RockChic - The Life and Times of the Electric Guitar 1931-2006

The electric guitar has realised a key place in our culture, not only by changing the sound of Blues, R&B, Soul & Rock, but by becoming the instrument above all others that created the "look" of popular music. Often customised and "worn" as a treasured fashion accessory, the personalised, decorated electric guitar represents the new insistence that music should be a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.

Set within a dynamic multimedia experience that captures the essence of a rock stage, The RockChic exhibition will show how this iconic musical instrument has occupied a key place in our culture - a culture which has grown and evolved around it. Visitors will embark on a journey that spans 75 years, featuring rare and vintage guitars, including the "Frying Pan", the world's first electric guitar, never previously exhibited outside of the US. The collection also features instruments associated with rock's greatest musicians, including the likes of Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, Phil Lynott, Jimi Hendrix and an amazing collection owned by the legendary Rory Gallagher. Contemporary guitars from artists such as Christina Aguilera, Mark Hamilton (Ash), Jeff Beck, Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand) and Sergio Pizzorno (Kasabian) are also featured.