It's been more than 120 years since composer Sir Arthur Sullivan described Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Hiawatha's Wedding Feast as 'fresh and original'. Since then a number of bright young local stars have made their mark on the international music industry and this exhibition showcases their journey.

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Curated by lifelong Croydon resident and Director of Past Futures, Micha Nestor wanted to bring a burst of energy to the heritage world, during a time when many organisations are closed or remain offering a limited service as lockdown continues.

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Speaking about her inspiration for the exhibition, Micha said "Having grown up in South Norwood for half my life, I regularly drove past the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor youth club and blue plaque commemorating the composer and wondered who he was. That sparked my curiosity, and I quickly became fascinated by the story of this mixed race, Victorian man who had conquered the classical music world and lived just down the road from me."

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Fast forward from the times of Coleridge-Taylor's Song of Hiawatha dominating music halls, to Croydon's latest smash hit resident. "Like many people my age who grew up in London, I spent my teenage years dancing along to the latest underground sounds of grime, watching Channel U and singing along to anthems like Lethal Bizzle's Pow!" Growing up in Croydon's Norbury and Thornton Heath, the multi Brit winner Stormzy has played a key role in bringing grime out of the shadows and into popular music charts.

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"I think a lot of Croydoners feel a sense of pride when they hear Stormzy mention the Borough. I hope this exhibition will inspire future musicians, songwriters and composers to be trailblazers and create art which uplifts and moves them, just like Stormzy, Coleridge-Taylor and other Croydon residents have achieved before them."

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As you explore the exhibition, look out for

the play button throughout.

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