A new exhibition exploring Northwest folklore is coming to The Portico

The Portico Library has unveiled details of a new, free exhibition and activity programme dedicated to exploring folk tales, dialects and boggarts.

Weird as Folk will begin with a teaser display from Wed 12 Jun – Sat 29 Jun, coinciding with the launch of this year’s Manchester Festival of Libraries.

Then, from Fri 5 July the full exhibition invites guests to wander through the mysteries of the library’s Folklore collection and to reimagine what folklore means to them.

For the collection, the team has ventured across the Northwest and delved deep into unearthed Folk treasures — from centuries-old boots concealed in chimneys to witch bottles and dastardly boggarts. Visitors can wander through the folk forest, even having the chance to contribute their own tales.

The portico’s collection includes approximately 100 books of English folklore, each describing and reflecting on rituals and traditions practised across the country.

During the exhibition’s run, The Portico will host a series of story-telling events around boggarts and mischievous sprites, themed life drawing classes piloted by HappeningInMCR inspired by the Qilin Collective of young Southeast and East Asian Artists, and drop-in family art activities created by Creative Society Manchester.

Carol Ann Whitehead, the Chair of the Public Programme Committee at the Portico Library, said: “The North West of England is rich in folk tales and legends told by its people in towns and country. Some are ancient and some more modern and many have been brought here by the many different communities who have made our region their home. I’m delighted we’ve had the chance to explore our books at the Portico Library with the rich traditions and perspectives of so many people.’

You can find more information about the upcoming exhibition here.