Later this year, Kirkby Gallery is set to host a brand-new exhibition, “Made on Merseyside 2,” celebrating the rich tapestry of creative connections and industries flourishing in Knowsley and the wider Merseyside area and the Gallery is inviting the local community to contribute to the exhibition.
Running from 15 September to 12 December 2025, the exhibition will shine a spotlight on the region’s contributions to music, television, film, and the compelling stories of local writers.
Building on the success of the original “Made on Merseyside” in 2019, the new exhibition will delve deeper into the borough’s cultural and creative landscape, with a particular focus on film, TV, music, and writing.
The first “Made on Merseyside” exhibition celebrated local businesses and products, “Made on Merseyside 2” aims to highlight the artistic talent within the community. Visitors can expect to see a fascinating array of objects, photographs, films, and documents that illuminate the many captivating stories that have shaped the local cultural scene.
Key elements and display themes within the exhibition will include:
- Film: A documentary exploring the making of the cult classic film “Letter to Brezhnev,” penned by Kirkby native Frank Clarke and featuring numerous local filming locations in Knowsley and Liverpool.
- TV: A focus on the iconic police drama “Z Cars” and the work of acclaimed writer Alan Bleasdale.
- Music: Celebrating the influence of Amazon Studios, the musical contributions of China Crisis, the legacy of “The End” magazine, and highlighting Knowsley Music Festival, which will coincide with the exhibition when it returns in November.
If you have any memorabilia that evokes memories of local music gigs, TV series filmed in the area, or encounters with local writers – be it products, photos, gig tickets, posters, t-shirts, or even just a memorable story about the Merseyside cultural scene – the gallery would love to hear from you. You can email tina.ball@knowsley.gov.uk, or visit the Gallery at the Kirkby Centre, Norwich Way, Kirkby L32 8XY
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing back a new and exciting iteration of our popular ‘Made on Merseyside’ exhibition. This time, we are focusing on the incredible creative talent that has emerged from Knowsley and the wider Merseyside area. From iconic films and television shows to influential musicians and talented writers, our region has a rich cultural heritage, and this exhibition will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate these achievements and the stories behind them. We encourage everyone to help shape this unique exhibition with their own stories and memorabilia and to join us at the gallery in the Autumn to discover the fascinating contributions made right here on our doorstep.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the “Made on Merseyside 2” exhibition or how they can contribute can email tina.ball@knowsley.gov.uk.
