Collections Care Centre at The Whitworth

‘Visitors should be able to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors as a counterpoint to what is within.’ Margaret Pilkington, Director of the Whitworth, 1935-58

The Collections Care Centre at the Whitworth is a space that allows the gallery to show, share and care for its important collections. Based in the lower ground floor of the gallery, The Collections Centre is a visible public space where visitors can gain access to the collections more easily.

Care sits at the heart of the purpose of the Whitworth’s Collections Care Centre with activities to support the care of people and the collection come together in this room, supported by staff, volunteers, artists, and healthcare professionals.

Alongside this, the Natural Cultural Health Service at the Whitworth aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Manchester’s people using art, creativity and the natural environment. Together with partners that hold expertise in this area, the gallery has developed a range of activities that promote physical and mental wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus the importance of parks, gardens and green spaces more than ever. In the recent times of being confined to our homes, more and more people have recognised the healing benefits of connecting to nature.

The wallpapers on display were designed in the years after World War 1 and the 1918-19 influenza pandemic. They are from a time focused on rejuvenation and recovery. The textiles and paintings refer to the green spaces on our doorsteps, alongside dreams of travel to Lagos, Cairo, or Provence. Hollyhocks, lotus flowers, tulips, birds and insects mingle with us as we start to come back together again.

Please book your FREE ticket for entry to this exhibition, visit the Whitworth's website for details. manchester.ac.uk/whitworth