Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read the FAQs before contacting us via the form below. Thank you
Can I visit the archive / exhibition?
We have a new permanent display in Sale Library from January 2026
Sale Library Opening Times:
Mon & Fri 10:00-19:00
Tue, Wed, Thu 10:00-17:00
Sat 10:00-16:00
Sun CLOSED
We host one annual public temporary exhibition at Waterside Arts, in the Lauriston Gallery around Christmas time.
For future exhibitions and events, check back on our website or follow us on social media:
@cosgrovehallfilmsarchive
What’s on display in Sale Library?
Sale Library has a limited permanent display of artworks from the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive. While the archive contains many more models, cels and other original materials, not everything can be displayed permanently due to the fragile and often unstable condition of some items.
Many of the artworks not currently on display are particularly vulnerable to environmental factors within the gallery space, including UV light, heat and humidity. We understand that visitors may be disappointed when they are unable to see every item from the archive, but our priority is to balance access with long-term preservation. If displaying an object risks causing permanent damage, we are unable to include it in the permanent display.
For example, the title characters from The Wind in the Willows are not currently on display because they are made from extremely fragile materials that are susceptible to deterioration from UV exposure and changes in temperature and humidity. However, we are able to safely display a number of costumes and artworks from the series. We have also digitised and enlarged several rare Polaroid photographs from the production set, allowing visitors to experience material from the archive that would otherwise rarely be seen.
By carefully managing what is displayed, we hope to share as much of the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive as possible while ensuring these important artworks can be preserved for future generations.
Can I visit the rest of the archive?
Visits are by appointment only. We welcome use of the archive for educational, research, and artist development purposes, supporting all abilities. However, our Archive Manager has limited availability throughout the year. If you’re interested in accessing materials for research, please get in touch, we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Please note: As of 16 May 2025, we are currently unable to facilitate archive visits due to lack of capacity, we’re currently working on steps to improve public accessibility to the archive.
Can I get copyright permission to publish or distribute Cosgrove Hall material?
Waterside Arts is the custodian of the physical assets from Cosgrove Hall Studios including original drawings, animation cels, puppets, armatures, and sets.
We do not own the copyright to any series material.
We share the archive for education and research purposes and kindly ask that you do not publish images without proper permission or credit. If you do, you assume full responsibility. Please contact the appropriate rights holders directly for information about screening Cosgrove Hall Films back catalogue.
For copyright permissions:
Thames Television shows: Contact Boat Rocker Media or Fremantle Media
BBC shows: Contact the BBC, DreamWorks, or NBC Universal
Can I watch or buy Cosgrove Hall animated series here?
No. The archive does not license, sell, or distribute any of the animated series.
We are caretakers of the original production materials, not the finished broadcasts.
Can I purchase Cosgrove Hall merchandise here?
Unfortunately, we do not sell or distribute merchandise.
Our role is to preserve and share the original puppets, artwork, and sets through exhibitions, talks, and workshops in the community.
Can I contribute to the blog?
Absolutely, we’d love to hear from you!
Our blog features behind-the-scenes stories and memories from the archive.
If you have a personal memory, story, or reflections on what Cosgrove Hall means to you, please reach out via the form below.
Our Location
Waterside Arts, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, Manchester M33 7ZF, UK