MUSIC, poetry and art have long gone hand in hand, but rarely are they better reflected than in the work of Joolz Denby.

An award winning crime writer, often name checked as the UK's premier female spoken-word artist, a regular radio broadcaster, an artist and photographer, Joolz has her fingers in many creative pies.

But less is known of her long-standing relationship with rock music, chiefly as cover artist and image consultant for cult Bradford rock band New Model Army since their inception in 1980.

One Nation One Tribe, at Salford Museum & Art Gallery, features a collection of her work - including stage backdrops, paintings, costumes, rare memorabilia, illustrations and photographs, showing alongside the band's guitars, tour diaries and hand-written lyric sheets - that document her 27 years with NMA.

Joolz has also painted a special mural directly onto the walls of the gallery, inspired both by Salford and by the band's colourful frontman, Justin Sullivan. A live video of the band's 2003 performance at the London Astoria is showing in a cinema room - complete with a Day-Glo, furry sofa.

During her many years with the band, Joolz also crewed the merchandise stand, which she has recreated for the installation.

Crazy

"It was a very special and crazy set-up that we used to make every night and which functioned as a meeting spot for all the NMA family," she remembers.

"It looks mad, but that's what it looked like all over the world."

The touring exhibition has already travelled to a number of other UK cities and to Germany, where the band still attracts crowds of up to 50,000 for their spirited live performances.

"The exhibition is a genuine and wholly authentic crossover between the world of rock 'n' roll and the world of high art," says Joolz.

"To have an exhibition of artworks and artefacts associated with a working rock band is unheard of.

"Even if someone doesn't know NMA as a band, they will find something to enjoy in the exhibition, and if they just love music they'll find it a fascinating glimpse into the life of a working rock band."

One Nation One Tribe is at Salford Museum & Art Gallery until Sunday, February 18. Call 0161 778 0800.

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