UK's largest ever South Asian vinyl collection to be exhibited at Manchester Museum
One of the largest vinyl archives of South Asian music in the UK is being exhibited Manchester Museum.
'Request Line', by artist Faisal Hussain, features a 3000 vinyl collection which was rescued in 2017 from the Oriental Star Agencies Store in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, before it was forced to close. Back in the 1980s, the records were initially played at BBC Radio West Midlands by Mohammed Ayub, Anita Bhalla and Farah Durrani as part of the ‘East in West’ radio show.
“The record store and then label became one of the most influential and important parts of South Asian history and diaspora in the UK and worldwide,” explains a description of the event.
“Before the store had to close in 2017, True Form Projects rescued much of the record collection and other artefacts in order to archive them and keep them protected for future generations. As part of a 3 year project they are archiving over 3000 records and artefacts and will be collecting memories of the music and culture contained in these important records.”
The installation will play a selection of records alongside their vinyl covers, as well as revealing handwritten requests people sent in throughout the 1980s within the vinyl sleeves – offering an intimate and personal look at the South Asian community in Birmingham during this time.
Videos, animations, archival imagery and listening stations will also be on display. The exhibition officially launched last night (July 19) with a talk from the artist and performances by DJ Rizmi and Chandé.
You can reserve a free ticket for tonight’s launch party here. The wider exhibition will run from 19th to 21st August. Find out more here.
