Beloved Cosgrove Hall Animation Collection Gets Permanent Home in Manchester
Historic Manchester Animation Archive Opens to Public
For the very first time, Cosgrove Hall Films’ internationally acclaimed animation collection has gone on permanent display in a new, purpose-built space at Sale Library. From Fri 16 Jan, Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Chorlton and the Wheelies, and friends will have a forever home in a dedicated gallery within the newly refurbished library. This milestone marks a significant moment for British animation heritage and celebrates one of Manchester’s most treasured cultural exports.
Preserving British Animation Legacy
Cosgrove Hall Films was a British animation studio founded by Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall, headquartered in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester. Cosgrove Hall was a major producer of children’s television and animated programmes/films, which are still seen in over eighty countries. The company was wound down by its then owner, ITV plc, on 26 October 2009. Cosgrove Hall closed in 2009 and until 2017 its original sets and props were held in storage. However, they faced destruction, unless a new home could be found, that’s when they came under the care of Sale Waterside.
The exhibition features original puppets, props, sets, and scripts, displayed alongside the storybooks that inspired classics such as The Wind in the Willows and The BFG. Sale’s Waterside is proud custodian of the collection, which celebrates a unique chapter in British animation film and TV history featuring much-loved and iconic characters created by the award-winning Manchester studio.
A Cultural Milestone for Animation Enthusiasts
The new permanent exhibition represents years of dedicated preservation efforts. Rosy Whittemore, Project Curator at Cosgrove Hall Films Archive, says: “This is a really significant milestone for the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive. To have this incredible collection on permanent display realises an ambition the team at Waterside has held for many years.” In a digital world, it’s extraordinary to be able to see the craft, dedication, and love that goes into hand-drawn and stop-motion animation.
The studio’s legacy includes beloved programmes that defined childhoods across generations. It was mainly known for its series Danger Mouse, The Wind in the Willows and Count Duckula. Founded in 1976, the studio became known for pioneering animation techniques and producing quality content that combined humour, artistry, and storytelling excellence.
Free Access and Cultural Significance
Entry to see the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive at Sale Library is free. This accessibility ensures that visitors of all ages can experience the magic behind their favourite childhood characters. The exhibition offers insight into the animation process, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating each character and scene.
For Manchester and the wider UK, this permanent exhibition serves as both a nostalgic journey and an educational resource, inspiring future generations of animators while honouring the creative legacy of Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall. The archive stands as testament to Manchester’s significant contribution to British television history and the enduring appeal of quality children’s animation.