Exhibition to mark 55 years of Coronation Street

A new exhibition is due to open today in time to mark 55 years since the first episode of Coronation Street aired on our screens.

The exhibit is located outside the former soap set on Quay street in Manchester and features up to 30 paintings by artist, Corrie fan and Mancunian, Paul Stafford.

Paul’s installation comprises of a converted Luton van turned art gallery with paintings of current and former cast members including Hilda Ogden and Elsie Tanner as well as genuine memorabilia from the set.

A notable appearance is expected to be made by a coffee stained T-shirt belonging to Diedre Barlow, played by the actress Anne Kirkbride, who passed away earlier this year, whilst Paul will be wearing Des Barnes's tie, all week.

On the 9th of December 1960, the first ever episode of Corrie was aired from the Quay street site and became a firm favourite with audiences across the country, and eventually, the world.

Artist Paul said:

The exhibition will run from today until December 13th, in a van ‘somewhere’ on Quay Street, Manchester.