The archive will be located at the city’s John Rylands Library, where it will launch next month and give people access to never-before-seen items.
Hannah Barker, professor of British history at the University of Manchester and director of the John Rylands Research Institute, has explained that the archive intends to start off with “a Manchester theme” but intends to become “a British Pop Archive”.
Curtis’ lyrics which are set to go on show were written for Joy Division’s 1980 album Closer whilst an unused verse for the song ‘Atmosphere’ will also be on display.
“There’s something about seeing music that you’re very familiar with and seeing its genesis on paper, and people’s edits, that’s very exciting,” Prof. Barker added.
The library will also be home to the archive of Joy Division and New Order manager, as well as Factory Records founder, Rob Gretton — someone who kept a detailed record of his musical endeavours.
In addition, the archive of Granada TV, most known for its broadcast of Coronation Street, will also be held there. They’d previously been stored in a warehouse in Yorkshire for 30 years.
Professor Barker is also joined by author and music historian Jon Savage, who has been appointed professor of popular culture at the University of Manchester.
Their ambitions are to present and celebrate Britain’s post-war popular culture — something Mr. Savage has described as “Britain’s gift to the world”.
The first exhibition, which is titled Collection, will go on display on 19th May at John Rylands Library.
