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Cosgrove Hall Films’ internationally acclaimed animation collection is now on permanent display in a new, purpose-built space which opened on Friday 16 January 2026 in Sale Library. This is located in the corner of Waterside Plaza next door to Waterside Arts

 

Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Chorlton and the Wheelies and friends have a forever home in a dedicated gallery within the newly refurbished Sale Library, Trafford.

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.

SALE LIBRARY OPENING TIMES:

Mon & Fri 10:00-19:00

Tue, Wed, Thu 10:00-17:00

Sat 10:00-16:00

Sun CLOSED

Please note the opening times are the same as Sale Library (Not Waterside Arts) so during public holidays opening times above may vary in line with Trafford Council Libraries.

Exterior of Sale Library in the corner of Waterside Plaza, image credit: Jason Lock Photography

VISITOR INFO

  • The space is wheelchair accessible

  • There are 3 Entrances to Sale Library: Main Waterside Plaza Entrance, Second entrance is on Tatton Road, third back entrance is Tatton Place.

  • There is a Visitor Map in the Atrium of the Library and alternate Library Entrances.

  • Follow Danger Mouse signage and signs for the Children’s Library towards the back of the library.

  • The Exhibition is at the far left hand corner of the Library, through the Children’s Library (if you enter via Waterside Plaza)

  • Gift Shop and Sup Cafe are located at Waterside Arts, next door to Sale Library: Eat, Drink & Shop | Visit | Waterside *

    *Waterside Arts Cafe is closed 3rd August 2026 - 16th August 2026

  • Library Address: Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF.

  • Library has Toilet for disabled users

  • Library has Baby changing facilities

  • Visual Map located at the bottom of this page

Some puppets and artworks are particularly fragile and can’t go on permanent display. As a result, not everything in the archive is on permanent display, if you’re unsure and are planning on making a specific visit to see something, please check before visiting by contacting us via the form here.

TRANSPORT

TRAM

Closest tram stop is Sale Metrolink. To get to Sale Library from the Sale Metrolink stop, you'll take a short walk along Tatton Road towards Waterside Plaza located facing the canal.

Tram Line: You'll be on the Altrincham line.

Walk Time: It's a very quick walk, generally just a couple of minutes. 

Directions from Sale Metrolink Stop to Sale Library:

  1. Exit the Tram: Get off at the Sale tram stop.

  2. Head Towards Town Centre: Walk in the direction of the town centre/Waterside Plaza (away from Altrincham if coming from that direction).

  3. Sale Library is situated at Waterside Plaza, a short stroll from the Metrolink station. 

BUS

To travel by bus from Sale to Manchester, you can use the following bus routes:

  • Route 41: This bus connects Sale to North Manchester General Hospital, with multiple stops in between, including key areas in Manchester.

  • Route 263: This route also connects Sale to Manchester, with major stops including Piccadilly Gardens and Altrincham.

    For specific schedules and ticket prices, you can check the Bee Network.

WALK

There are some picturesque walking routes along the Bridgewater Canal South from the City Centre and North from Altrincham. Find out more about walking routes around Sale Town Centre via the Bee Network.

CAR

Car Parking: Q-Park multi-storey car park is within easy 2- 5 min walking distance. This is located on Broad Road. Exit M60 exit junction 7 and follow postcode M33 2AE for Q-Park: Manchester Waterside Parking | Manchester Car Parks | Q-Park

VISUAL MAP

This project has been made possible by the Library Improvement Fund: