Gallery tribute to electrical genius Ferranti

AN exhibition celebrating the life of an electrical entrepreneur is coming to Gallery Oldham.

The legacy and achievements of Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti will be on display from March 6 for two months.

Hailed as an electrical genius, the exhibition tells the life story of the prolific inventor and electrical engineer, who is credited with bringing light into the homes of thousands when he developed the country's first high-voltage power station.

Ferranti’s special relationship with Oldham began in 1896 when he chose Hollinwood as the site for his first factory – a move which transformed the fortunes of the area.

At the forefront of developments in electrical transmission, Ferranti designed a street light by the age of 13 and patented his first electrical generator at 16.

The exhibition gives a fun and hands-on introduction to his ideas and also looks at the products and people associated with the Hollinwood works.

A selection of Ferranti's letters and notebooks showing how he developed and sketched his ideas will be on display.

The early letters home from his boarding school show a boy obsessed with trains and steamships, while later correspondence include some to his sons serving at Gallipoli during World War 1.

As well as showing the extent of Ferranti’s genius, exhibits reveal the human side of the scientist and engineer.

Other highlights include a portrait of Ferranti kindly loaned by his grandson to the gallery for the exhibition.

There will also be a selection of objects made by Ferranti Ltd over the years, from domestic fires and radios to electricity meters and parts for early computers.

The exhibition features several items on loan from the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

Councillor John McCann, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for Community Services and Housing, said: “This fascinating exhibition is an opportunity to find out more about Ferranti’s role in Oldham’s social history.

“Thousands of Oldhamers worked at the Hollinwood site over the years, so many people will have their own memories of Ferranti which the exhibition will rekindle.

“The Hollinwood factory’s success led to the opening of further sites across Greater Manchester and through the displays you can gauge the impact of Ferranti’s work on the region’s economy.”