Museum acquires rare gig posters collection

Derby Museums has acquired a collection of rare gig posters from the 1970s and 1980s, which have now gone on display.

The collection of 90 gig posters has been made possible with support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and Derby pubs The Flowerpot and Golden Eagle.

The posters document Derby’s live music scene during the period 1973 to 1980, with a particular focus on rock, punk and progressive rock bands.

Bands featured include The Sex Pistols, Thin Lizzy, Mud, AC/DC, The Damned, Curved Air and Derbyshire resident Roy Wood’s band Wizzard.

Well known Derby venues, many of which now no longer exist, are featured on the posters, including the Great Hall, Tiffany’s and King’s Hall.

The posters were designed and hand screen-printed by local graphic artist Rob Gilvary.

Rob was a session musician and drummed for a number of the bands featured in the posters.

Matt Edwards, curator of visual art and Joseph Wright Study Room at Derby Museums, said: “I was delighted when I first saw this poster collection being offered to Derby Museums.

“The live music scene and memories of past gigs and venues are close to the hearts of the people of Derby.

“It’s been a pleasure to research them, especially tracking down Rob Gilvary and hearing about the production of the posters in the 1970s.

“They fill a significant gap in our collection relating to the music and culture of the era.”

The posters are currently on rotating display in a project space in the Joseph Wright Gallery at the Museum and Art Gallery where visitors are also invited to share their own memories.

Derby Gig Posters 1973-1980 is open until 12 February. To find out more about the exhibition visit here.