A new exhibition co-curated with fans celebrates the legacy of Carlisle United in an important anniversary year for the club.
2024 marks 120 years since its official founding, 50 years since its sole season of top flight football and 25 years since goalkeeper Jimmy Glass’ last-minute relegation beating goal.
With a very bright looking future, to boot, this feels like a perfect time to look back and appreciate the Blues’ lively history.
Backing the Blues: 120 Years of Carlisle United will be Tullie’s first exhibition this year and the first since closing for major redevelopment work in December.
Although the full site is not yet ready for visitors, the museum will be making use of its exhibition gallery, lecture theatre, functionrRoom and gardens to host a number of activities and a temporary café.
The exhibition launch day on Saturday, July 20, will have fun for all the family including:
- Exhibition tours
- Football games
- Family crafts
- Facepainting
- Football skills in the garden
- An appearance from Olga the fox
Within the exhibition itself, you can see:
- Behind-the-scenes cine film of the club dating from the 1960s to the 1980s
- Fan Lisa Holmes’ CUFC themed wedding dress from 1998
- A CUFC inspired sculpture by the renowned contemporary artist Gordon Young
- Rare collections from CUFC fans, including personal letters and artefacts
- Previously unseen photographs
- Unique memorabilia from former players and their families
Backing the Blues is part of a larger project, Be Just and Fear Not – Celebrating our Club and Supporting our Community, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project has already seen plenty of community engagement work, recruitment of the Carlisle United Collective of volunteers and work done to better document the club’s large collection of memorabilia to make it more accessible for future generations.
Once the exhibition ends, a smaller version will tour to local venues before going on permanent display at Brunton Park.
Collaboration is at the core of the exhibition and the project as a whole. As well as Carlisle United and Tullie, the main project partners are Carlisle United Community Sports Trust, University of Cumbria and Cumberland Council. Further support has come from Cumbria Archives, Cumbria Deaf Association and National Football Museum.
The exhibition will run until November 10 and is open 10am to 4pm Monday-Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sundays.
Adult exhibition day tickets are £7, unlimited exhibition entry and access to some associated activities is £15. Children and under-18s go free.
A programme of accompanying events will run throughout the summer holidays including family crafts, player meet and greets, talks and more.
Nigel Clibbens, chief executive of Carlisle United, said: “The opening marks a great moment in the exhibition project. It’s the culmination of a huge effort from all the project partners and many volunteers over many months. We can’t thank everyone who as contributed enough for all their hard work.
“This is a fantastic project which has something for everyone and it will be brilliant to see fans and community come together to celebrate the “Blues” and the Club’s place in the community over 120 years.”
Tim Mills, project curator, added: “This exhibition has been born out of a love and passion for Carlisle United FC, curated by the fans, for the fans.
“Featuring previously unseen artefacts, photographs and films, Backing The Blues is more than just the history of the club, it’s about life and what football means to the city and the people.”
Simon Clarkson, supporter liaison officer at Carlisle United Football Club, said: “This has been an incredible journey when just like football itself, we have pulled together and worked as a team to put on an exhibition to be proud of.
“We think it will appeal to everyone with a big emphasis on making the experience a great one for families.”
