Insight into animation at Sale Waterside exhibition

Scene on Screen is a celebration of Cosgrove Hall and the work it did while it was on Albany Road in Chorlton, Manchester.

The exhibition about the studio, founded by animators Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall almost 50 years ago and assimilated into ITV after around 30 years in business, includes the models used in the creation of shows such as Postman Pat and Wind in the Willows, as well as artwork and drawings used in the development of shows such as The BFG and Reluctant Dragon.

It includes interviews with the Art Directors Barbara Biddulph and Bridget Appleby who worked together at Cosgrove Hall.

Archivist Rosy Whittemore said: "This exhibition lifts the lid on some of the processes behind building worlds in animation. It is an opportunity for people to see artwork and drawings never seen before from classics such as The BFG and Reluctant Dragon. 

"People are able to see different stages of the process giving an insight into the details of art direction and production design."

The venue has had success with its exhibitions in the past including Mackinnon and Saunders: 30 Years and Beyond last year.

Ian Mackinnon and Peter Saunders set up their own studio in 1992 after they lost their roles at Cosgrove Hall and went on to work with directors including Tim Burton (Corpse Bride), Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr Fox) and Guillermo Del Toro (Pinocchio), as well as on a number of children's TV programmes.

At the time Mr Saunders told The Messenger: "If somebody said to us back in 1992 we were going to work with Tim Burton, Wes Anderson and Guillermo Del Toro, we would have laughed.

"You don't think of Hollywood A-list directors beating a path to Cheshire somehow. We are very lucky and very privileged."

Scene on Screen is open at Sale Waterside until January 6.

For information go to watersidearts.org/sceneonscreen.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.