Understated: Celebrating the Creativity of Pete Shelley

The Turnpike CIC was a bold, independent not-for-profit arts project with community at its heart, based in Leigh, Greater Manchester.

This web archive, titled Could this be paradise? reflects on our 5 years in Leigh, highlighting the community voices and artists who have worked with us to shape our organisation.

We want to say a huge thank you to our Turnpike family; the team members, volunteers, artists, community members, peer organisations, funders and supporters who have invested their energy, creativity and ingenuity with us over the years.

Exhibitions

20 November - 14 December 2019

Pete Shelley is one of the UK's most influential and prolific songwriters and co-founder of the seminal punk band Buzzcocks. Born in Leigh, his music has inspired generations of musicians, over a career that spanned five decades. Held in the highest regard by the music industry and by his fans, his death in December 2018 was felt deeply across the world.

This major commemorative exhibition celebrated the trailblazing creative vision of Pete Shelley. Memorabilia, photographs and footage from friends, family and fellow musicians were on display as well as original artworks and designs synonymous with his incredible career.

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Download the exhibition PDF for additional reading

The exhibition was part of the Design Manchester festival and was co-curated by Design Manchester Artistic Director and designer Malcolm Garrett; a long-time friend and collaborator of Pete Shelley.

The exhibition formed a backdrop to a series of unique 'in conversation’ events that brought together key figures from Pete's life and career.

Understated was co-created by Malcolm Garrett and Helen Stalker with support from Joanne Fowler, Martyn Walsh and Peter Wadsworth.