Artwork by Horace Lindezey ℅ Venture Arts
Exhibition visitors’ suggestions for the library’s future
Associated Events
A series of events will delve into the Portico collection and spark conversations about the future of the library, including:
A talk by art historian Sara Riccardi, founder of Art Across, a cultural company that brings art, stories, and Art History to life through engaging events
A local tour and talk with industrial archaeologist Steve Little to explore the architecture surrounding the Portico, followed by a discussion at the Library delving into a unique and comprehensive archive of Manchester history.
More events can be found at www.theportico.org.uk/whats-on and across our social media platforms:
Instagram: @porticolibrary
Twitter: @theportico
Facebook: facebook.com/ThePorticoLibrary
Architectural illustration from the Portico Library’s collection
Saturday 8th October 2022 to Monday 5th June 2023
Brick by Brick: Architectures of potential is an exhibition about the history of architecture and the future of accessible, inclusive, environmental design at the Portico Library.
How did you feel the first time you entered the Portico Library? One of the oldest buildings in Manchester, some people have told us that it’s like a refuge or a haven, safe from the commotion of the city. Some have said that its columns and grand bookcases can feel severe and intimidating, recalling old-fashioned ideas about who belongs where.
The Library has begun an ambitious development process to share its heritage and collection with all of the city’s residents and visitors. With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and others, we hope to reunite all floors of the original Grade II* listed building, creating a revitalised, fully accessible venue for reading, writing, learning, and history in the heart of the city.
Exhibited illustrations from the Library’s 200-year-old book collection, and the library itself, bring to mind how the spaces we inhabit often represent the interests of those who built them, yet continue to affect our lives and behaviour today.
Brick by Brick: Architectures of potential gives artists, researchers, and the next generation of architects a place to share their creativity, and invites our visitors to imagine the Library’s future and discuss its potential.
This exhibition allows our visitors to reflect on what makes an accessible, sustainable, and inclusive space. We invite you to share your thoughts so we can design a community-focused, climate-aware library.
The Artists
Models, drawings, and films from Thu Le Ha, Andy Broadey, Johanna Just, Tianzhou Yang, Sam Coulton, Camille Dunlop, Natalia Da Silva Costa Dale, Qingyuan Zhou, Daniel Elms, Horace Lindezey, Jess Taylor and Darren Gallagher celebrate architecture and challenge traditional forms.
Read our report
Read Editional Studio Report ‘Past, Present and Future’ here
Miniature cardboard houses by Thu Le Ha
Artwork by Charlie Pye
Photo by Marge Bradshaw of the Library’s neoclassical columns
Brick by Brick: Architectures of potential was curated by Emma Morley and James Moss with Apapat Jai-in Glynn.
Thanks to all the Portico Library’s staff and volunteers and to our partners Venture Arts & Editional Studio.