A free interactive exhibition celebrating animals in favourite children's books has opened its doors at The Lowry in Salford. Wild Things allows young visitors and their families to explore artwork from much-loved stories including Dear Zoo, Elmer and Meerkat Mail, as well as new classics like Time for Bed, Fred! and The Great Unicorn Rescue.
Original Illustrations and Renowned Authors
Featuring original illustrations by acclaimed artists such as Diane Ewen, Nick Sharratt, Helen Oxenbury, Lydia Monks and Rod Campbell, the exhibition also includes stories from Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, Yasmeen Ismail and Lizzy Stewart, among many others. Each piece showcases the creativity that brings animal characters to life.
Interactive and Imaginative Play Areas
Designed specifically for children aged seven and under, Wild Things includes screen-free games, a costume dress-up area and a quiet reading space. Every child attending the gallery receives a free specially designed notebook, encouraging them to write and draw their own tales inspired by the displays.
Summer Holiday Activities and Special Offers
Extra summer holiday activities include drama workshops and storytelling sessions. A special deal allows children to eat for free at the venue's restaurant. Additionally, a production of Dear Zoo will be staged at the Quays Theatre from Tuesday, August 11 to 16.
Positive Reception from Organisers
"We are all thrilled with the response to Wild Things following the opening days of the exhibition," said Michael Simpson from The Lowry. "It is a joy to see so many families exploring the gallery and discovering old and new illustration favourites, as well as enjoying the range of themed activities around the whole building. We’ve set a high bar at Lowry with our recent free summer exhibitions celebrating the works of legendary authors and illustrators including Quentin Blake, Julia Donaldson, and Axel Scheffler – and we have pulled out all the stops with Wild Things."
Wild Things is on at The Lowry until November 1. Admission is free, but visitors must pre-book a timeslot online at thelowry.com.
Location: City of Salford, Greater Manchester.
