New Factory Records exhibition to open at Science and Industry Museum

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A special exhibition documenting the formation and early years of the iconic Factory Records is set to open at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum in June.

Use Hearing Protection: The early years of Factory Records will shine a light on the formative period for the Manchester label, disclosing lesser-told stories from family members, alternative voices and international collaborators.

Founded by Tony Wilson and Alan Erasmus, Factory Records played an influential part in the city’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a beacon of art and culture. 

Use Hearing Protection will examine the period 1978 to 1982, revealing how the label grew and thrived to give the city an authentic voice and distinctive identity.

The exhibition will focus on Factory Records’ formative years from 1978 to 1982 / Credit: Science and Industry Museum

So, what can we expect when the exhibition opens then?

Visitors will be guided through the pre-Haçienda years to uncover the history of the label and how it earned its status as a catalyst for innovation through rarely or never-before-seen objects.

The first 50 artefacts from the official Factory Records catalogue will be on display, including creations from Joy Division, New Order and The Durutti Column, as well as graphic designs by Peter Saville and objects loaned from the estates of both Tony Wilson and Rob Gretton – the former manager of Joy Division and New Order.

Visitors can expect interactive experiences that offer the opportunity to get hands-on with the technologies of the time (which have gone on to change the face of music) including a mixing desk and synthesiser.

The ‘Gig Room’ will also transport visitors back in time by playing out the sounds of Factory Records through large-scale projections of the early signed bands.   

There’s a lot to look forward to.

It will also disclose lesser-told stories from family members, alternative voices and international collaborators / Credit: Science and Industry Museum

Use Hearing Protection: The early years of Factory Records is set to open on 19 June 2021, and run right through to 3 January 2022.

An after-hours celebration of Manchester’s music scene will also take place on Thursday 23 September.

Tickets will be priced at £8 for adults, £6 for concessions, and under 12s go free when attending with an adult too.

You can find more information here.