FROM greengrocers and butchers to cafés and restaurants, Oxford’s Covered Market is brimming with history.

And now a new exhibition will open tomorrow to tell the stories behind the 200-year-old institution.

The Museum of Oxford will showcase photographs, portraits and a behind-the-scenes documentary footage to tell the story of the historic attraction.

Bob Price, leader of Oxford City Council, said: “The Covered Market is a hidden gem of the city that many people discover by accident.

“It has a wonderful array of shops, cafés and restaurants and is a world away from the busy High Street shops.”

The market was officially opened in 1774 and launched Sunday opening hours in February.

Mr Price said: “This exhibition highlights the history of the market and shows the people that work there. We are pleased the museum is able to show this unique and fascinating history through the eyes of the community that created it.”

The exhibition has been organised by the Oxfordshire Town Chambers Network, which represents businesses, and Oxford Civic Society.

Peter Thompson, chairman of the society, said: “The Covered Market is not only unique, but it is unique in Oxford as it works with the university, but is not owned by the university.

“It is a little gem that people don’t know about, and it’s quite right that it should get some publicity and exposure to improve its vitality.”

The show will also feature images by professional photographer David Fisher, alongside a set taken in the market by 11-year-old children from West Oxford Community Primary School.

Mr Fisher said: “I feel very lucky to have been chosen as the photographer for this project as it was a rare chance to produce such a collection of character portraits.

“Working so closely with the traders made me really appreciate the sense of pride, customer service and job satisfaction that they hold, and it was a great feeling being able to express this through the photography.”

Julie St Clair Hoare, headteacher of West Oxford Primary, said: “I went to the preview of the exhibition and it was fantastic to see their work on display, it looked very professional.

“It was a project run by our Year Six children last summer and something they really enjoyed, getting to talk to traders and learning how to take pictures.

“I think it was a real confidence boost for them, and it’s important that they get to know a bit more of their city.

“Some of them had never been in the Covered Market, but now they know all about it.”

The exhibition will run until the beginning of April at the Blue Boar Street museum.

The exhibition, Who is Oxford’s Covered Market?, was funded by £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.