World Museum Liverpool display celebrated The Picket
MORE than 25 years of The Picket will be celebrated in a new display at the Museum of Liverpool.
Developed in collaboration with founder Philip Hayes, it will explore a potted history of the music venue's place at the forefront of the city's grassroots music scene.
The display uses objects, quotes and film to unravel The Picket's story, which began in the Merseyside Trade Union Community and Unemployed Resource Centre on Hardman Street, in 1983. It moved to its current venue on Jordan Street in 2006.
Paul Gallagher, curator of contemporary collecting at the Museum of Liverpool, says: "The Picket has been such an important part of the Liverpool music and youth scene.
"It's not all been plain sailing for the venue - it's survived closures, funding cuts and industry changes to come out on top. It's a great story to tell and remains very close to many people's hearts within this city."
The Picket was opened at a time when Liverpool's unemployment levels were particularly high. With funding from famous names including Pete Townshend, Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney, it opened to give the young and unemployed an opportunity to record and perform.
Over time it launched the careers of many bands including Space, Cast, Shack, The Coral, The Wombats and The La's.
The Hardman Street venue closed in 2004, but after a campaign, local creative communities rallied to find its new home in Jordan Street, where it opened in 2006 and remains as one of the most established and respected music venues in the city.
Hayes says: "I was made up to be invited to tell The Picket's story at the Museum of Liverpool. To be featured alongside The Beatles and many of Liverpool's other cultural treasures is a great honour.
"The display I hope will pay tribute to the many musicians and people of Liverpool that have supported The Picket over 25 years. Without their help we wouldn't be here and about to embark on a new episode in The Baltic Creative District."
The Picket: On Music's Front Line will be on display within the Wondrous Place gallery, from the end of next week.
