For the very first time Cosgrove Hall Films’ internationally acclaimed animation collection will go on permanent display in a new, purpose-built space.

From Friday 16 January ‘26, Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Chorlton and the Wheelies, and friends will have a forever home in a dedicated gallery within the newly refurbished Sale Library, Trafford.

This remarkable collection, for which Sale’s Waterside is proud custodian, celebrates a unique chapter in British animation film and TV history and holds a special place in the childhood memories of so many. Featuring much-loved and iconic characters created by the award-winning Manchester studio, the exhibition will add an exciting new visitor experience to the library.

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, Noddy, 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.

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. We know the reaction this work gets from visitors of all ages, and the power it has to ignite the imagination and bring joy. 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 refurbishment and redesign of Sale Library has made the creation of the new gallery a reality. By opening up the atrium space to accommodate more sections of the library, it has enabled the introduction of flexible community event and activity spaces, as well as the permanent exhibition area dedicated to the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive. Many of these ideas have been influenced by feedback from library users, and the project has been made possible thanks to Arts Council England funding. Visitors to the library will now be greeted by Postman Pat’s Sorting Office – part of Postman Pat: Special Delivery, produced by Cosgrove Hall Films between 2003 and 2008 – offering a delightful preview of what awaits in the exhibition.

Cllr Eve Parker, Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage at Trafford Council, says:

“Creating a permanent, free-to-enjoy home for the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive reflects Trafford Council’s commitment to making culture and heritage accessible to everyone. These much-loved characters shaped my own childhood – as they did for millions of others – and it’s wonderful to see them preserved and celebrated here in Sale for the whole community to enjoy.

The refurbishment of Sale Library has produced a vibrant, welcoming space where creativity, learning and local heritage sit at the heart of the visitor experience. I’m delighted that this remarkable chapter of British animation history now has a home here, where it will continue to inspire families and visitors for generations to come.”

First airing in 1981, Danger Mouse was Cosgrove Hall Films’ breakthrough success, following years of experimentation with animation. Visitors will be able to see the original hand drawn ‘cels’ of the world’s greatest secret agent (who was voiced by David Jason) that are layered to give the impression of movement. Simultaneously, the studio was working on stop motion masterpieces including The Wind in the Willows. On display will be both the intricate sets along with some treasures from behind the camera, including pencil drawings of the set designs and Polaroid images that were taken at the end of each day’s filming to record the progress made.

Founded in 1976 by Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall, Cosgrove Hall Films became the UK’s largest animation house. Based in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, the studio brought together some of the country’s most talented puppet-makers, actors and animators who produced timeless series including Noddy, Jamie and the Magic Torch, Postman Pat: Special Delivery, and Animal Shelf. They also brought beloved literary characters to life in adaptations such as Roald Dahl’s The BFG (1989), Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows (1983), and Terry Pratchett’s Truckers (1992).

The Cosgrove Hall Films Archive came into the care of Waterside in 2017, when the studio’s original sets and props, which had been held in storage, faced destruction unless a new home could be found. Thanks to the efforts of Westley Wood, a former development producer at Cosgrove Hall Films, the collection was saved and is now under professional care of Waterside, ensuring its legacy can live on. Short-run exhibitions have been held, but this new gallery represents the largest display of sets, props, and characters to date and marks the first time a permanent exhibition has been possible.

Entry to see the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive at Sale Library is free.

Opening Hours:
Monday and Friday: 10:00-19:00
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00-17:00
Saturday: 10:00-16:00
Sunday: Closed.