Friends, Family and Other Animals
2023 marks our 200th anniversary year and the start of a programme of building repairs. Improvements will be made to our three sites Manchester Art Gallery, Platt Hall and our conservation studios which will lead to better storage and physical access to safeguard the collection for the next 200 years.
This provides a unique opportunity to undertake a review and research process to explore the rich potential of the city’s collection and how it is used. Many of our artworks will be moved between sites and different gallery spaces over the next few years.
One of the first building repairs that need attention is the 19th century lantern light in the entrance hall. Whilst this is being refurbished, the paintings that were hung on the first floor balcony have been removed. Many of them are now in this new display which explores groupings of artist friendships, animal and family subjects from the 19th to 21st centuries.