Children and families in Manchester will have the chance to explore the iconic world of award-winning illustrator and Read Manchester campaign ambassador Nick Sharratt as his touring exhibition comes to the city.
‘Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants – The Illustrated World of Nick Sharratt’, opened at Manchester Central Library on 6 May and runs until 1 July. The colourful, interactive exhibition features many of his best-loved characters including Tracy Beaker, Hetty Feather and Pirate Pete. Nick Sharratt came along to the exhibition launch, meeting local families and signing copies of his popular books.
Nick Sharratt is the author of 40 children’s books and the illustrator of over 200. He has illustrated books by authors including Jacqueline Wilson, Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen and Jeremy Strong. His books with Jacqueline Wilson have sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
The free exhibition, which explores Nick’s lifelong passion for drawing, is being brought to the city by the Read Manchester campaign. The campaign is run in partnership by Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust, and promotes reading for enjoyment through a programme of activities and events.
Visitors can get hands-on and explore a recreation of Nick’s studio, where his iconic drawings can be reproduced using a lightbox. There will also be an interactive touchscreen for visitors to create their very own ‘Sharracter’, as well as costumes for children to dress up in.
As part of the Read Manchester campaign, Manchester schools can book to bring classes of pupils along to the exhibition. Classes can take part in craft activities at the exhibition, and teaching resources will be available to support learning after the visit. Details of how to book are available here.
Nick Sharratt said:
“I'm really delighted my exhibition is coming to Manchester, the city where I spent my teenage years. It's also special for me that it will be at Central Library, a building I visited frequently as a school boy and as a student. It's brilliant that 'Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants' will be part of the Read Manchester campaign, promoting the pleasures and benefits of reading and I'm hoping too the exhibition's interactive nature will inspire lots of creative thinking. Manchester is such a stimulating place - it certainly inspired me.”
Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust, said:
“Nick’s colourful, imaginative illustrations and stories have been entertaining children for over 20 years. We’re delighted that he could bring this brilliant exhibition to the city as part of the Read Manchester campaign, and we hope it will inspire families and children to continue exploring the world of stories at home.”