IT IS rare that a customer of the Bluecoat Display Centre should want to return an item to the art shop, but over the past week there has been a flurry of people handing back their purchases.

Fortunately for director Maureen Bampton, this is not a case of multiple unsatisfied clients, but contributors to the gallery’s latest exhibition, Stories and Memories.

As part of the Display Centre’s 50th anniversary programme, it focuses on objects sold during the past five decades.

Their current owners have shared the stories behind the items, in what is a very personal exhibition.

These are displayed alongside new work by some of the featured artists, which is available to buy and will no doubt lead to the creation of their own set of stories and memories.

“Often we’ve found that people buy something to mark a special occasion, particularly as we sell individual handmade work. Often, it’ll be for a birthday or a remembrance,” explains Maureen.

“They’re already beautiful objects but they also take on people’s memories. Listening to people’s stories makes you realise how memories live on through the pieces associated with them.”

Among the items featured is a plate that was commissioned from Liverpool artist Julia Carter-Preston by Bluecoat customers Paul and Debbie Gregory. It features details of the botanical gardens in Rio de Janeiro and the Brazilian flag, commemorating the couple’s wedding under Rio’s statue of Christ the Redeemer in 1986.

Another piece is a bronze statue of dancers by sculptor Emma Rodgers, based on the real-life Liverpool contemporary dance group Chapter Four and created for a fan of their work.

Also in the exhibition is a vase, bought by architect David Backhouse, who designed Cavern Walks, to mark his father’s death.

“When he died quite a few years ago, his mother was going through his father’s pockets and there was £28 in it,” reveals Maureen.

“David was on his way to an exhibition opening here and he saw a pot he really liked. He asked how much it was and it was £28.

“A famous collector came in just a few minutes later and it turned out that had been the piece he really wanted to buy, so David felt like he’d done the right thing in more ways than one.”

STORIES & Memories at the Bluecoat Display Centre, College Lane, Liverpool, March 7 - April 18.