Andy got to see an original copy of the first single he had ever bought, listened to I’m Not in Love and played his favourite bands on the jukebox, including The Smiths, Joy Division and Happy Mondays. He even found out that his much loved football club Everton recorded a song at Strawberry Studios.
Peter Tattersall, founder of Strawberry Studios, together with Dr Peter Wadsworth and Janny Baxter, who helped to curate the exhibition, gave Andy a tour of the exhibition whilst talking about Stockport’s music recording legacy.
Also presente were the Mayor and Consort of Stockport, Cllr Linda Holt and Mr Ken Holt, Cllr Kate Butler and Cllr Alex Ganotis.
The exhibition has proved to be one of the most popular exhibitions ever held at Stockport Museum with more than 16,000 visitors, gaining praise for the quality of objects on display and their interpretation.
Set up in 1967, Strawberry Studios became one of the first professional recording studios outside of London. With a technical opulence built on co-owners 10cc’s success, the Stockport-based studio provided a level of sophistication never seen before in the north. Legendary artists 10cc, Paul McCartney, Buzzcocks, Neil Sedaka and the Bay City Rollers all recorded at Strawberry Studios.
Legendary Factory Records producer Martin Hannett used Strawberry as his studio of choice and numerous iconic bands recorded their music within its walls. Joy Division, The Smiths, and The Stone Roses all visited Stockport, creating what has since become the infamous Manchester sound.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “This is a fantastic exhibition celebrating an integral piece of our region’s musical and cultural heritage. It is no exaggeration to say that without Strawberry, we would never have had the Manchester music scene of the 80s and 90s. So a small recording studio in Stockport really did change the musical world.
“The music greats of our past inspire young musicians of today. We must build on this to truly embed culture and the arts in the heart of our communities and give future generations the opportunities to fulfil their creative potential.”
Councillor Kate Butler, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “It was great to welcome Andy to Stockport Museum as GM Mayor. Andy joins the growing number of visitors coming to the Strawberry Studios exhibition to learn of the many famous artists who have worked here, and the great music they produced.
“This region has provided popular culture with an enduring legacy which continues to inspire music the world over, and Stockport Museum is doing a great job showcasing Stockport’s role in this.
“I am pleased to see visitor numbers rising, as people come to experience Stockport’s growing offer as a place to shop, eat and enjoy really interesting cultural attractions such as this.”
The exhibition is running until 29th January at Stockport Museum, 30 Market Place, Stockport. SK1 1ES. Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm; closed on Monday.
