New exhibition reflects on Rams rescue

Derby City Lab is set to stage an exhibition from next week looking back on how Derby County was saved.

It is now over a year since the Rams were taken over by David Clowes, of Clowes Developments and the exhibition, called Back from the Brink: Derby County, A Year On reflects on the events which led up to the sale.

For 10 months, the club was subjected to administration, points deductions and relegation – all against the backdrop of supporter unrest.

The exhibition at the St James’s Street venue, presented by the Rams Heritage Trust, explores this period through contemporary objects, images and supporter testimony.

The display also draws comparisons between the club’s turbulent recent history and similar events in the 1980s using original items from the Rams’ Centenary year, 1984-5, where Derby County battled for survival in the High Court.

Back from the Brink emphasises the special position Derby County holds within the city and tells the story of how a fanbase united to help save their club from extinction.

The exhibition starts on Wednesday 4 October and runs until Sunday October 22.

Rams Heritage Trust is a supporter-led charitable trust promoting the heritage of Derby County through exhibitions, community projects and educational resources.

Founder and trustee Jamie Calladine said: “Rams Heritage Trust is delighted to be bringing our extensive collection to Derby City Lab this October to explore a period in Rams’ history that will live long in the memory of those who lived through it and no, we’re not talking about the glory days of the 1970s or the FA Cup triumph of 1946.

“It is the hardest times that bring people together, and that can certainly be said of the ten months that followed Derby County entering administration in September 2022.

“This exhibition will cover that turbulent period with original objects, displayed alongside the voices of fans who lived through it.

“The display will also harken back to the 1980s when Rams fans also feared for the survival of their club.

“Bringing together artefacts from near and distant eras, Back from the Brink has something for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information about the exhibition visit https://www.marketingderby.co.uk/derbycitylab/ .

For more information about the Rams Heritage Trust visit http://www.ramsheritagetrust.org .

Anyone interested in using the Derby City Lab for exhibitions, events or workshops should contact Adam Rodgers at adam.rodgers@marketingderby.co.uk.