A new exhibition has opened its doors at Kirkby Gallery, celebrating the creative legacy of Knowsley. Made on Merseyside 2 reflects on the significant contributions to creative industries made by people who come from Knowsley.
Following on from the first Made in Merseyside Exhibition in 2019 which looked closely at the businesses and industries that defined Knowsley in days gone by, Made on Merseyside 2 delves deeper into the borough’s cultural and creative landscape and highlights the artistic talents that have emerged from the local community in the fields of film, television, music and writing.
Central to the exhibition is a brand-new documentary, specially commissioned for Made on Merseyside 2, on the making of the cult classic film, Letter to Brezhnev which premiered at the Kirkby Centre, 40 years ago in 1985.
Written by Kirkby native Frank Clarke, the film featured local filming locations in Knowsley and Liverpool City Region. The documentary Road to Letter to Brezhnev, features many of the original cast of the critically acclaimed film and will be screened for the duration of the exhibition.
The exhibition also looks at the TV & Theatre legacy of Knowsley, including the celebrated works of playwright and screenwriter Alan Bleasdale famous for his social realist writing that included Boys from the Blackstuff, Scully and GBH.
Visitors can also expect to see displays and memorabilia relating to the iconic police drama Z Cars from the 1960s which was set in the fictional town of Newtown, which was based on Kirkby.
Another key aspect of the exhibition is the influence of Amazon Studios, which started as Liverpool Sound Enterprises in the 1970s and became a central hub for the local post-punk scene. The studio was responsible for early recordings by local bands like Echo and the Bunnymen, Dead or Alive, Wah!, and China Crisis. The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the original film score for Letter to Brezhnev there, in just one take.
A poignant short documentary called ‘Kitty and Her Accordion’ delves into the life of Kitty, a working-class mum in 1950s. Working in the family pub whilst bringing up seven children, Kitty found solace in turning the pub into her stage, as she sang and played her accordion for the regulars. Through intimate interviews, animations, and found recordings, director Roz Di Caprio reflects on the generational struggles and triumphs of creativity, while imagining what might have been if Kitty – and many other women – had dared to follow their ambitions.
The exhibition also explores the legacy of The End magazine; a fanzine started in 1981 by Peter Hooton and Phil Jones. The magazine tackled various themes of young working-class life in Liverpool and featured content around football, music, fashion and more. Peter Hooton then famously went on to front chart-topping band The Farm.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “
“Made on Merseyside 2 is more than just a celebration of Knowsley’s creative legacy; it’s a powerful reminder of the incredible talent that has always existed within our communities. The borough’s places and people have inspired songs and stories that have resonated with audiences locally, across the country and, indeed around the world.
“We are incredibly proud of this legacy and Made on Merseyside 2 shows how our past has shaped a rich, vibrant cultural landscape. It’s an effusive look back, but also a hopeful look forward, inspiring the next generation to see that their creative voices matter and that their stories have the power to shape the future of the arts.”
Made on Merseyside 2 runs from 15 September to 28 November 2025 and is free to attend.
Kirkby Gallery is located at The Kirkby Centre, Norwich Way, Kirkby L32 8SF. Opening times are Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) and Saturday 10am – 1pm (last entry 12.30pm)
