The Portico asks ‘what makes a library’ in fascinating new exhibition

The Portico has announced details of a brand-new exhibition shaped by the various magical factors that unite to create a historic literary landmark.

The collection is built around the question: What makes a 220-year-old library? Is it the books? Is it the history? Is it the building? Is it the people who walked through the doors? The readers? The staff? Or is it the feeling you have when you enter?

Everything and Nothing: What makes a 220-year old library? uses new archival finds to explore the idea of The Portico as a box that holds more than two centuries’ worth of memories, and a place to imagine what a library could be like in the future.

Dr Debbie Challis from the Portico Library said: “As the Portico Reunited team prepares its Delivery Phase submission to The National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform the historic library, we have opened dusty boxes in the archive, explored the nooks and crannies of our Library and discovered forgotten stories.

“We’ve borrowed Thomas Harrison’s original design for the front of the building from Cheshire Archives, read Librarian Harry Tinsley Pratt’s 1909 poem on the library, found ghostly drawings by members in books and learnt about the Keeper of Rooms. A selection of these archival items will be on show in this new exhibition, and visitors are warmly invited to find their own stories within the historic building.”

The old brings new creativity too. Hathaikan Kongaunruan, a sculpture artist based in Manchester, has been commissioned to create a work inspired by the Portico Library’s original 220 years old receipt book, and Pam Galloway, published author and a member of the Portico, has been commissioned to write a new poem.

Visitors also have a chance to take part in the Time Capsule project: writing their own memory of the Portico on a postcard, which will be stored in the archive and opened in the year 2076.

A special public opening of Everything and Nothing: what makes a 220-year-old library? will be held on Thu 19 Mar. Entry is free, and you can book your spot HERE. The exhibition will then run until Sat 3 Oct, and is free to visit during The Portico’s regular opening hours.