"The Glass Umbrella" is one of a number of Town Centre Artworks produced as part of an initiative by the
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The Glass Umbrella, depicts the vibrant Medieval heart of Stockport, with its “glass umbrella”, Market Hall built in 1861. The artwork hints at the tales of extraordinary events that have occurred in the market place over the years. You can see the ghostly image of Castle Mill, Stockport’s first water powered mill built in 1778, Jonathan Thatcher, a local farmer riding his cow to market to protest against the horse tax in 1784 and the launch of a hot-air balloon in 1827. Strawberry Recording Studios founded in 1968, that brought big names in the music industry to walk over the markets cobbled streets, when they came to record their classic hits, is also suggested.