AN EXCITING exhibition at Gallery Oldham invites visitors to explore the history of one of the town centre’s busiest thoroughfares – Union Street.
The street was first laid out in the early 1800s as an unpaved dirt road through fields and was intended as a by-pass for horse-drawn carriages wanting to avoid the town centre.
As Oldham grew in wealth and importance, the road became the site for many Victorian public buildings such as the town’s first swimming baths, library and post office.
Using objects and paintings from Gallery Oldham’s collections, this exhibition charts the buildings and people that have shaped the street over the centuries.
From the original doors of the Odeon Cinema to a WWI roll of honour recording the sacrifices of employees from the Prudential’s offices there is a wealth of material to explore.
This includes a selection of works by notable artists, including William Stott and Brian Clarke, who learnt their trade at the Oldham School of Art on the street.
Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres, Culture and Tourism, said: “From humble beginnings Union Street has grown into one of the most important areas in the borough.
“Today it is home to dozens of businesses and the new Metrolink stops bring thousands of people into the town centre every day.
“This exhibition charts that journey and I’m sure it will bring back quite a few memories for residents.”
As well as offering a family friendly trail the exhibition will encourage visitors to share their memories of Union Street.
The exhibition opens on June 28 and will run until January, 31 next year.
As part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days event Sean Baggaley, the exhibition’s curator, will lead two free guided walks along Union Street on September 11 at 12 noon or 6pm.
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