BEDROOM wall images of the Beatles and David Beckham have found a place alongside the great artists at Manchester's Whitworth Art Gallery.

Wallpaper featuring the Manchester United world-beaters as well as Batman, Beatrix Potter characters and the Spice Girls are among the exhibits from the thousands of rare and historic Whitworth designs.

The 20th century wallpapers are among 30 novelty and commemorative designs, including one showing the Coronation of Edward V11, featuring in the Fun de Siecle exhibition.

These special shows using items from the gallery's collections are popular among school visitors, who visit the gallery for education workshops.

Youngsters from St Paul's C of E school at Withington, Manchester, were on a sculpture mission to the gallery and viewed renowned pieces from artists including Jacob Epstein and Dame Barbara Hepworth.

But the contemporary wallpaper patterns do have a special attraction for young visitors. Gallery official Emma Parsons said: ''The wallpapers are representative of their own eras - but they will be looked at for years to come.''