THE much-anticipated inaugural Sale Art Zoo is stampeding its way to a street near you.

Inspired by Chester Zoo founder George Mottershead, Sale Art Zoo is a seven week exhibition of life-size animal sculptures on the town's streets.

Sale-born Mottershead fulfilled his ambition of opening a ‘zoo without bars’ in the early 20th century and the exhibition is a celebration of his achievements, as well as showcasing the area’s artistic talent and championing community spirit.

Two by Two, run by Anna Chopping and Zoe Taylor, spearheaded the project and they are excited to unveil the exhibition in public on Friday July 22.

“This project was the original idea that drove us to form Two by Two,” said Anna.

“It has been 18 months in the making and we are so excited about seeing the animals on the streets of Sale.”

The blank sculptures were adopted by all of the primary schools in Sale and a host of businesses and community groups in the area.

The community came together to paint and decorate the animals; artist Sarah Mitch decorated the Square Shopping Centre’s giraffe with photos of Sale landmarks, Park Road Primary children worked with Trafford Housing Trust’s Fiona Gardens in decorating their giraffe duo, and at Vao, Two by Two decorated an elephant with a field of poppies to commemorate WWI.

Co-founder Zoe said: “It truly feels like the community have all pitched in and helped us out with this project. So many wonderful memories have already been created and the actual exhibition will really put Sale on the map and bring people to our town.”

To celebrate the launch of the exhibition, a family fun day will be held at Sale Waterside on Saturday July 23, from 11am-3pm.

A children’s entertainer will be running a series of workshops, there will be face-painting, a balloon artist, and Little Belters will be performing. Goodie bags are also up for grabs.

For the duration of the exhibition (which wraps up on September 11), Sale Library will be hosting an interactive exhibition on George Mottershead. Local historian George Coswell will also be holding a talk on the zoo founder on Saturday July 30 at 2pm at the Claremont Music Centre in Sale.

From Thursday July 21, Sale Arts Zoo ‘trail’ maps can be picked up from Tesco, Sale Library, The Square Shopping Centre, Bean and Brush, Traders Outlet, Waterside Arts Centre, The Life Centre and Serendipitea.

For more information, visit saleartzoo.co.uk.