Students showcase museum-inspired artwork at Portland Basin

Students from Clarendon Sixth Form College in Ashton-under-Lyne have created a striking new exhibition inspired by Portland Basin Museum and its collections.

The Inspired By… exhibition opened on Saturday 31 January and will see students’ work displayed throughout the museum, positioned alongside the historic objects and displays that sparked their ideas.

BTEC and A-Level art students have produced a wide range of creative responses, working across multiple media including painting, photography, poetry and 3D models. Their ideas were drawn from Portland Basin’s rich social and industrial history collections.

Much of the work has been inspired by the museum’s popular 1920s street, featuring recreated room sets such as the chip shop, pawnbrokers and pub. Other pieces reflect students’ learning about the harsh working conditions of the Industrial Revolution and the realities of life on canal boats.

Councillor Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, praised the exhibition and the students behind it.

She said: “It’s so lovely to see that the incredible Portland Basin collections are being celebrated in such an exciting way, thanks to the talent and creativity of our young people.

“The exhibition is going to be a real treat for local residents and a chance to explore the heritage site in a new way. What a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the connection between our history and the next generation.

“I encourage everyone to come along and experience these vibrant new perspectives on our shared past.”

The exhibition offers visitors a fresh way to engage with Portland Basin Museum, highlighting how local history continues to inspire new generations of artists.

More information about visiting Portland Basin Museum in Ashton-under-Lyne can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/portlandbasin.