celebrate this and continue our Strawberry love affair.”

Stockport Museum is located at 30 Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1ES. Look for the ‘Stockport Story’ sign. Opening Times: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5; Sunday/Bank Holidays 11-5; Closed Monday.