The Lowry in Salford is launching a new free exhibition this summer called Wild Things, focusing on classic children's books about animals. The event will open on Saturday, July 18, and run through the summer holidays until Sunday, November 1, in the Andrew Law Galleries.
What the Exhibition Offers
The free event celebrates animals in children's literature, taking young children and their families on a fun-filled animal adventure through beloved stories. It features nearly 100 original illustrations by artists including Axel Scheffler, Nick Sharratt, Helen Oxenbury, and Rod Campbell, alongside stories by authors such as Julia Donaldson, Michael Rosen, Yasmeen Ismail, and Lizzy Stewart.
Classic books highlighted include Elmer, Dear Zoo, Owl Babies, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, as well as newer favourites like Time for Bed, Fred!, The Steves, and The Great Unicorn Rescue. The exhibition is designed to support reading, play, and imagination, with screen-free interactives and games for under-sevens, such as the Bee Calm Spa, Vera’s Veggie Delights Stall, and The Furry Wardrobe filled with animal dress-up costumes.
Interactive Activities for Families
Every young visitor will receive a free specially designed notebook to write and draw their own animal stories inspired by the exhibition. Additional free interactive activities will take place across the building throughout the holidays. The exhibition follows the success of previous Lowry shows, including Julia and Axel: Thirty Years of Favourite Stories and last year's Quentin Blake & Me, both of which attracted large crowds.
Michael Simpson, director of visual arts at Lowry, said: “In Wild Things we will bring together beloved stories, and beautiful illustrations, and the exhibition will be a space where families can read, play and create memories together. Full of ants, bears, cats, dogs, elephants, right through to zebras - the animals in these stories are sometimes cute, sometimes scary, sometimes naughty, but always fun.”
He added: “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 and Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler – and we will be pulling out all the stops with Wild Things.”
Practical Details
The Wild Things exhibition runs from July 18 to November 1 in the Andrew Law Galleries at Lowry. Opening hours are 11am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday, and 10am to 5pm on weekends. The venue is closed on Mondays except for bank holidays. Free tickets can be booked on the Lowry website.
Additionally, the Dear Zoo production will be staged on the Quays Theatre from August 11 to 16, with many families already booking tickets for that show.
