The Marvel From Marple
19 June - 30 September 2026
This summer, we’re excited to present The Marvel From Marple—the first major exhibition celebrating the life and work of Alan Boyson (ARCA, 1930–2018). Born in Marple, Boyson became one of Britain’s most distinctive post‑war public artists, known for his striking murals, mosaics, and ceramics that helped shape the look and feel of everyday spaces across the country.
The exhibition has been developed by artist and researcher Esther Johnson (MA RCA), whose long‑running project Ships in the Sky explores Boyson’s legacy and gathers stories, materials, and memories connected to his work—including those from her hometown of Hull.
Bringing together original pieces by Boyson, works he has inspired, archives and objects relating to his life and work, alongside video and photography by Johnson, The Marvel From Marple invites visitors to explore how public art becomes part of our shared identity—how we live with it, remember it, and build our communities around it.
Download the PDF Guide
Who made The Marvel From Marple?
Photographer Graphic Designer Project Manager
Esther Johnson
Amrit Randhawa (Taxi Cab Industries)
Leigh Bird
Join us for a programme of Boyson inspired events throughout the Summer!
Explore all the upcoming events & book Tickets here
Saturday 29 August - Screen Printing with Caroline Coates (29 August)
Come and screen print your own Merseyway car park screen!
- From 12:00pm
- Cost: FREE
DROP IN
Saturday 12 September - Heritage Open Day Stockport Stroll
Join Steve Marland from Modern Mooch for free Stockport Strolls as part of Stockroom's The Marvel from Marple exhibition programme and Heritage Open Day.
- Walks start at 11:00 AM & 14:00 PM
- Cost: FREE
RSVP
Sunday 13 September - Ring Wax Carving Workshop with AREESHA
Join a wax carving workshop where you will be given a full demonstration and the opportunity to use different tools to make your own unique wax mould for a ring.
- From 11:00am
- Tickets from £130
BOOK NOW
Saturday 26 September - Collage Workshop with Sarah Hardacre
Join Manchester based artist Sarah Hardacre for a creative collage workshop inspired by The Marvel From Marple exhibition at Stockroom.
- From 12:00pm
- Tickets from £11.55
BOOK NOW
Past Events:
Sunday 05 July - Tile Workshop with Alison Waters
Join Ceramic artist Alison Waters in an afternoon workshop celebrating the work of Marple's marvel... Alan Boyson!
- From 1:00pm
- Cost: £35
BOOK NOW
Friday 10 July - Merseyway Memories
Come and share your memories of Merseyway over the years with artist Esther Johnson.
- From 2:00pm
- Cost: FREE
DROP IN
Saturday 11 July
Join us at Stockroom with the modernist, Esther Johnson, Leigh Bird & Boyson expert Christopher Marsden for a full day of Boyson-inspired activities & talks.
Stockport Stroll
Join the modernist for a special Stockport Stroll, taking in the notable Modernist landmarks across Stockport & the influence of Alan Boyson on the town.
- From 11:00am
Book Now
Tickets from £10
Modernism Talk
Eddy Rhead from The Modernist Society will be giving a talk about Modernist architecture in Manchester, focussing on some of Stockport's most notable Modernist buildings!
- From 2:00pm
Book Now
Tickets from £8
The Marvel from Marple Talk
Join us at Stockroom to learn more about the life and work of Marple born artist Alan Boyson, subject of The Marvel from Marple exhibition at Stockroom from expert Christopher Marsden, artist Esther Johnson & researcher Leigh Bird.
- From 3:30pm
RSVP
FREE
Sunday 02 August - Screen Printing with Caroline Coates (2 August)
Come and screen print your own Merseyway car park screen!
- From 12:00pm
- Cost: FREE
DROP IN
Saturday 15 August - Mosaic Making
Come and make your own mosaic tile to form part of Stockroom’s balcony garden!
- From 11am
- Cost: FREE
DROP IN
Have you seen the exhibition? We want to hear from you! Click here to tell us what you think!
Works inspired by Alan Boyson and the Merseyway that you can take home
In the exhibition we celebrate the influence of Alan Boyson through a collection of works inspired both by his practice, and of the architecture of the Merseyway. These works respond to Boyson’s ideas, materials, and forms, while also reflecting the bold modernist design of the Merseyway itself.
Works for sale online include selected photography by ‘Ships in the Sky’ artist, Esther Johnson, and ceramics by artist Alison Waters. Prints, books and t-shirts from ‘the modernist’ can be bought online and at their shop and exhibition space at 58 Port Street, Manchester, M1 2EQ.
The Marvel from Marple is funded by the Henry Moore Foundation and Stockroom, and developed in partnership with Stockport Council and Sheffield Hallam University.
