The Mersey: The River that changed the world
| Published: 3rd September 2008 21:24 |
Stockport is celebrating the world famous River Mersey with several exciting events during the autumn.
The acclaimed photographic exhibition 'Mersey: The River that changed the world' has travelled 'upstream' from the mouth of the Mersey in Liverpool to Stockport - the source of the river itself.
Commissioned by the Mersey Basin Campaign, with sponsorship from United Utilities and support from the Mersey Waterfront, the exhibition at Stockport Art Gallery, which opens on Saturday 6th September, features photographs by Colin McPherson of the entire length of the river. Stockport Council has also produced a series of portraits of several local people who work on, live beside, and enjoy the Mersey and its tributaries.
Walter Menzies, Chief Executive of the Mersey Basin Campaign said: "The River Mersey changed the world, and it remains one of the most famous rivers in the world. Our exhibition and accompanying book is a magnificent celebration of its past, present and future."
Councillor Shan Alexander, Executive Member for Leisure, said: "Only 25 years ago the River Mersey was one of the most polluted rivers in Europe. Today it is home to salmon, kingfishers and other wildlife. Earlier this year the United Nations hailed its transformation as an "inspiration" to other polluted rivers around the globe. As well as this fascinating exhibition, other events have been organised to celebrate this iconic river which begins its momentous journey to the sea here in Stockport."
Councillor Kevin Hogg, Executive Member for Regeneration, added: "Investing in the river, one of Stockport's natural assets, provides an amenity which generates further regeneration opportunities. Over the last few years, we have worked closely in partnership with many other organisations to improve the environment around the river. This has included constructing the Trans Pennine Trail and Fred Perry Way, developing the Mersey Vale Nature Park, and building the start of the River Mersey Canoe Trail."
Photographer Colin McPherson said: "The river plays an important role in the lives of the people who live along the Mersey and through my photography I wanted to make a record of the changes which are taking place all around us at this time."
Visitors can leave their own Mersey Memories at the exhibition which runs at Stockport Art Gallery, Wellington Road South (A6), until Saturday 1st November. Opening hours are 11am-5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and 10am-5pm Saturday. For more information call Stockport Art Gallery on 0161 474 4453 or log onto www.stockport.gov.uk
Other events include:
- During the annual Heritage Open Days from 11th-14th September, people are invited to take guided tours to see the Mersey as it flows underneath Merseyway Shopping Centre! In 1967, the centre was built, uniquely, over the river.
- Photography course with Paula Carley who will explore different approaches to photography by taking a closer look at the Mersey. The course dates are Saturday 27th September - Saturday 11th October, 10am-2pm. For further details or to book contact Stockport Art Gallery, on 0161 474 4453.
- In relation to the exhibition, Stockport Art gallery has launched 'Inspired by', a competition celebrating Adult Learners Week and Museums & Galleries Month. Everyone aged 19 or over can take inspiration from works in Stockport's permanent collection including the new photographs in the exhibition. The winners will be able to display their work as part of an exhibition, or perform at a high profile event in May 2009.
- In October, canoeists will battle it out in the River Mersey Canoe Race. The 9.2 mile race, on Sunday 12th October, begins next to Mersey Vale Nature Park. Canoeists will navigate several weirs, before finishing at Trafford Metrovick Rugby Club. For more information contact Chris Cleaver, 39 Cavendish Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport (tel 01625 878838), email chcleaver@tiscali.co.uk or log onto www.madcc.co.uk
'Mersey: The River that changed the world', a book featuring the photographs commissioned by the Mersey Basin Project, and published by Bluecoat Press, is now available priced at £17.99. For Information and a selection of excerpts from the book and exhibition go to www.riverthatchangedtheworld.com
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