A former Oasis photographer has launched a campaign to keep an exhibition of rock music photography on permanent display in Manchester.
Striking and gritty images of Joy Division, the Stone Roses, The Fall, The Smiths and Buzzcocks are amongst those featured in the ‘There is a Light That Never Goes Out’ exhibition - which first went on display at Manchester Central Library last October.
The collection of more than 80 photographs features images of Manchester bands and musicians from the 1970s through to the present day and attracted more than 38,000 visitors.
Many of the images were taken from a pool of UK music photographers, including Kevin Cummins, Paul Slattery, Pennie Smith and Rockarchive founder Jill Furmanovsky.
Read more of today's top stories
Now the University of Manchester and Rockarchive.com have launched a joint crowdfunding campaign to keep the exhibition in the city. It will raise funds to secure the exhibition a permanent home at the University.
The Crowdfunder campaign hopes to raise money to pay for prints, framing, moving and installation at the University.
Music photographer Jill - who spent years on the road with Oasis - says the exhibition belongs in the city.
“This is a celebration of the Manchester music scene, past and present,” she says.
“The gritty images portray those bands and musicians whose music is so deeply rooted in the city, that you cannot imagine rock music or Manchester itself, being the same without them.
“We want the exhibition to belong in the city as a legacy to inspire future generations.”
Poet Lemn Sissay OBE, who is also chancellor of the University of Manchester, says the exhibition is an important cultural archive.
He says: “Music is the heart and soul of Manchester. It’s powerful, rebellious and expresses the passion of our city, giving a voice to it, much like poetry.
“I’m delighted that the University has stepped in to offer the exhibition a home."
