Rockfield Recording Studios is one of the area’s best, hidden treasures. It has seen many defining musical moments including the recording of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and the Oasis album ‘What’s the Story Morning Glory’. After 53 years in the business it is still attracting many of today’s big stars and nurturing new musical talent from around the world.

Monmouth Museum has opened an exciting new exhibition called, ‘Stables to Studios: the Story of Rockfield, Monmouth & Music’. It offers something fun for everyone but will be of particular interest to music lovers of all ages and could make a fantastic family day out this summer.

‘Stables to Studios’ reveals previously untold stories, including how Rockfield was established and its long farming history. The exhibition is based on interviews with members of the Ward family, who own and run the studios, as well as producers, and engineers who have worked there. The exhibition also shares the stories of local residents giving a brand new perspective on what it is really like to have a world-famous studio on your doorstep!

Exciting items on display include the acoustic guitar that Noel Gallagher used to record Oasis’ 1995 hit ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Doris’ the tape machine which recorded Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, the visitor books from Rockfield Studios featuring messages from many music stars, plus never before seen images.

The exhibition came out of a collaboration between Monmouthshire Museums Service, Rockfield Recording Studios and Monmouth Comprehensive School. It was co-curated by a group of 6th Form students who were working towards their Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.

Karin Molson, Museum project lead said “In over 20 years of working in museums I can’t remember being so excited about an exhibition. We have been welcoming visitors from right across South Wales, the Midlands and South West England proving what a draw music heritage can be”.

This is the first time that Rockfield’s story has been officially presented and many of the items have never been on public display before. The response from visitors has been fantastic with many leaving their own comments and memories to form part of the exhibition.

Lisa Ward, Rockfield Recording Studio’s manager added “It’s really exciting to be part of this project and for the studio’s to be the subject of an exhibition in our local town”.

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The project has been made possible thanks to the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.

‘Stables to Studios’ is a FREE entry exhibition and will be on show at Monmouth Museum until April 22nd, 2017.

Opening Times: 11am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Mon-Sat; and 2pm-5pm Sun

Telephone: 01600 710630

Address: Priory Street, Monmouth NP25 3XA