Celebrating the studio that attracted rock royalty

A Surrey recording studio where 70s band 10cc, plus Paul McCartney and Cliff Richard created some of their most iconic hits is being celebrated in a new exhibition.

The dilapidated Pavilion Cinema in South Street, Dorking, was transformed into a state-of-the-art recording studio, named Strawberry Studios South, by 10cc in 1976.

The band recorded its hit fifth album, Deceptive Bends, at the site in 1977, with the album title taking its name from the road sign on the nearby A24 Mickleham bends.

Dorking Museum curator Kathy Atherton said: "10cc were so proud to be making music outside of London."

"It's great to celebrate Strawberry Studios South as it is 50 years since it opened and many records that were made in this small town went on to become international hits."

The band released four albums and eight singles between 1972 and 1976, with two reaching number one in the UK charts.

These were recorded at Strawberry Studios Stockport, but with the band's increased popularity, it became more difficult for them to book recording time.

By 1976 three of the four band members were living in Surrey so they bought the old Pavilion Cinema and turned it into a recording studio.

It was opened by remaining members Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart after Kevin Godley and Lol Creme left the band.

They recorded their own music there, including Dreadlock Holiday, from the Bloody Tourist album, which went to number one in the charts.

The exhibition at Dorking Museum, From Dorking to Ochos Rios, is a line from a song on that album about the life of a touring band.

They also let the studio out to other artists and in 1982 former Beatle Paul McCartney worked on his famous duet, Ebony and Ivory, with Stevie Wonder.

Other artists who recorded there included Phil Collins, The Police and The Ramones.

The studio closed in 1983 and a Blue Plaque was erected at the site in 2024.

Memorabilia and photographs from the studio are now on display at Dorking Museum at the exhibition which which runs until February.

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