Vernon Mills Remembers to Commemorate Stockport’s Industrial Past
Vernon Mills Remembers will be held on the third floor of the historic industrial building on Mersey Street, Stockport from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th March, as part of Stockport’s Town of Culture festivities.
The remnants of the cotton industry were left on floors three and four of Vernon Mill in 2000, as the Vernon Mill Art Studios artists’ community began to partition the once vast open space into smaller rooms for individual artists. This transformation led to the formation of a vibrant new community within the mill, which now presents Vernon Mill Remembers.
Artists have each responded to the mill’s stories in their own unique ways, showcasing their personal insights into the past through various forms of media. The artworks will be on display during the open studios event over the three days of Stockport’s Town of Culture celebrations.
Councillor Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture & Sport at Stockport Council, commented: “Stockport has a rich history, but it’s often the stories of everyday people that are overlooked in history books. This event through the arts will help us remember and honour our remarkable industrial heritage and the individuals who contributed to the region’s importance during the industrial revolution.”
The community of Stockport will come together for the special events planned for each of the three days. On Friday, 8th March, local musicians The Weavers will perform to bring the past to life through music, accompanied by the choir from St Thomas’ C of E Primary School. Saturday, 9th March will feature a performance of a new play called ‘Stitches in Time’ by Droylsden Little Theatre, weaving together stories from Stockport’s history.
On Sunday, 10th March, the artists’ open studios will be the main attraction from 11am to 4pm. Visitors can explore the art trail, engage with the artists, and even take a selfie in a Lowry-esque photo booth. Students from Aquinas College have also contributed to the event by creating flyers and posters to promote Vernon Mills Remembers, an integral part of the Town of Culture programme.
