Arts and Culture, Families

Cosgrove Hall Films Archive

Cosgrove Hall Films’ internationally acclaimed animation collection is now on permanent display in a new, purpose-built space in Sale Library. This is located in the corner of Waterside Plaza next door to Waterside Arts.

This animation exhibition celebrates a unique chapter in British animation film and TV history, telling the history of Cosgrove Hall Films. 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. As visitors meet their favourite characters Postman Pat, Danger Mouse and many more, they’ll discover the fascinating history of the studio, explore the artistry behind the animation process, and celebrate a creative legacy that continues to inspire generations of storytellers and animators of today.

Please note the opening times are the same as Sale Library (not Waterside Arts), so during public holidays opening times may vary.

Book now

Exhibition space displaying artwork and models.

Image: Waterside

Location: Sale Library
Date: 16 January 2026 – 31 January 2028
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where held: In person only
Age range: Ages 0-100
Price: Free

Family friendly
Toilets
Pay & Display Parking

Sale Library

Sale Waterside
Sale
M33 7ZF

01619123189

libraries@trafford.gov.uk

Other events at Sale Library

31 July 2026 – 26 March 2027

Families, Sale

Friday Rhymetime at Sale Library

Sing, clap, wiggle and smile at Rhymetime! Join this fun and engaging session of songs, nursery rhymes, actions and movement for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups.

8 August 2026 – 27 March 2027

Festivals and Events, Sale

Saturday Knitting Group at Sale Library

Stitch, chat and create at our Library Knitting Group!

A friendly and welcoming group where knitters of all abilities can share skills, make friends and enjoy knitting together in a relaxed library setting.

1 August 2026 – 27 March 2027

Families, Sale

Saturday LEGO® Club at Sale Library Library

Build epic creations, tackle exciting challenges and enjoy family fun together at this weekly LEGO® Club.

3 August 2026 – 30 March 2027

Families, Sale

Tuesday Storytime at Sale Library

Join this fun and interactive session for under-fives featuring stories, rhymes and songs that inspire a love of reading and learning in a bright, warm library space.

Nearby venues

Local studies entrance and welcome point.

Trafford Local Studies and Archives Centre

Based at Sale Waterside, alongside Sale Library and the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive, Trafford Local Studies and Archives Centre preserves and shares Trafford’s history through collections of photographs, maps and records, supporting research, learning, and local heritage discovery.

Waterside

Waterside is a thriving and vibrant destination for performance, culture and events in the heart of Sale in Trafford, Greater Manchester, comprising live theatre and event spaces, galleries, workshop studios, bar and coffee house.

Sale Leisure Centre

A community leisure centre including a gym, studio classes, swimming pool, gymnastics courses and swimming lessons.

The Northern Light Cinema Sale

The Northern Light is a luxurious three-screen independent cinema in Stanley Square, Sale.

Nearby events

17 August – 3 October

Arts and Culture, Sale

What Is Precious?

What Is Precious comes to Waterside, bringing a curated selection of Design Nation members, whose practices challenge our perceptions of material value through the lens of sustainability and contemporary craft.

17 August – 3 October

Arts and Culture, Sale

ADORN

As part of the inaugural Manchester Jewellery Week, this exhibition brings together a collection of selected contemporary jewellers who create statement pieces of art jewellery, covering a range of disciplines, from precious metals to glass.

29 July 2026 – 31 March 2027

Families, Sale

Wednesday Rhymetime at Coppice Library

Sing, clap, wiggle and smile at Rhymetime! Join this fun and engaging session of songs, nursery rhymes, actions and movement for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups.

6 August 2026 – 25 March 2027

Festivals and Events, Sale

Thursday Beginners Knitting Group at Coppice Library

Stitch, chat and create at this Beginners’ Knitting Group! A friendly and supportive group for complete beginners to learn knitting, build confidence, improve wellbeing and make new friends.