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When reflecting on Northern Ireland during the 1980s, many immediately think of military patrols, armoured vehicles, and the tragic consequences of bombings and shootings. However, a newly launched exhibition at Down Museum in Downpatrick offers a fresh perspective on the decade, deliberately highlighting aspects of everyday life with only a brief nod to the Troubles. Curated by Dr Kris Reid, the exhibition aims to showcase a broader cultural and social experience from that era.
Dr Reid explains that while the Troubles undeniably shaped many lives, the exhibition focuses primarily on daily routines and leisure activities. “When people think of the 80s they think of the Troubles, but the focus here is on what day to day life was like for people and there are so many items here in the museum that focus on music, cinema, games, toys,” he said. Despite the ongoing conflict, Dr Reid points out that communities were still celebrating, socializing, and enjoying themselves, particularly in smaller towns.
The collection includes an intriguing blend of local and wider societal memorabilia. Exhibits feature elements such as the Flickers video club in Ballynahinch, the Grand Cinema on Market Street in Downpatrick, Newcastle’s Slieve Donard Hotel roller disco, and the Tropicana summer attraction. Visitors can also experience playable computer consoles, along with nostalgic items like VCRs and Walkmans. Music plays a significant role in the display, with walls adorned by records and tapes from both famous international artists and beloved local bands.
Among those showcased is Rosetta Stone, a band from Downpatrick described by Reid as a prime example of being “Big in Japan.” Bassist Colin McKee, who has since transitioned from music to running a printing business in the town, expressed mixed feelings about seeing his art preserved in a museum. “It feels great but it’s a bit weird finding yourself in a museum,” McKee admitted. He fondly recalled his teenage years touring internationally, including a memorable performance in Tokyo before an audience of 15,000. The exhibition proudly displays items like Rosetta Stone’s Japanese gold disc and a 1982 Canadian tour jacket as a testament to their success.
The exhibition has attracted many school groups, including visitors from outside Northern Ireland such as Zoe, Bella-May, and Kate from St Malachy’s in Dundalk, Republic of Ireland. The students appreciated the music and toys from the period, with Bella-May particularly charmed by a pair of roller skates. Among the standout features is a pristine white 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth, a car that captured the imagination of local motorsport fans at nearby racing circuits. As the young visitors contemplated what a future exhibit about the 2020s might showcase, their answers included contemporary technology like TikTok, smartphones, and modern vehicles. The exhibit will remain open to the public until the end of the year
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