Making Coventry More Special

The display is one of many pieces of fascinating memorabilia put together by Coventry music historian and journalist, Pete Chambers and his dedicated team of volunteers. Its a homage to a City that has a past with much more to offer than just the revered days of The Specials and Selector. The story of Coventry music hall star, T.E Dunville is vividly brought to life. Music hall played a big part in the social lives of working class people in the Victorian era. It sets a starting point for a magical journey through the City's rich and often neglected part in days of music past.

The 50's through to the late seventies are showcased with records and artefacts from Vince Hill and Frank Ifield who rode high in the charts. The City had a robust social scene and the 60's ballrooms such as the famous Coventry Locarno are heavily featured. There are also venues where the greats trod the boards including three visits from the Beatles.

Of course, Two Tone was responsible for firmly putting the City on the musical map. There are many old concert tickets, photos and even clothes worn by band members that have been loaned to the museum. It makes you feel close to the authenticity of the era. You soon realise the whole project is a labour of love, a realisation of a dream that has been put together through sheer hard work and a determination to succeed. 

Much like the never say lie down attitude that propelled The Enemy to fame. Coventry's latest musical success story is heavily featured right down to a half dozen strong hand written set list from an early gig in the City. Its one of many charming pieces of history kept by donators and now curated together for a riveting journey through an industrial stronghold's musical heritage,

But this is far more than a museum. Its part of Two Tone Village, which also hosts a 2-Tone cafe and a Caribbean restaurant. Then there is a retro clothing shop, a memorabilia store and even a live venue where rude boys young and not so young come together for concerts. There is currently a series of intimate talks being held by the main players in the musical fabric of Coventry.

It's taken a lot of vision and bravey to realise this concept. For this is about much more than a trip through history. It shows music can not just entertain but deepen and enlighten us. This is illustrated by the museums's Two Tone legacy wall which shows nothing is achieved without struggle and the courage to tackle prejudice.

I must confess, I feel slightly guilty it's took me a while to visit a gem of a place that's within half an hour of my home. Visitors are coming from much further afield including America and Asia. If you're visiting Coventry than it's well worth popping along to. A warm welcome awaits from a place that wil remove that blank expression for your face.