Lorraine Rudyard creates three-dimensional sculptures using recycled materials and vintage finds, encapsulated in story boxes. Her work is very Northern and what you will see are closely observed people and lots of lovely details and references to Lorraine's childhood, i.e. a budgie in a cage named Monty, a bathroom scene with fish wall-paper that are […]
Find out more about what’s happening to The Town Hall behind all that scaffolding and building wrap. This display celebrates progress on our Town Hall’s restoration, showing some of the objects and discoveries uncovered so far, with a focus on some of the trades that are bringing twenty-first century conservation skills to the Victorian objects […]
Wildlife is always just a walk away wherever you are in Manchester and the beautiful countryside that surrounds it. This exhibition showcases the creative talents and passions of our Central Library staff members. We hope to inspire you to explore and enjoy the many areas of Manchester’s natural beauty, and to discover and appreciate hidden gems […]
In The City is a collection of Manchester images taken by photographer Richard Davis over the last 35 Years. The exhibition centres around Richard's love of art, music, culture and football. From the heady days of Madchester, right through to the dynamism of the present day, the excitement and diversity of city life helping to […]
On 4 June 1976, the Sex Pistols played for the first time in Manchester at the Lesser Free Trade Hall. The gig is seen as the catalyst for the Manchester music scene which followed. Paul Welsh was the only person there on the night taking photographs, which have since been sold world-wide through Getty Images. […]
Welcome to the wonderful world of local artist Lorraine Rudyard. Lorraine creates three-dimensional sculptures using recycled materials and vintage finds. Her work is colourful, humorous, warm and engaging, and reflects her Northern upbringing. Free - just drop in - to help keep our activities free in the future please consider making a donation, either online […]
Art of oesophageal cancer is a visual representation of one patient’s experience of going through treatment, surgery and then coming to terms with a new normal. The subject matter touches on wider public health issues and covers the pre-cancer condition Barrett’s oesophagus, as well as the artist’s experience of chemotherapy, surgery and post-operative period in […]
‘Reds’ Andrew Redmond met documentary photographer Karin Albinsson after completing a prison sentence. When ‘Reds’ told Karin of the 1,000 photos he had taken and lost six years ago, this project was born. During the last couple of years, they have met up regularly to retake the photos lost. Reds has spent most of his […]
The histories and lived experiences of deafness are rich and complex. Extraordinary technological advances have been made in the exploration of hearing, alongside a better appreciation of the social and psychological impact of sensory perception on learning. The materials displayed offer an insight into the varied historical and contemporary approaches in deaf education and audiology, from […]
Step back in time and take a walk down Manchester's high street passing by some of the city's iconic shop windows. From department stores to grocers and from toy shops to fashion boutiques, this exhibition will transport you back to a time when the only way to shop was on the high street. Professor Jon […]
R. McBerny is a collaborative exhibition organised by Andrew Hunt and Veit Laurent Kurz that explores how contemporary painting, performance and writing might produce overtly emotional and demonstrative forms of discourse between communities of artists and writers in Berlin, New York and Manchester. Free - please drop in
An exhibition of images from the golden age of The Smiths, by photographer Stephen Wright. 'A sweeter set of pictures were never taken’ Morrissey, Boxing Day, 1985 Free – please drop in **To compliment this fabulous exhibition, the library shop on the ground floor will be selling a range of exclusive Smiths related goodies!**
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
